Fashion expert and vice-president of Global Buying for THE OUTNET.COM shares her trend predictions and styling tips for the new season.

The key trends…
Metallic hues and embellishment are having an important moment for SS14, as seen at Lanvin and Balmain. Floral prints and pastels were prominent at Carven, Burberry and Christopher Kane. I also love the sports luxe trend for my off-duty look – it’s been around for a few seasons now and continues to rule the runway.

Must-buys for SS14 will be…
The top-to-toe look of matching separates is key right now and was seen at Balenciaga, Kenzo and Stella McCartney. Iris & Ink’s croc-effect jacquard top and matching pants are on my wish list – they’ll be available at THE OUTNET.COM in March.

My new season styling tips are…
Opt for classic silhouettes so they stand the test of time. Every woman should own a crisp white cotton shirt, a well-tailored blazer, a shift dress for day, a great pair of skinny jeans and a cool leather jacket.

FASHION BUYING MASTERCLASS

Buying supremo Shira Suveyke shares her advice and tips for building a career in fashion buying:

How did you get into fashion buying?
It all started as a simple summer job at a major department store. I loved working with customers and working with product, but I also realised there was a lot happening behind-the-scenes. I dreamt about being the person who determined which dress came to the store and now I am!

What skills do you need to be a fashion buyer?
Being a buyer in the fashion industry requires having the understanding of both the creative and analytical worlds. A buyer balances the product aesthetic while considering the values of the business.

Do you have a buying style?
You have to remain objective as a buyer and put the customer first while simultaneously representing key trends and an editorial point of view.

What type of pieces do you look for when buying for THE OUTNET.COM consumer?
We work directly with over 250 designers and use the runway shows to establish our approach to the brand edit. Our customer is style-conscious and we pay close attention to what she wants – we know her lifestyle, favored product categories and preferred brands. We also look for new designers and trends that we are keen to introduce to our customer, as she expects us to inform her.

How can Vodafone London Fashion Weekend visitors buy like a pro?
Every season your style should feel refreshed. Create a balance by investing in key pieces while peppering in seasonal trends.