The Fashion Memo

The Look: smart staples

Clockwise from top left, look 1: faux-leather blazer, Frankie Shop; necklace, Givenchy; skirt, Jason Wu; satin blouse, Loewe; sunglasses, Oliver Peoples; boots, Ann Demeulemeester; black shoulder bag, Acne Studios. Look 2: trench coat, Rosetta Getty; earrings, Rosantica; skirt, Jason Wu; shirt, Acne Studios; yellow tote, Loewe; shoes, A.W.A.K.E. Mode; sunglasses, Linda Farrow
Fashion

The arrival of fall ushers in a back-to-business mood – not only because many of us are returning to office dressing, but this shift in the year, which harks back to the academic calendar, provides the perfect opportunity for a functional reset. And with that comes a need for wardrobe pieces that encapsulate a smarter aesthetic, while feeling fun, feminine and freeing to wear.

Cue, then, the midi skirt, your new-season answer to smart day-to-dark wear. A tailored skirt looks polished but feels less cumbersome than being clad in stricter, tailored pants when sitting down all day – and Jason Wu’s fluid bouclé skirt is just the ticket. With a flared hemline that is anything but restrictive, this gently tactile midi is ideal for taking you from business meetings to bars. Pair with Loewe’s directional take on a crisp white button-up and Frankie Shop’s blazer in a subversive faux leather for a modern, minimalist feel. Swap your tote out for Acne Studios architectural bag and trade your heels in for chunky riding boots from Ann Demeulemeester – sleek and supremely comfortable.

For night-time, amp up the feminine feel by pairing with Acne Studios button-up in a delicate yellow, which gives an instant lift. Decorated with prairie-like flowers, it’s crafted from a stretch jersey, rather than cotton, for a more after-dark feel. Keep accessories subtle, with heels from A.W.A.K.E. Mode, gold jewelry and a classic trench from Rosetta Getty – all staples you’ll want to wear again and again. And for that added outfit zing? Loewe’s grab-handle bag in a lime leather is a standout for carrying the day’s essentials, no matter where you’re heading.