The Fashion Memo

Most Wanted

A curated roundup of the best new fashion arrivals, hand-picked by our editors

Fashion
Clockwise from left: pants, Magda Butrym; earrings, Completedworks; cardigan, Lisa Yang; mules, Manolo Blahnik; coat, Totême; ring, Yvonne Léon; bag, Loewe

The phrase capsule wardrobe’ has been bandied around rather a lot in the past year. In essence, the catch-all term refers to a streamlined and highly edited selection of clothes and accessories that can be styled ad infinitum to work for any and every occasion. There’s no doubt the concept has value, particularly when assessing what it is we really need from the clothes hanging in our closets. However, it’s our application that is somewhat flawed. After all, deciding what qualifies as a closet staple is an utterly subjective process.

For fashion assistant Annie Hertikova, it’s a piece that feels both contemporary and classic. Which is why she’s been coveting Totême’s sumptuous outerwear all season; when a houndstooth version of the brand’s trademark robe coat dropped on NET-A-PORTER this week, she was quick to snap it up.

“I have been lusting after a piece by uber-cool Swedish label Totême for quite some time now, and its signature blanket coat satisfies all my current sartorial needs. The tailored yet relaxed silhouette is utterly timeless and speaks to my styling approach for the year ahead. I’m aiming to elevate my look – bye-bye hoodies and leggings – but still keep it comfortable. Lately, I’ve also been trying to be more conscious with my purchases, choosing versatile, high-quality pieces that promise to work hard for me and my wardrobe. Therefore, investing in a modern classic from Totême is a no-brainer. I’ll be wrapping myself in this cashmere-blend coat for years to come.”

Of course, for many women, denim is the cornerstone of any great closet. Magda Butrym’s ivory-hued tapered jeans are the ultimate refined take on your average, everyday pair. Style with a long-line blazer and Manolo Blahnik’s chic ‘Maysale’ mules for an insouciant nine-to-five look, or Lisa Yang’s cozy cashmere knitwear and a cross-body bag for a chic off-duty outfit.

If your closet skews quite understated, an effortless way to add instant polish is by styling your looks with statement accessories that boast excellent ROI. From London-based label Completedworks’ architectural diamond-studded hoop earrings to Parisian designer Yvonne Léon’s chunky signet rings, a touch of gold jewelry is an elegant accompaniment to any outfit.

Discover more from this week’s What’s New.

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