Most Wanted

Seeking alternatives to slinky mini dresses and maximalist gowns to wear this party season? Good news: we have the winning formula. “’Tis the season of the ‘jeans-and-a-nice-top’ ensemble, and there is nothing more luxurious than a golden silk halterneck for the festivities,” says NET-A-PORTER’s junior market editor Abbi Minchin. When picking out an eye-catching style to add to your wish list, Nili Lotan’s ‘Edwige’ top – which is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER – gets Minchin’s vote, thanks to its gorgeously glistening metallic finish. “I would pare it back with wide-leg jeans or pants, depending on the occasion,” she adds, suggesting The Frankie Shop as a go-to for the latter.

Found hanging in the closets of tastemakers everywhere from Copenhagen to Paris, there is a lot to love about The Frankie Shop’s covetable tailoring. Influenced by the late Jane Birkin’s unapologetic sense of self when it came to dressing, founder Gaëlle Drevet draws further inspiration from real women who work as hard as they play. The brand’s ‘Ripley’ pants – which are slouchy and effortlessly cool – are a popular wardrobe staple for aesthetes. Bringing a softness to power tailoring, they have pleats running down from the waistband to streamline the wide-leg shape and create just the right amount of volume.

Adding a fiery flash of red to this look will complement the chocolate-brown shade of the wide-leg pants beautifully. Paris Texas’ bold ‘Livia’ pumps in croc-effect leather will do the trick with aplomb, and they’re another NET-A-PORTER exclusive. That said, Minchin has her heart set on slipping into something slightly more comfortable this party season. “It’s refreshing to see flats reigning supreme this year after so many seasons of wearing heels to events – and they give you a fantastic excuse to dance the night away,” she says, pointing to fancy flats as the perfect choice. “Gianvito Rossi’s ‘Carla’ Mary Janes will add subtle shine to any outfit.”

When it comes to fine jewelry, take a contemporary approach with mix-and-match metals. Your halter is already doing all the work up top, so start with a classic 18-karat-gold tennis bracelet from Jennifer Meyer, who adds twinkly diamonds to mirror her life’s philosophy to always sparkle. On your opposite wrist, fasten a polished-stainless-steel watch to feel relaxed and chic. Originally created by Henri d’Origny in 1991, Hermès Timepieces’ ‘Cape Cod’ watch has been worn by style icons ever since – including Inès de la Fressange, who literally wrote the book on how to dress like a Parisian. The small, 31mm version, with a coiling bracelet strap and timeless chain d’ancre case, feels wonderfully light to wear, and the sleek silver-tone dial is minimalist enough to work with everything.

Finally, it’s time to check the weather forecast – chances are you’ll need to wrap up. “Practically speaking, a strong coat is necessary to ward off the harsh temperatures we typically face over the holiday season,” says Minchin, choosing something as functional as it is fashionable as her dream final layer. “The Row’s long-line ‘Cassiopea’ coat is a classic choice that will keep you warm year after year.”

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