THE STYLE

RUNWAY TO REALWAY.

"Strappy heeled sandals lend a feminine touch to an otherwise tough ensemble "

VESTED INTEREST

The next time you reach for a blazer, try its sleeveless cousin, the vest, for a cooler change. Lighter and with the same smart vibe of a jacket, it works well for the office in classic pinstripes and cool wools, balanced with brass buttons for a new take on Wall Street. Add street cred with leather motorcycle vests or oversize denim waistcoats for weekends or a night out in town. Layer a boxy vest over a feminine lace top and shorts for a fresh contrast, or wear a well-tailored cropped waistcoat as a top and pair with matching trousers for a sexy take on menswear.

Top, Proenza Schouler

Sunglasses, Mulberry

Vest, JOSEPH

A black vest with subtle details is worth the investment

Bag, Burberry

Not sure about vests? Try a jacket with contrasting sleeves for that cheeky illusion

Pair a cropped vest with thigh-high leather boots for maximum impact

Trousers, $1,500, Coach

Earrings, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Vest, Gucci

Vest, Balmain

Go hands-free with a chic cross-body bag that doubles as an accessory

Pump, $1,370, Bottega Veneta

"Vibrant red and earth tones make for an unassuming yet powerful colour"

SHORT STORIES

Add some chic to your step with a cool alternative to the pencil skirt. A pair of shorts in a straight or slim-cut silhouette cuts an edge in leather or crisp cotton. Dress it up with a blazer and heels for polished bravado, Brooch, Cartier Coat, Weekend Max Mara or go nonchalant by teaming it with a cropped top, a cross-body bag and sneakers. Look to Bottega Veneta and Valentino for runway inspiration on how to rock a classic shorts suit.

Coat, Weekend Max Mara

Twirl your bag strap around your wrist for a relaxed vibe

Bag, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

A crisp white shirt and dark add-ons instantly sharpen a soft look

Brooch, Cartier

Shirt, Bimba Y Lola

Pouch, Mulberry

Blown-up details add drama to a classic look

Watch, Dior

Pump, Aquazzura

Shorts, about $581, Dion Lee at Net-a-Porter

Turn heads in a bold, printed top accented with pearl drop earrings

Shorts, Bottega Veneta

"Elevate your cosy knit with glitzy, polished extras"

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

From crochets and knits to intricate weaves and macramé—fashion gets crafty this season. These home‑spun wonders offer a folksy approach to fashion, and add a certain naivety to tailored pieces. Put a modern spin by teaming yours with a tailored wardrobe classic, or turn up the heat by baring some skin beneath breathable knits. For a unique play of dimensions, go bold and clash knits with patterned separates.

Jacket, Balmain

Necklace, $9,100 Bottega Veneta

Sandal, Gucci

Get crafty and spruce up your artisanal top with edgy details for a modern twist

Dress, JW Anderson

Hat, about $916, Missoni Mare at Farfetch

Show off your baby bump in an intricate crochet dress that hugs every curve

Dress, about $697, Dodo Bar Or at MatchesFashion.com

Ease into the trend with a structured bag in a print of the same vein

Bag, $4,250, Loewe

Opt for an oversize version in a bubblegum hue for a fun and chic take

Soft ruffles add romance and innocence to the look

Sunglasses, Prada

Skirt, $190, COS

"Create the illusion of an hourglass figure with a crinoline-esque belt"

IT’S A CINCH

Time to get totally and utterly waisted. Once the domain of Madonna and an undergarment for women in the 19th century, the corset is now worn proudly on the outside, as an accessory cinched at the waist, over crisp button-downs or billowy frocks. Show off your best assets and that feminine, figure-hugging separate by wearing it solo, topped off with a structured blazer and wide-legged trousers. It’s a welcome respite from years of athleisure and celebrates womanhood in the most delicious, seductive way.

Jacket, Balmain

Ring, Piaget

Dark lips and facial accessories add character to a sexy ensemble

Create your own unique look with layering

Boot, Fendi

Break up a monochromatic look with a corset belt

Trousers, Weekend Max Mara

Belt, Alexander McQueen

A blazer will take you from boardroom to bar with effortless ease

Corset, Dolce&Gabbana

Bag, Loro Piana

Top, about $828, Matty Bovan at MatchesFashion.com

An artfully printed floral top is basic enough to be worn as a neutral separate. Top, Loewe

HOW TO WEAR COORDINATED LOOKS

Twinsies! Wear one outfit two ways by working in different accessories and colourways. It’s so cool, your partner or BFF might just steal your look

Brighten up your day with vividly hued shorts—clashing prints optional. Shorts, about $488, La DoubleJ at Farfetch

Edge up a feminine skirt with a white tee and leather jacket. Skirt, about $901, Horror Vacui at MatchesFashion.com

Go from garden party to street chic by swapping your strappy sandals for chunky sneakers. Dress, about $972, Gül Hürgel at MatchesFashion.com

Pair a classic checked top with matching trousers or let the print stand out by teaming with bottoms in a solid hue. Top, about $429, By Malene Birger at Net-a-Porter