Most Wanted

The SS24 season of haute couture shows kicked off in Paris this week, with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Zendaya and Kelly Rutherford – who’s currently going viral on Instagram with her daily outfit selfies – among those flocking to see fashion at its most fantastical. However, in contrast to all the surrealism and whimsy, some key shows – not to mention Parisian street style – continued to celebrate elevated wardrobe mainstays in modern cuts and timeless shades. In fact, rising model Deva Cassel stepped out in one of the week’s most talked-about looks so far: a trench coat and black boots, styled with a tousled up-do and dainty hoop earrings.

Following this mood for pared-down simplicity was Alaïa creative director Pieter Mulier, who presented off-schedule with not one but three intimate shows at the Alaïa boutique on Rue de Marignan. In fact, the Belgian-born designer emailed his guests beforehand, revealing that there’s still freedom to invent when taking a less-is-more approach. On the night, Alaïa’s forever-follower Naomi Campbell watched on as voluminous shapes in elegant proportions arrived on the runway in quick succession. Notably, the pants echoed some of the curves already seen in the brand’s ready-to-wear show, and there’s one easy way to mirror the look: denim.

Trending now, barrel-leg (or ‘horseshoe’) jeans are named for their ballooning shape, which kicks out at the hips and tapers off towards the ankles. Endlessly wearable in black denim, Alaïa’s high-rise pair has white topstitching that helps to define the fitted waistband. “There is so much styling potential when it comes to the jean silhouette of 2024 – the horseshoe – and, because of the directional shape, you can keep everything else really simple,” says NET-A-PORTER’s junior fashion editor Kristen Neillie. “Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore this exact Alaïa pair from our edit with a black turtleneck and heels, for example, and you could effortlessly put your own spin on her look with a gray sweater and kitten-heel boots,” she suggests.

For the perfect gray crew-neck, turn to our consciously crafted NET SUSTAIN edit and Allude, a brand that knits long-lasting staples with natural fibers to guarantee softness. Follow Neillie’s advice and team it with Khaite’s covetable ‘Arizona’ ankle boots in snake-print leather, or, if you can get your hands on a pair before they sell out again, slip on Alaïa’s ballet flats. Made from soft black leather, with the maison’s signature perforations, the cult-favorite Mary Jane styles have smooth straps and polished buckles, which you could match to silver jewelry. The decorative buttons on Gucci’s cropped bouclé jacket would also coordinate – and it’s just the thing to quickly dress up your jeans.

All that’s needed to complete your outfit is a beautiful bag, and we love this season’s penchant for roomier styles. An XL tote for the ages, The Row’s ‘Idaho’ bag is a style investment with enduring appeal. Our favorite version of the design is crafted from supple leather in a deliciously dark chocolate brown and has a zipped pocket inside to keep smaller valuables safe (and make them easier to find when rummaging). Smaller in size but just as impactful, Toteme’s suede ‘T-Lock’ shoulder bag has a detachable strap for versatility and a durable leather lining. Spritz it with a protector spray before its first wear to maximize mileage and ensure any unexpected raindrops don’t damage the material.

Browse this week’s New In.