2013 trends

The runways were awash in fresh hues at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, bringing welcome respite from the khaki/black/Bordeaux/navy of the A/W palette we've become so accustomed to. The Spring/Summer season traditionally signals the return to colour, but this season a definitive palette emerged from the catwalk. Bold, almost paintbox-bright tones of cobalt, marigold and fuchsia replaced last season's ubiquitous neon brights and pastels were back, albeit in powdered-back incarnations of sky blue, peppermint and the palest of pinks.

Of course there was black and white, but that (as we detailed in our mega-trend round-up) was worn almost exclusively together, and as part of a broader mod-inspired trend. A new set of go-to neutrals emerged with a modern, almost sci-fi edge; white (often worn head to toe), navy blue and high-shine silver provided crisp contrast to the vibrant brights or pretty watercolour hues. True, the temperature might be in decline but advance notice is always a handy thing! Get acquainted with the colours that are set to define the new season. 

Sometimes it's not simply the clothes, but more the way they're put together than can make a collection look all shiny and new. Fashion week brought with it a cascade of new season trends and colours (you've checked out our mega-galleries by now, right?), but in addition to all of that designers were employing some nifty styling tricks that we're keen to try too (read: blatantly steal). From the unexpected footwear at Dion Lee's exclusive presentation to the new school way of wearing your shirt at Watson X Watson — there's a slew of new school ways to wear. Let's go! 

It's time! Are you ready? Because we're about to distil five days of fashion week madness and 30 plus runway shows into one super-fast, easy-to-click trend gallery. The strongest shapes, the key pieces, the newest looks — they're all here. From sculptural frills that fanned out from the body like 3D waves at Karla Spetic to the sophisticated take on the crop top at Ginger & Smart, to the sexiest skirt shape as seen at By Johnny — if you weren't on the ground at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, consider this as your one stop shop. Everything you need to know about Spring/Summer 2013-14 awaits you inside . . . 

Our southern hemisphere placement affords us Aussie shoppers some benefits from being off-season to the fashion capitals of New York, London, Paris and Milan. While we're staring down the barrel of Winter, the US is happily skipping into Spring — which means that their trend forecasters are elbow-deep in 'Fall' trends for 2013. WWD recently surveyed a number of celebrity stylists to see what footwear trends they deem investment-worthy. Luckily for us, this works perfectly for our next shoe-splurge. We distilled the advice given by Phillip Bloch, Laura Solin, Sarah Ellison Lewis and Christie Maruka for your perusal. See our take home points below, then get a-clicking to shop the trends sooner rather than later. As in, today. Go on!  

• Colours: Oceanic blue hues, wine and oxblood reds as well as any and every shade of green. 
• Shapes: Block or stacked heels, 1940s styles, large-scale details, super-minimalism and flats of any description. 
• Still Strong: Combat and desert boots as well as smoking slippers will remain current.
• Over: Say sayonara to neon, wedge sneakers with metallic trim and daintier styles. 

Leila Yavari knows fashion. As the fashion director for luxe e-tailer Stylebop she is charged with the envy-inducing task of attending fashion shows around the world and deciding on the key trends, and must-have pieces, to hit the (online) shelves. Munich-based Leila was in Sydney for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, so we politely asked to pick her brains. She happily obliged, sharing her top five absolute favourite Aussie shows, and the three key trends that she thinks are well worth investing in. Ready to get schooled? 

Black and white is one of the freshest (and biggest!) 2013 trends, and celebs and street-style fixtures alike have already embraced the cool colour duo. The standouts so far? Cat Deeley in a sleek pencil skirt, Emma Roberts giving us a night-out spin on the sleek colourway, and Diane Kruger in her embellished Jason Wu blouse and black peplum trousers. Inside you'll find more in the way of black-and-white-clad celebs, the kind that are sure to supply a styling lesson of the very chicest kind. Click through now.

— Additional reporting by Mandi Villa

More interesting than black, and easier to pull off than a pair of shorts — the little white skirt is enjoying some time in the sun for multiple reasons. We love the way it makes everything you own look fresh and new, and — as it goes with anything white — the neutral hue magically goes with anything and everything. Bold coloured prints? Tick! Pretty sorbet separates? Indeed. Metallics? You betcha. Now this is the important part — this season's sharpest style come with a point of difference so think trumpet shapes, sheer overlays and asymmetrical edges. Got a case of the Friday fatigues? Brighten your day with one of our five local finds . . . 

Black and white is one of the freshest (and biggest!) Spring 2013 trends, and celebs and street-style fixtures alike have already embraced the cool colour combo. The standouts so far? Leigh Lezark in her sophisticated white blouse and black pencil skirt, Ashley Madekwe in a white peplum top and printed pants, Jessica Lowndes in tough black leather pants and a white vest, Naya Rivera in an edgy black-and-white pairing, and Zooey Deschanel in a striped Kate Spade dress and geometric coat. Inside you'll find more in the way of black-and-white-clad celebs, the kind that are sure to supply a styling lesson of the very chicest kind. Click through now.