The 9 Must-Have Trends On Team NET-A-PORTER’S PF24 Wish List
From elegant pencil skirts and soft lemon-yellow hues to must-have denim jackets and conversation-starting hats, read on to discover the PF24 looks on our fashion editors’ radar this season…
The new uniform – Libby Page, market director
“The word ‘uniform’ denotes ideas of a strict dress code and is mostly associated with workwear. It’s the idea that everything should match or feel the same, which doesn’t sound like a very exciting way to get dressed. Thankfully, designers are redefining what it means to wear a uniform for pre-fall, dropping the formalities in favor of a more easy-going, mix-and-match approach – but with pieces that’ll still go the extra mile in your wardrobe. From checked overshirts styled with full skirts at Bottega Veneta to light, slouchy tailoring offset with colorful knits at Toteme, this season is all about individuality. Personally, I’ll be investing in a few new pieces to pair with some ‘old’ favorites that I already own. I have a classic white shirt from The Row, which has hasn’t failed me in six years – I’ll wear it with wide-leg jeans to keep things relaxed, and add a pop of red or green into the mix by way of accessories or a chic sweater.”
Ladylike shoes – Gillian Brett, head of fashion content
“Gaze around the NET-A-PORTER office on any given day and it’s impossible to overlook the inescapable rise and rise of ladylike heels. Forget fantasy; some days you just need the all-day wearability of a kitten heel or slingback to trot between meetings. As a minimalist at heart, I love Saint Laurent’s ‘Barbara’ glossed-leather mules and Jimmy Choo’s ‘Amel’ pumps with a droplet-shaped heel inspired by dripping liquid. But, if you’re looking for a little more logo, try Gucci’s ‘Signoria’, embellished patent-leather slingback pumps in an oxblood-red, which will ease the transition through summer into fall, and beyond.”
Lemon yellow – Abbi Minchin, junior market editor
“Pre-fall was a season of surprising hues. With the likes of daring red and hot pink dominating in recent seasons, this time, the colors felt very subtle and easy to integrate into your everyday wardrobe. My personal favorite is lemon yellow. Yellow is often regarded as a difficult color for the masses, but this particular shade is somewhat of a sister to off-white and cream, and therefore a seamless addition to any outfit – minimal or otherwise. Khaite’s Catherine Holstein and Alaïa’s Pieter Mulier approached the trend with sleek silhouettes, while The Row updated its signature oversized tailoring in the shade. A sleek bodysuit or relaxed shirt are both great ways to embrace the trend if you’re not one for a head-to-toe ensemble.”
Suede bags – Kristen Neillie, junior fashion editor
“A suede bag is an effortless way to add texture and character to an otherwise ordinary workday outfit, so I’m thrilled to see so many chic iterations this season. From roomy totes to clutch bags, there’s a style to suit all tastes, but my personal favorites are by Bottega Veneta, Loewe and The Row. Plus, they come in the most gorgeous array of colors, from chocolate and caramel to olive-green and the deepest burgundy.”
A poplin dress – Colleen Ross, acting fashion content editor
“There’s a distinct ladylike elegance to pre-fall that I love, and one of the chicest ways to embrace the mood this season is with a crisp poplin dress. From the nipped-in shirt dresses seen at Emilia Wickstead, Gabriela Hearst and Erdem to the sleek, gently gathered silhouettes at Alaïa, there are so many covetable styles to choose from. Not only is it a timeless addition to any wardrobe, but an effortless one, too, and the easiest thing to slip on at a moment’s notice. What’s not to love? I’ll be wearing mine with ballet flats to the office and low-heeled mules for dressier events.”
Statement hats – Lydia Zacharis, buying manager
“This is the season of the personality – or conversation-starter – hat. We have seen a much bigger variety of shapes than ever before, and they are such a charming way to make a look more personal and interesting. Outside of the usual, functional summer raffia and bucket hats, caps or winter beanies, I have loved seeing brands embrace chic berets and pillbox styles in several textures – including cashmere, wool and faux-fur – as well as balaclavas and hoods – to name a few. Highlights for me come from The Row, who has been driving the trend, plus Toteme, Loro Piana and milliner Gigi Burris.”
A denim jacket – Viktorija Tomasevic, junior shopping editor
“For me, a denim jacket is the ultimate closet staple. Not only is it ideal for navigating transitional weather, but offers endless styling possibilities, too. I’ve had my eye on Toteme’s jacket for a while now – I love its slightly oversized fit and classic blue wash. I also like Nili Lotan’s ‘Lio’, which feels so fresh and is an effortless way to usher in a new season. I’ll be wearing mine with midi dresses on summer evenings and layered under an oversized coat when the temperature drops.”
A pencil skirt – Kay Barron, fashion director
“For those who know me, it will come as no surprise that I love the strictness of a pencil skirt. I love that they make you stand taller, improve your posture and even dictate how you walk – short steps, with a slight wiggle to the hips. A fitted pencil skirt also reveals as it conceals, for it alludes to the shape of your legs, gently caresses (and lifts in the right fabric) your backside and ideally nips the waist to give an hourglass shape, even on those who don’t consider themselves to have much of a waist to begin with. They are great for workwear on the days you need a fashion lift and can carry you straight through to dawn with a pair of heels or great ballet flats. I love the sexiness that Saint Laurent offers, but also the romance of Valentino Garavani. For that’s the beauty of a pencil skirt – it can be professional, sexy, feminine and fun, often all at the same time.”
Stacked bracelets – Sophie McMillan, fine-jewelry buyer
“I’m loving wearing multiples of the same cuff at once (especially for the evening) and have my eye on styles by Agmes, Lié Studio and Ysso this season. Pre-fall marks a shift into thicker chain bracelets personalized with charms – both a mix of vintage and new – and tactile materials like brushed metals for a refreshing take on fine jewlery, from brands such as Lauren Rubinski and Foundrae. Natural stones, like opals, are on the rise, too, and an easy way to introduce a touch of color into your look – Jia Jia has an incredible collection right now.”
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