Most Wanted

London Fashion Week officially kicks off today, marking 40 years of the event. Running a celebration-packed schedule and unmissable runway presentations – including JW Anderson’s show on Sunday – the style capital responsible for trends spanning from tweed to punk is set to host another dazzling display of innovation and talent. So, what better to wear for the occasion than a British design icon such as the trench coat?

“There is no outerwear more reliable or enduring than the famous trench, especially from Burberry,” says NET-A-PORTER’s junior market editor Abbi Minchin, who loves how chief creative officer Daniel Lee is revisiting archival signatures and developing the silhouettes with modern customers in mind. The weather for guests traveling to Burberry’s fall/winter ’24 show (scheduled for 7pm on Monday night) looks typically unpredictable, so the shower-proof cotton-gabardine trench coat might get the chance to shine once more as a sartorial savior.

When it comes to styling, Minchin’s advice is simple: “Pair it with black denim and low slingback pumps or ballet flats,” she suggests, knowing just how important comfort is when dashing between shows and after-parties. Try Tove’s ‘Sade’ straight-leg jeans and Jimmy Choo’s ‘Amel’ kitten-heel pumps for a day-to-night look that Minchin describes as “easy yet chic”.

If, however, you’re keen to step out of your style comfort zone and invest in something other than classic black, choose chocolate. “Chocolate-brown is fashion’s new favorite neutral,” says Minchin. “If you’re not ready to opt for a head-to-toe look, then accessories are a great way to try out the trend. I particularly love chocolate-brown suede, and a tote is always so practical,” she says, with her eye on DeMellier’s ‘Tokyo’ bag from our NET SUSTAIN edit of consciously crafted pieces. It supports responsible leather manufacturing through the Leather Working Group and comes with a long-term guarantee – DeMellier offers services to repair, refresh or improve the product over time.

All that’s left is a few well-considered finishing touches to complete your look, starting with jewelry. One of Minchin’s favorite brands to emerge in recent years is By Pariah. “With a focus on mixed materials, there are endless ways to wear this brand’s rings – including stacking them for full impact,” she says. The set of three rings on her wish list is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER and qualifies for NET SUSTAIN thanks to the way recycled gold is used to reduce some waste. “Lastly, while there’s still a chill in the air, I am more focused than ever on hydrating my skin,” shares Minchin. “111Skin’s Molecular Hydration Mask is the perfect overnight prep before a long day of shows in London,” she adds, noting its power to nourish, plump and soften your complexion.

Browse this week’s New In.