We zero-in on all-season favourites to help you put together the most eye-catching and Instagram-worthy looks.
Truly a one-and-done number, the catsuit dominated both the spring/summer 2022 runways and the streets. The one-piece wonder can flatter in all the right places (for others, there’s always shapewear) and has proven itself to be a “minimal effort, maximum impact” must-have.
Go on stealth mode with an all-black number elevated with a faux fur stole for understated drama like at Balenciaga, or look to Saint Laurent for some ’90s inspiration by way of oversize rose blooms. At Marine Serre, a more surreal route was taken with a mishmash of prints enveloping the body, from balaclava to boot tip.
Tip: A pair of classic slingbacks and sunglasses are all you need to finish a printed catsuit
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A pair of frames are the perfect finishing touch to any look—be it statement, classic or both. And when it comes to versatility, you’d be hard pressed to find one that works better or harder for almost any face shape than the cat-eye style. A favourite of legendary movie stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, cat-eye frames present the perfect marriage of femininity and power. Opt for iconic gold-rimmed ones as an everyday accessory, or go for a pair with exaggerated acetate rims in a colour of your choice. Then, forward face and strut your stuff.
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In 2020, Harry Styles wore a JW Anderson patchwork cardigan on stage, throwing the social media sphere into a frenzy. A year later, A$AP Rocky made headlines for wearing a thrift store patchwork quilt as cape to the Met Gala. The circumstances couldn’t be more different, yet one thing was clear: Both designs dripped with comfort and stylish quirk that any of us can indulge in. Be it a voluminous number that looks equally at home on a bed, or cast-off fabrics piled together in seemingly random fashion, it’s a great way of showcasing your personality while marking your affinity to the cottagecore movement.
Tropicana Belted Patchwork Floral-Print Cotton-Voile Mini Dress, $838, Zimmerman at Net-a-Porter
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If you’re looking for something a bit different to florals for the season (that iconic line from The Devil Wears Prada comes to mind), then fruit and vegetable prints are exactly the playful whimsy that you’re after. MSGM went all out with colourful fruit doodles on frilly designs, while Gucci took a more nostalgic route with a fur-collared cardigan, and JW Anderson showed a love for strawberries with giant motifs all around. For spice lovers, there’s Aquazzura’s chilli sneakers—perfect for turning up the heat!
Limoncello 105 Embellished Suede Sandals, $1,120, Aquazzura at Net-a-Porter
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What was once seen as a symbol of female restriction and limitation has now evolved into an emblem of empowerment and fierceness. Whether you’re inspired by the recent resurgence of period dressing (thanks, Bridgerton) or simply want to dip your toes in the innerwear as outerwear trend, modern-day corsets can accentuate your silhouette with sass through a myriad of stylish pairings. Layer your leather piece over a blazer dress or basic tee, or tone down its sexy overtones with a louche jacket. Then, embrace the sensuousness that ensues.
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The new way to wear underwear as outerwear is to sparkle where it counts. Go all out and wear your showstopper with furry extras and an impeccably made up face to show you mean business. Or take to the streets and wear it under an oversize blazer, styled with thigh-high boots and slicked-back hair for that modern power vibe.
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Embellished Cropped Silk-Twill Bralette, $1,521, Dries Van Noten at Net-a-Porter
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Delivering a bold, playful statement with chic whimsy, the season’s heart-shaped accessories let you play modern day Venus to your heart’s content. Let your intentions be known unequivocally with a full head-to-toe scarlet look, paired with a heart-shaped face mask that protects as much as it delivers on the style front. Or get in on some fringe action with oversize earrings that add that extra touch of sparkle to your look with every turn of the head. With a plethora of options to choose from, you don’t have to wear your heart on just your sleeves any longer.
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Extra Small Heart 18-Karat Gold Opal Earrings, $936, Jennifer Myer at Net-a-Porter
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Unlike the cropped T-shirts of the 1990s – also known as baby tees because of their shrunken fit – this season’s midriff-baring tops exude refinement and sophistication. Today’s short cuts are all grown up and can be styled in ways that go beyond a naked belly. Keep it classy with a tweed pantsuit anchored with a navel-grazing chain-link belt or go romantic and rugged with a leather cropped top layered over a sweet frock, grounded with combat boots.
Cropped Floral-Print Mulberry Silk-Crepe Top, $455, Matteau at Net-a-Porter
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Estelle Cropped Open-Back Floral-Print Linen Top, $221, Zimmerman at Net-a-Porter
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Is it purple, is it blue? No, it’s “a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet-red undertone,” says Pantone of Very Peri, its colour of the year. You don’t need to be as specific if you’re looking to indulge in the trend. Just reach for something within the spectrum (think lavender) and juxtapose its calming, introspective vibes with volume, shimmer and texture for a more standout take.
Tip: Go head to toe with the hue and contrast it with crisp white.
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What’s a sure conversation starter? A novelty bag. And the good news is, there’s one for every occasion and personality—from the elegant giant pearls at Simone Rocha to the luxurious gold ears at Schiaparelli and the ancient Greek sculptures at Louis Vuitton. Amp up the drama with an equally bold ensemble, or keep it simple and let the bag take centre stage. Brings a whole new dimension to bagging right.
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+ Elvis Presley + Peter Mars Embroidered Appliquéd Canvas Clutch, $1,542, Olympia Le-Tan at Net-a-Porter
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Found in vivid hues at JW Anderson and Sportmax, and in surprising textures and materials at Louis Vuitton, poofy silhouettes in the form of puff sleeves, bubble hems or swathes of fabric are a great way to have fun and enjoy fashion. Style yours with even more volume for pointed exaggeration, or tone it down with streamlined separates. Either way, it’s sure to spark unadulterated joy.
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Never underestimate the visual impact of a great pair of drop earrings framing your face. Wear a single one like for a touch of debonair flair or reach for a pair of shoulder-grazers like what style influencer Yoyo Cao has for a guaranteed entrance. These baubles will surely add that extra something to your OOTD instantly.
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TEXT: Gracia Phang/Harper's Bazaar
Text Gracia Phang/Harper's Bazaar