Whether you’re seeking investment pieces or simply want to channel this season’s contemporary cool, we’ve rounded up the key pieces that will score you an A+ in style.
1. Showpiece shoulder bag
Karl Lagerfeld $361; Jimmy Choo $2,550; Moschino $830 all from net-a-porter.
Be the life of the party or cause awe from afar with a statement shoulder bag. If the juggling act of accepting canapés in one hand whilst negotiating a glass of bubbles in the other sounds familiar, you can rest easy with the thin shoulder strap letting your essentials fall gracefully to the wayside. Though small in stature, these bags pack plenty of character – playfully decorated with oversized crystals, gemstones, and prints, this is a trend that will elevate even your most tried-and-trusted minimalist outfits.
2. Leather mini
Annie Bing $730; Topshop Unique $93; Maje $870 from net-a-porter.
A leather skirt – or faux leather if you’re that way inclined – can be one of the most versatile pieces you could possibly own. Worn bare-legged with a chic blouse and patent boots, it will take you from business to bar, while tucking in a retro band tee and kicking it in some trainers will give a casual outfit the right injection of attitude. Whether you’re into moto-inspired hardware or simple monochromatic minimalism, the leather mini is a must.
3. Kitten-heeled boots
Miss Selfridge $80; Loeffler Randall $555 from theiconic.co.nz; Sam Elderman $280 from net-a-porter.
Not quite ready to get your toes out? You’re not alone. While boots are popular anytime of the year, these pointed kitten-heeled options are the perfect balance of elegance meets practical and will go with nearly anything you team them with. With most made from supple suede, stretchy-knit or calf hair to achieve a sock-like fit and rested upon a low stiletto heel, you can wear yours underneath straight-leg denim, beneath midi skirts, slip dresses or work flares.
4. Baker boy hat
Brixton Kurt cap $62, Topshop cap $30, River Island cap $28.
Much like a pair of statement earrings or sunglasses, the perfect hat can really set the tone for your outfit and has the added bonus of standing out in photographs. Get into the retro vibe with a stylish baker boy hat; it’s perfect for completing daytime looks. Look to any credible blogger carving up the street-style scene and you’ll surely notice the baker boy hat as the common denominator.
5. Striped blazer
ALEXACHUNG blazer $1,330 from net-a-porter; Sass & Bide blazer $450; Harman Grubisa blazer $699.
Though their fit may fluctuate with the trends, the blazer always prevails in one form or another. Right now it’s all about length, relaxed tailoring and masculine lines. The pinstripes give it a laid-back feel, but the peaked lapels, padded shoulders and button-down front offer a smart overall finish. From business to brunch, wear with a t-shirt, jeans, and ankle boots any day of the week.
6. Kick-flare cropped jeans
CK jeans $300 and Rag & Bone $402 both from farfetch.com; H&M $55.
The days of skinny jeans are long behind us with varying cuts being revived largely from the 70s era. The cropped flare, also known as the kick-flare, is cut for a slim-leg silhouette that flares to a cropped hem with raw or detailed edges. This cut will be your vice when it comes to adding a fashionable flair – pun intended – to your weekend outfits while also offering a sophisticated edge when worn with asymmetric tops and off-the shoulder blouses with heels.
7. One-shoulder top
Camilla & Marc $599 from sistersandco.co.nz; Self-Portrait $530 and Dione Von Furstenberg $420 both from net-a-porter.
Take off-the-shoulder elegance to the next level by exploring more dramatic cuts and lustrous fabrics. The oh-so-flattering neckline adds formality to any chosen bottom and is designed to draw out your feminine prowess. Wear yours with wide-leg pants, cropped jeans or over a white tee for a more casual approach. Steer clear of necklaces and instead look to earrings to glam up your look.
8. Statement hoop earrings
Ellery hoops $800 from net-a-porter; Aurelie Bidermann $860 from farfetch.com; Zoe & Morgan $275; Meadowlark $4,999.
Hoops are a no-brainer when it comes to a style reform. From peasant blouses to maxi dresses to band tees tucked into culottes, you can even wear a pair of daring hoops with a swimsuit while chilling at the beach. Go big or go home with your statement hoop of choice when wearing collared tops, dresses and off-the-shoulder styles.
9. The silk scarf
Valentino $1,220; Deadly Ponies $230; Superette $49.
Scarves are an incredibly versatile accessory when faced with a fashion crisis. For days when you’re feeling unmotivated or short of inspiration, use a scarf to tell the world you’ve still got it. Tied around your neck, through your belt loops or around your bag handle, the scarf will deliver miracles when you need it to.
10. Sweatshirt assertion
Kowtow $169; Zara $30; Alexander McQueen $2,440.
New Zealanders love black. We can’t get enough of it. And if you’ve ever owned a black sweatshirt with a graphic print or embellishment, you’ll know just how much you actually find yourself wearing it, right? You can wear a sweatshirt any time of year; over jeans, shorts or pleated-mini skirts with heels, tucked into mini skirts, or simply draped over your shoulders. They have just the right amount of edge to make a statement but enough simplicity to make them the perfect outfit accompaniment.
