FASHION

HW Endorses: The Backless Number

"This Bottega Veneta viscose dress ($2,930) is available at #01-04 Ion Orchard and #B2-72A The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands."

Designers are putting the focus on the back with cool, edgy details. While the front is kept understated, the back is accentuated with interesting accents, as exemplified by Bottega Veneta’s diagonal slit dress, Hermes’ sleek cross-back shell apron-top hybrid with metal fasteners, and Alexander McQueen’s open-back blazer. Highstreet labels have followed suit, with Zara offering a back-cut-out turtleneck top for $45.90. Versatile and easy to carry off, nothing says “business in the front and party at the back” better than this. – ST

"French label Alaia’s version is still simple, but has strappy details to spice things up."

The Basic Black Bralet

Ditch the lace and frills. All it needs to be is minimal and versatile – perfect under a pantsuit for work or see-through tops.

Nylon and polyester swim bralet, $29.90, Uniqlo U at Uniqlo

Nylon bralet, $215, Marlies Dekkers at Farfetch

Mame Kurogouchi

Dior

Polyamide bralet, $45.90, Mango at Zalora

Polyamide bralet, $27.95, H&M

Cotton jacket, US$1,954.15 (S$2,635.76), and matching shorts, US$737.94 (S$995.33), Sacai at Net-a-porter

The Statement Short Suit

The cooler alternative to traditional pantsuits, and ideal for our tropical climate. Opt for classic materials like linen or tweed for added sophistication.

Tweed jacket, $119, and matching shorts, $69.90, Zara

Michael Kors Collection

Linen jacket, $730, and matching shorts, $370, Sandro

Silk jacket, $650, and matching shorts, $390, Diane von Furstenberg

Virginie Viard showcased a pretty metallic pink iteration at Chanel.

Polyester pants, Balenciaga

The Comfy Loose Pants

What it’s not: widelegged or flared. What it is: tailored but slouchy. The trick to still look smart and polished: Pick a high-waisted pair that’s brightly coloured or printed.