The Fashion Memo

Most Wanted

A curated roundup of the best new fashion arrivals, hand-picked by our editors

Fashion
Clockwise from top left: earrings, Completedworks; dress, Alexander McQueen; bag, Bottega Veneta; camisole, Chloé; loafers, Bottega Veneta; shorts, Khaite; slides, The Attico; necklace, Alighieri

Feeling uninspired by your closet after a year spent wearing more casual attire? You’re not the only one. For many of us, the return to so-called ‘normality’ feels tantalizingly close. However, with flamboyant fashion taking a back seat for almost the entirety of 2020, a lot of us are feeling out of touch with our personal style and daunted by the idea of remastering workwear, eveningwear and everything in between. The trick is to see this time of flux as an opportunity as opposed to a challenge. If you were stuck in a style rut before, now is the perfect time to incorporate some more exciting and directional pieces into your repertoire.

Case in point: Khaite’s tailored shorts. Founded in 2016, this New York-based brand has become a favorite among fashion insiders in just five short years, thanks to its elevated yet eccentric pieces – and these natty pants are no exception. You’d be forgiven for thinking that tailored shorts might not boast much mileage, but they’re actually incredibly wearable and an easy way to add personality and finesse to otherwise ordinary outfits. Styled with a chunky-knit sweater and classic loafers, they make for a chic nine-to-five look; or, paired with a lingerie-style camisole, chunky gold chain necklace and modern mules, these shorts become a cool alternative to after-dark dressing.

Of course, when it comes to palette-cleansing pieces, they don’t come much fresher than a bright-white summer dress – a school of thought that senior fashion assistant Kristen Neillie ardently subscribes to. Which is why, when Alexander McQueen’s exquisite take on the classic shirt dress launched on NET-A-PORTER this week, it went straight into her basket.

“I love a power sleeve, and this Alexander McQueen dress gives just that – the sculptural silhouette and ruched detailing are divine. Consider this crisp white summer dress an effortless way to make a statement; shrug it on and you’re ready for whatever the day has in store. One of the things I love most about this striking piece is its versatility. You can toughen it up by adding a belt and chunky boots, or keep it pared-back and feminine by teaming with delicate gold jewelry and supple leather sandals. Either way, it’s bound to be on heavy rotation for the months ahead.”

Simply put, finished with Completedworks enchanting gold and pearl ‘Wibble, Wobble’ earrings, this dress creates a look that is heaven incarnate.

Discover more from this week’s What’s New.

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