THE STYLE

RUNWAY TO REALWAY

byGRACIA PHANG

"Contrast tough metals with soft fur for an interesting play on textures"

CHAIN REACTION

Delicate, chunky or armour-like, chainmail takes on many new fashion guises. Pile on multiple necklaces to create your own statement or go bold with one audacious piece.

Bag, $27.95, H&M

Turn heads with this modernmedieval chain-link piece

Watch, Fendi

Complete the look by matching your top to your bag

Indulge in the trend subtly by wearing it on a tailored blazer

Dress, about $2,242, Paco Rabanne at Net-a-Porter

Amp up the drama by wearing the trend with a friend

Bodysuit, about $1,549, Elisabetta Franchi at Farfetch

Earrings, Alexander McQueen

Bootie, Stuart Weitzman

Skirt, Balmain

"Timeless and modern, a tweed jacket is a wardrobe investment"

SIZE MATTERS

Big and bold defined power dressing in the ’80s—when oversize, shoulder-padded blazers stood for a woman’s independence and power in the workplace. This time round, they’re back minus the shoulder pads for a more relaxed silhouette. It looks cool paired with highwaisted denims and tousled hair. Or play office politics with equally oversize bottoms in a trouser suit. A perfect balance between stylish and professional, this tailored topper is a reliable style go-to for corporate ladder climbing days.

Blazer, about $2,190, Attico at Farfetch

Skirt, Kate Spade New York

Sunglasses, Louis Vuitton

Make an impression in a cool mint topper

Earrings, Chaumet

What better than a clutch that doubles as a pillow?

Watch, Dior

Up your street cred with a neon bucket hat

Boot, Fendi

Blazer, about $859, Acne Studios at Net-a-Porter

A velvet blazer screams decadence and luxury

Blazer, Diane von Furstenberg

A pinstriped number will take you from boardroom to bar effortlessly

Bag, $2,410, Chloé

"Go full-on ’80s in a pastel pantsuit, topped with a hat"

MONDRIAN MAGIC

Colour blocking, which has seen several interpretations through the years, takes its latest alliteration from the Dutch artist of checks, Piet Mondrian. You can go classic with an Yves Saint Laurent-inspired ’60s dress, or take your cue from the Memphis Group’s vibrant creations in the ’80s and ’90s. Shake things up by extending your colourful look to wardrobe staples such as t-shirts, crisp pantsuits and classic loafers.

Hat, Gucci

Shirt, about $309, Comme des Garçons Girl at Net-a-Porter

Sunglasses, Louis Vuitton

A vivid coat livens up a monochrome ensemble

Pump, Fendi

Do colour blocking by teaming

Coat, about $878, Circus Hotel at Farfetch

Bag, Chanel

A petite top-handle leather bag transcends time and trends

Skirt, Kate Spade New York

Bright low-heeled boots are statementmaking and practical

T-shirt, Tory Burch

"Play with proportions when layering multiple neon colours"

BRIGHT LIGHTS

Big city dressing calls for stand-out fashion and this highlighter trend, with its athleisure bend, lends itself perfectly to a modern take on aerobic chic. With ’80s poster girl Jane Fonda as style guru, complete your look of eye-catching aerobic tights and leotards with structured outerwear and refined extras.