The Fashion Memo

Most Wanted

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

Fashion
Clockwise from top left: ear cuff, Completedworks; jacket, Isabel Marant Étoile; skirt, Joseph; boots, By Far; necklace, Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen; jeans, Re/done; bag, Bottega Veneta; mules, Manolo Blahnik; sweater, Nili Lotan

As the weather in London becomes increasingly crisp – and the city’s latest lockdown restrictions render socializing a strictly outdoor activity – the PORTER fashion team has been on the hunt for statement coats to suit every taste. Whether you’d class yourself as a minimalist, a maximalist, or your style lies somewhere in between, this new emphasis on the great outdoors means it’s more important than ever to have a selection of good coats in your closet. Versatility is key. Case in point: Isabel Marant Étoile’s aviator-style shearling jacket. Understated yet decidedly luxurious, this butter-soft leather piece is guaranteed to put a chic spin on country walks and alfresco dinner dates – which is exactly why fashion assistant Sabina Khan is eyeing it up.

“As a diehard fan of summer, I don’t exactly look forward to the plummeting temperatures and shortening days that signal the start of winter. However, I have found one very effective way of combating my seasonal whiplash: investing in a beautiful coat. This year, I’ve discovered it in the form of this shearling jacket, which is just the thing to elevate my FW20 wardrobe. I’m looking forward to wearing this cozy piece layered over preppy collared sweaters and slim-fit jeans during weekend getaways to the countryside. Back in the city, I’ll switch it up with a form-fitting knitted dress and ankle boots for a look that works just as well for walks in the park as it does for lunches with friends – outside, of course.”

Given the increasingly important role outerwear is set to play in our closets, our approach to accessorizing will require a subtle shift, too. When your coat is the focal point of your look, it’s imperative to let it set the tone for your entire outfit, including the accessories. Bottega Veneta’s ‘Cassette’ bags are nothing short of iconic, and the chocolate-colored suede iteration has the added benefit of working with everything from indigo denim jackets to classic trench coats and sumptuous blanket styles. When it comes to footwear, By Far’s knee-high mock-croc boots will add a playful edge to any winter look, particularly when they’re peeking out from under the hem of a long-line coat.

Of course, dressing from the waist up is arguably the most defining sartorial phenomenon to come out of lockdown, and with Zoom calls continuing to make appearances in our diaries, it’s one trend that is here to stay. Add élan to your next board meeting or ‘pub’ quiz by finishing your look with Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen’s gold and diamond elephant pendant or cult brand Completedworks’ architectural ear cuff.

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

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