The NET-A-PORTER team’s FW21 Wish List

“No one is more surprised than me that the miniskirt is my go-to for FW21. It has been drawing me in for a couple of seasons, but has now seduced me fully. I will start with a short hem with a bare leg and a high heel, teamed with a white shirt – but the trick is to keep the waist high to create the illusion of long legs (if, like me, you were blessed with shorter limbs). Then, as it gets colder, I will break out the tights – opaque, but not fully dense, so that some skin is still visible – and either a block-heeled boot that is looser around the calf (another flattering trick), a black patent flat or, for the days I want to revert to teenage me, a big, clumpy, flat boot.”

“While comfort has been key over the past few years (and always will be for me), I couldn’t be more ready to shake up my denim with a pair of fabulous shoes from new brand Mach & Mach. The label’s sell-out desirability means I’m hoping to get my hands on a pair, fast. Alternatively, pumps with chic but statement embellishments from Aquazzura and Manolo Blahnik will immediately turn my everyday look into something special for any last-minute events.”

“I’m still not ready to say goodbye to the comfortable silhouettes that have dominated my wardrobe over the past 18 months, so I love this season’s trend of mixing sporty separates with tailoring and denim, bringing a whole new meaning to the term business-casual. I’ll be styling half-zipper sweatshirts under my favorite tweed blazer and jeans; and pairing my track pants with a crisp white T-shirt and a black leather jacket. Look to designers such as Isabel Marant and Balenciaga for inspiration, and balance your outfit with chunky loafers and a structured bag.”

“The one thing I have always loved about outerwear is that it can transform an outfit in an instant – no matter what you’re wearing underneath. Cozy capes that feel like blankets will be keeping me warm this winter; Chloé’s puffcho, which is a puffer/poncho hybrid, immediately makes for a dramatic look, but it has the added comfort factor. I’ll be styling this tonal piece with neutral pants and box-fresh sneakers.”

“High-waisted, wide-leg pants are a worthy sartorial investment – first and foremost because they never go out of style. Their elongating silhouette instantly flatters women of all shapes and sizes, whether paired with sneakers, loafers, or heels for a more elevated look. No matter your style, these timeless pants will be utilized time and time again for all kinds of occasions.”

“It’s a tale as old as time – ‘What are you wearing?’… ‘Jeans and a nice top.’ Customers have gone one way or the other since the pandemic – either keen to explore life outside of their four walls or finding hosting loved ones at home more desirable than ever. Personally, I am enjoying both, so my closet needs to work harder to accommodate all occasions. My favorite kind of top (often paired with the sacred jean, though I am also partial to a pant) is one with an intricate or nonconventional detail, in a relaxed fabric composition. Paired up or down, depending on the setting, it makes a statement while providing total comfort.”