ON THE STREETS

Graphic lines and geometric shapes take on new life.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Graphic lines and geometric shapes take on new life.

Layer a timeless black turtleneck under an asymmetrical dress for an elegant edge

1. DOT-COM

My Reading Room

From top: Balance the attention-grabbing jacket with sleek leather shorts; Make an entrance with a fun, theatrical cape dress

Amp up the drama of a tulle cape dress with a polka-dotted version, or have fun with differently sized dots on a monotonal outfit. Haven’t quite made up your mind about the print? Go with a more balanced look with spots in a solid hue in the colourway of the dress.

My Reading Room

From left: Boot, Bottega Veneta; Mule, Balenciaga

2. SQUARE ROOT

The ’90s comeback kid of the season, square-toe steppers exude effortless style and sophistication with their distinct shape and minimalistic vibe.

My Reading Room

From left: Space out with sci-fi sunglasses in a hue that matches your outfit; Top your look with a clear-rimmed bucket hat

3. BACK TO THE FUTURE

Get retro-futuristic with geometric motifs, minimalistic silhouettes and pops of metallics that give a nod to ’60s and ’70s nostalgia. 

My Reading Room

From top: Bottega Veneta fall/winter 2020; Alexander McQueen fall/winter 2020; Louis Vuitton fall/winter 2020

4. PORTRAIT MODE

Don’t underestimate the impact a neckline has on an outfit. A rounded one can bring a certain ease while an angular option can evoke a Trekkie vibe. Plunging necklines, meanwhile, lend a sensuality that’s best offset with fuss-free details.

My Reading Room

From top (glasses): Sunglasses, Gucci; Sunglasses, Chloé

From left (model): Wear your heart on your face for all to see. Throw on a pair of tiny shades for that cool, street-chic vibe

5. EYE SEE YOU

When it comes to sunglasses, shape is everything—no matter the size. Angular shades balance out rounder features while classic round ones soften angular lines and square jaws.

My Reading Room

From top: Coach fall/winter 2020; Chloé fall/winter 2020; Off-White fall/winter 2020

6. PUFF PIECE

Quilting has been made cool again this season. While Coach stuck to timeless neutral-hued jackets, Chloé went for a “double diamond” number cinched at the waist. At Off-White, a modern hybrid of structured top and quilted bottom was thrown over breezy fabrics. 

My Reading Room

From far left: Stun in power shoulders. Switch up your office look with giant puff sleeves. Dress, about $313, ROTATE Birger Christensen at Net-a-Porter. Blazer, Balenciaga

7. BOLDER SHOULDERS

Sometimes, bigger is better. Command attention with statement shoulders—be it doll-like puff shoulders, pagoda shoulders or the iconic power pads of the ’80s. Opt for fuss-free bottoms to balance out the drama.

My Reading Room

From top: A Jacquemus bag that shapes up an outfit nicely; Add quirk with a bag that recalls Chinese takeaway; A bold shape in a vibrant hue lends immediate edge; Long story short: A monotonal outfit doesn’t have to be boring

8. TAKE SHAPE

Lighten your load (and mood): Inject playfulness into your outfit with structured, geometric bags in an eye-catching hue. Style yours with a tailored pantsuit, or team it with a billowy dress to add structure—you’ll be surprised how much it transforms a look. 

My Reading Room

From left: Clash geometric prints for that visual impact; Slip into a pair of combat boots for that effortless vibe; Oversize glasses add dimension and character

9. TESSELLATION PLAY

Homely and hypnotic, tile prints are timeless and highly versatile. Opt for vividly hued versions and team with quirky extras for a chic, offbeat look. Or pair with combat boots for a kick of urbanity.

My Reading Room

From left: Match your jewellery to your bag charm. Baroque pearl earrings complete a cheery look. Ground a sailor-esque outfit with showstopping boots

10. PEARL JAM 

Real or faux, oversize or petite, pearls add elegant attitude to your OOTD, especially when they’re found on statement bijoux, kick-ass boots or even the tiniest of bags. They’re no longer the premise of ladies who lunch.

My Reading Room

From top: Watch, Dior; Watch, Dior

11. FACE ON

Set off your outfit with a watch that’s truly one of a kind, such as those from Dior’s Grand Bal Masqué collection. Decked with gems, these timepieces with dials featuring masquerade masks offer fun, glamour and prestige all at once.

My Reading Room

From left: Marni fall/winter 2020; Bring sexy back with a sensuous yet sophisticated number; Create your own cutout look by layering separates of di­fferent proportions

12. A CUT ABOVE 

Cutouts have been raging both on and off the runway, and there’s a style for every personality, mood and occasion—be it refined and elegant, like at Prabal Gurung, or arty and spirited, as seen at Marni. Now that the holiday season is approaching, make this your cool option for the party.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHOWBIT