On the Street

David Wheeler doesn’t follow fashion trends. He draws his smart-casual style inspiration from his travels around the world, a love of colour (especially orange) and his wife’s creative pieces.

What are you wearing today?

A bamboo shirt from Yarntons of Devonport, a Fynch jumper from Eurostyle in Newmarket, a handwoven silk jacket from Joe Bananas in Sydney, trousers from local store Gustave’s, a watch and brooch made by my wife Christine – The Artist Goldsmith, and blue suede Florsheim shoes – just don’t step on them!

What is your style?

Smart-casual and personal – I have no interest in ‘fashion trends.’

What is most of your wardrobe made up of?

Colour! Shirts with the occasional pattern, and lightweight monochrome jumpers – they carry my brooches made by Christine.

What are you loving at the moment?

The re-emergence of hand-knitted sleeveless jumpers my wife has made. They have been hibernating for the winter.

What are you dressed for today?

Going out to lunch.

Where do you buy most of your clothes from?

Gustave’s in Nelson, and a couple of favourite shops in Stuttgart, Germany – if they are still there after three years?

What is your approach to shopping?

Browse. Like. Try. Take/leave.

What is your all-time favourite purchase?

A shibori jacket, found in Stuttgart. It was a crinkled fabric that felt like being at home in a deep armchair with a fine malt. I left it in an airport somewhere, with a gold brooch on it.

What has been your worst clothing disaster?

A Dries Van Noten suit that was too small when I bought it for a special event. I gave it to an op shop, and soon after dropped 20kg due to an illness. It would be perfect now!

What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?

Three brooches by my wife, Christine! They complement an outfit and express both personality and mood.

Do you have a style rule you always obey?

You never know who you will meet, or when. Be prepared! And no logos – they don’t pay me to advertise?

If you could raid one person’s wardrobe, who would it be?

Someone who shares my love of orange.

Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…

Trousers with the crotch down to my knees.

Tessa Jaine

FASHION STYLING ADVICE

Colour rules

The runways have spoken. Colour will rule this summer. From pastels to vibrant hues and everything in between. And, no matter the colour, the prints and patterns are equally as bold.

Perfecting prints

The key this season is to mix prints. You can layer the prints on your top half. For example, try a coloured checked vest over a floral shirt. Or, be bold and wear patterns from head to toe, try a floral blouse with striped pants. Make the look cohesive by ensuring that the colours in the different pieces you’re wearing have similar tones, or, one common colour. Match one of the colours with your accessories to bring the look together. Prints this season are a mixed bag. Gingham and checks continue to be a popular choice, as are ‘throwback’ prints, such as colourful 60s motifs and bold chevron stripes.

Love layers

When it comes to spring dressing, go for fuss-free pieces that will slot seamlessly into your transeasonal wardrobe.

Midi dresses that can be layered with a semi-sheer, long-sleeved top underneath, or a blazer over top are a favourite. Wear your jewellery over your layers, for example, a chunky necklace over a turtle neck or your watch worn over a sleeve. These are looks that will take you from day to night, and are suitable for that early evening temperature drop. Dress down with a sneaker, or up with a heel. The humble shirt dress has made a strong comeback. This is a shape that suits many figures and can be worn in a number of ways. Wear it done up with a tie or a belt for a more fitted look, or leave it open and wear it with jeans and a top underneath. From silk to linen, you will see the shirt dress available in many textiles and colours this season.

A spring in your step

The chunky combat boots that dominated winter are still very much ‘in’ this month. But, as we head away from the cooler months, more colours are available. Instead of black, opt for a spring colour like cream, white, or green. The chunky look extends through to shoes. Loafers, mules and even clogs are great transeasonal options, perfect for wearing at the office and for running errands. When dressing up, the thin strappy stiletto is out. Instead, look out for heels with thicker and fuller straps, knots, twists and even quilt detailing across the foot. Not only are they stylish, but they are also more comfortable – win!

Colour is key for your shoes too. While the classic look of a white sneaker or a tan sandal will probably never go out of style, coloured shoes are trending and there certainly are some showstoppers around. Lilac, pink and gold are great colours for lifting your whole spring look. Enjoy the longer days and have fun with your fashion this season.