The Fashion Memo

Trending Now: The Must-Have Pieces To Wear On Repeat

Discover the cult pieces you might have missed from our New In drop, and add to your basket before they sell out

Words Gillian BrettFashion editor Hannah Cole
Fashion
In order of appearance: maxi dress, Etro; leather bag, Balenciaga; cropped shirt, and slip skirt, both Jacquemus; sunglasses, Gucci Eyewear; utility jacket, Wardrobe.NYC; chain necklace, Robinson Pelham; pink dress, Marques’ Almeida; chunky sandals, Gucci; color-block pants, Loewe

Seeking cult designs with serious style mileage? We’ve scoured our latest arrivals to round up this season’s most popular picks. These are the trending styles that deserve a place in your closet – but be quick…

Barbiecore

From Valentino’s fall ’22 pink-dominated runway collection to the images of a fuchsia-clad Margot Robbie filming Greta Gerwig’s upcoming movie Barbie, the trend for this ultra-saturated hue is well underway. For late-summer parties, look no further than this striking Marques’ Almeida dress in bubblegum pink, with a fitted bodice that flares out into a voluminous skirt. Jacquemus’ highlighter-pink blazer, meanwhile, will bring a directional edge to office attire – use it to enliven neutral separates.

The ’90s slip skirt

Occasionally, it’s the simplest of silhouettes that make the biggest impact. The ’90s slip skirt is a case in point, with its slinky feel and clean-cut shape. Jacquemus added a sensual touch to its black ‘Notte’ skirt with the addition of a signature lingerie-inspired strap that circles the waist. Styled with a cropped shirt, chunky flatform shoes and a ’90s shoulder bag, you have a look that is both date-night and dance-floor-ready.

The cropped shirt

A midriff-baring shirt paired with high-rise pants or a waist-defining midi skirt is an ultra-modern day-to-night look. Look for standout details, such as Jacquemus’ bolero style with pretty, pearlescent buttons, or Nanushka’s cool, cut-out orange number, and finish with summery clogs by day or strappy sandals after hours.

The chain necklace

Seeking a seasonal update for your jewelry box? Consider a statement chain necklace with a distinctive colorful finish. Robinson Pelham’s version is adorned with rainbow sapphires and tsavorites, while Bottega Veneta’s silver style comes in a cool blue enamel. Layer them over tank tops and crewneck tees to elevate your off-duty look.

The must-have maxi

Maxi dresses are having their moment this season, with bold, bright, statement styles being the most coveted. Paisley prints are an Etro signature – the heritage Italian house has been decorating bohemian silhouettes with them for more than 40 years – and this pretty ankle-grazing style comes with a sensual open back that is perfect for showing off sun-kissed skin. Alternatively, consider tapping into the color of the moment with Esse Studios’ vibrant tangerine maxi.

The utility jacket

Functional pieces with high-fashion credentials are the unicorns of our trans-seasonal closets, as changeable temperatures call for expert layering skills and lightweight separates. Enter the utility jacket, a chic outerwear option that adds practicality and panache to your mid-season look. We love Wardrobe.NYC’s short parka for its minimalist ease, as well as Lvir’s elevated denim style. Pair with straight-leg jeans and sandals or stompy boots, depending on the forecast.

The ‘It’ shoulder bag

Balenciaga has long been a master of cult bags, and its 2000s-inspired ‘Le Cagole’ has been a defining design this season. Taking its styling cues from the house’s iconic Y2K-era ‘City’ bag – note the braided strap and gunmetal studs – its latest iteration comes in a unique bucket-bag shape that’s perfect for stowing your daily essentials. Meanwhile, JW Anderson’s ‘Bumper Baguette’ is sure to become a modern heirloom. Boasting the London-based label’s signature irreverence, the bag’s chunky tubular piping adds a fashion-forward feel.

Statement pants

This season is all about bold color – and vibrant statement pants are a hero piece. The key here is to start with the pants and work everything else around their palette and silhouette. Take Loewe’s rainbow-hued denim offering – style with a plain white T-shirt and sneakers to let them take center stage. Meanwhile, Gabriela Hearst’s cashmere flares in sugary-hued stripes can be offset with a sleek black halterneck or optimized with an orange top and chunky clogs.

Chunky sandals

This season’s sandal silhouettes have been pumped up with thick soles that lend a sporty feel and offer supreme comfort. Gucci’s version come with the house’s signature horsebit hardware, while Balenciaga’s playful hot-pink style are emblazoned with the brand’s logo. Show them off with cropped pants and silk shorts.

Retro square sunglasses

Oversized, square sunnies add vintage cool to any look, and Gucci Eyewear’s fine gold frames are a classic choice. Slip them on with swishy printed dresses or puff-sleeved blouses and wide-leg denim for a timeless summer look. For a bolder choice, Saint Laurent’s pink and lilac pair are the perfect finishing touch to pared-back outfits in need of a pop of color.