While S/S and F/W generate the bigger showmanship buzz, it’s the in-between seasonal collections – Pre-Fall, available from May to August, and Resort (also known as Cruise), from November to January – that are designed for longevity as much as desirability. Our first look at this year’s Pre-Fall ran last month. This is the second part.
Victoria Beckham
Do Look Back
A revealing back is often sexier than an even more revealing front. Men may beg to diff er, of course, but women do not dress only for them, right?
A Silk-like Sheen
It elevates everyday wear, giving it a little shine.
Chloe
Rust
An orangey-brown that’s a Pre-Fall favourite.
Max Mara
M-sized Aby deerskin and calfskin bag, $3,550, Chloe.
Paul & Joe
Beaded crossbody, $69.90, Zara.
Cotton polyester sweater, $99.90, Zara.
The Plisse Effect
#Oldceline reintroduced the knife pleat in 2012, and Gucci’s Alessandro Michele popularised it after. Seven years on, it’s a staple.
Alice + Olivia
Fendi
Gucci
Polyester, $109, H&M.
Polyester, $69.90, Zara.
Burberry
A.W.A.K.E. Mode
Givenchy
Cotton and polyester (price unavailable), Brunello Cucinelli.
Polyester, $89.90, Topshop.
Suit Up
Women adopted the suit in the early 20th century because it made looking pulled-together and dressed up much easier. The reason for wearing one now is the same. The difference: We have a much wider choice, from casual or slouchy to structured or funky.
Gucci
Coach 1941
Max Mara
Paul & Joe
Fendi
Lined linen jacket, $129, and matching pants, $89.90, Mango.
Lined linen jacket, $345, and matching pants, $135, Massimo Dutti.
Lined polyester jacket, $179, and matching flared pants, $99.90, Zara.
Lined polyester jacket, $89.90, and matching pants, $59.90, Zara.
SKIRT SUITS
Unlined polyester jacket, $149, and matching skirt, $79.90, Topshop.
Gucci
Lined linen jacket and matching skirt (prices unavailable), Massimo Dutti.
SHORT SUITS
Chloe
Lined polyester jacket, $129, and polyester shorts, $89.90, Mango.
A Certain Shade of Green
Emerald-like, it makes everything take on a vintage quality.
Denim and printed canvas mini Dauphine, $4,150, Louis Vuitton.
Embossed calfskin and suede mini C bag, $3,170, Chloe.
B Blossom yellow gold ring with malachite, diamonds and white gold, $5,400, Louis Vuitton.
The Rocket Eyewear Company sunglasses, $149, Design Orchard.
Flats for Evening
When sneakers are not permitted and you still want to be comfortable.
Givenchy
Max Mara
Square-toed slingbacks, $46.90, Charles & Keith.
J’Adior embroidered fabric pumps, $1,450, Christian Dior.
Laminated lambskin sandals, $1,930, Chanel.
Suede mules with jewelled buckle, $1,250, Jimmy Choo.
The Yellow Gilet-inspired Vest
Oversized or puffy, these vests show that France’s protest movement continues to inspire in more ways than one.
Burberry
Sportmax C
Chloe
A Great Coat
It used to be the final piece over many layers of clothes to keep the cold out during our winter holidays. Today, a coat can be as lightweight as a dress – or, in a pinch, a jacket in temperate climes.
TEDDY BEAR
Soft, cuddly and comforting, the made-famous-by-Carine Roitfeld coat returns.
Hermes
No. 21
Givenchy
Lined polyester, $119, H&M.
STATEMENT
When you like telling people you’re wearing the latest.
Givenchy
Chloe
SOFT
Don’t let its laid-back style mislead you. The simpler and less structured the coat, the more versatile it is – which means it works over PJs as well as a party number.
1 Polyester, $109, H&M.
2 Lined wool (price unavailable), Cos.
MAC
The difference between it and a trenchcoat: no epaulettes and belt. It’s also known as the car coat.
1 Cotton, $179, Zara.
2 Cotton (price unavailable), Cos.
Chloe
TAILORED
Single- or double-breasted, it’s a classic with peak lapels and structured shoulders.
Givenchy
Paul & Joe
Givenchy
Fendi
TRENCH
Of all the coats, it comes in the most varied of designs, fabrics and weight. Not all are waterproof now, but that’s no longer why we wear them, anyway.
1 Polyester viscose, $179, Topshop.
2 Polyester and cotton, $159, Zara.
Dice Kayek
Givenchy
Burberry
Burberry
Tibi
