Introducing the 5 style updates your wardrobe needs

Once strictly confined to your winter closet, in recent seasons, designers have made the case for year-round leather. Since launching her eponymous label in 2012, Danish-born, Los Angeles-based designer Anine Bing has amassed a devoted following thanks to her practical yet polished pieces; and despite living in the city of eternal summer, she’s been a big proponent of everyday leathers since day one. Wide-leg leather shorts might sound daring, but they’re actually the perfect jumping-off point for a host of stylish looks. Paired with a neutral blazer, tank top and flip flops, they make for the perfect on- or off-duty look. Of course, a pair of great leather pants is a bona-fide closet essential. Soften their edge with a cozy cardigan courtesy of Envelope1976 – a breaking brand that masterfully fuses cutting-edge design with impeccable eco-credentials – and you’ll get extra style mileage from yours.

For a long time, loungewear was one of the most neglected areas of many women’s closets – but all that changed in 2020. During a year in which the vast majority of people were confined to their homes, and our dining-room tables ended up doubling as office desks, loungewear and athleisure came to prominence in a way that we’ve never seen before. After realizing that, when it came to off-duty dressing, an oversized T-shirt and yoga pants simply wouldn’t cut it, elevated sweat sets went from being a luxury to a closet essential; and they won’t be sidelined any time soon. Coordinating sets are the way to ensure your look stays polished, whether you’re drawn to minimal styles such as Les Tien’s mint two-piece or Suzie Kondi’s playful lavender velour. Layer over a classic trench and finish with box-fresh sneakers for an of-the-moment outfit that strikes the perfect balance between cozy and chic.

Consider next season’s unexpected cut-outs a fresh take on femininity and ‘sexy’ style. The beauty of this trend is that although it appears directional and daring, it’s actually incredibly easy to wear, and, because of the variety of cut-out pieces on offer, it’s also universally flattering. Take Jonathan Simkhai’s crisp white shirt dress. Combining classic and contemporary design to sublime effect, this stunning piece works for everything from picnics in the park to candlelit dinners and, hopefully one day soon, sun-drenched vacations. Similarly, Anna Quan’s ribbed knit dress is at once an everyday piece, but thanks to the exposed-back design detail, also a viable after-dark option. Finish with a chunky gold chain, barely-there sandals and a butter-soft leather grab bag for a nonchalant outfit that makes a decidedly modern alternative to the traditional date-night look.

It goes without saying that, due to the events of 2020 and the wide-ranging ramifications they have had on our everyday lives, tailored pieces have been pushed to the back of our closets. However, that’s all set to change this season. Designers across the board fell back in love with the clean lines and sharp silhouettes exquisitely tailored pieces offer – from Low Classic’s timeless ivory take on the trench coat (which, styled correctly, can also double as a ladylike dress) to pioneering pieces by Parisian house Coperni. Coperni creative directors Arnaud Vaillant and Sébastien Meyer’s sportswear-meets-tailoring separates – ranging from wasp-waisted jackets to body-conscious pants – had a distinctly futuristic vibe, which felt like an utterly fresh proposition and jumped straight to the top of many fashion editors’ SS21 wish lists.

Yes, really. Forget what you think you know about the bodycon dress. This season, the most defining piece of the Noughties made a triumphant return to runways across the world – both digital and IRL – as designers remastered this second-skin piece for the contemporary woman. In stark contrast to the restrictive bandage dresses that may spring to mind when you think of this piece, SS21’s bodycon dresses were a celebration of the female form. Consider By Malene Birger’s understated sweater dress, which gently hugs the body, as a wear-anywhere piece par excellence. Finish with luxe slides, hoop earrings and a tote bag and it works for literally any occasion. Elsewhere, cult New York label Khaite debuted a longer, body-sculpting take on the closet-classic LBD – the MBD, if you will. This show-stopping piece is sure to turn heads, perfect for a day in the not-so-distant future when dancing from dusk til dawn is back on the cards.