From after-dark decadence to fringing and French worker jackets: on-trend tricks from the rich and famous to elevate that winter outfit.
Ted talk
Texture is one of the season’s top trends, so give your trusty trench a rest and embrace the maximalist, fluff-forward teddy coat. Look for a slouchy silhouette that finishes above the knee and pair with a Taylor Swift-inspired mini. Bassike “Textured” coat, $995.
Street safari
Dressed top to toe in animal print, Rihanna demonstrates that there’s no need to retreat to grey and black just because it’s wintertime. Feeling less wild? An animal-print accessory will “lift” a dark ensemble: Rihanna’s heels are Alaïa, but a leopard-print boot serves those of us who don’t have a limo at our beck and call. Bared Footwear “Turaco” boots, $389.
Think pink
Baby pink is an instant dopamine fix if you’re prone to seasonal affective disorder. Elle Fanning doubled down on a night out in New York recently, but you can have the same uplifting effect by teaming rosy pants with a black or white top. Keep it sweet: Barbiecore this isn’t. Friends with Frank “Marion” pants, $299.
Floral tribute
Rose Byrne may have missed out on an Oscar this year, but she blitzed the best-dressed list in her black velvet fishtail, with floral embellishments, by Christian Dior. You, too, can be a star in New Zealand label Harris Tapper’s take on the trend. Layer with a faux-fur-trimmed coat for maximum, after-dark decadence. Harris Tapper “Pairo” dress, $889.
Fringe festival
Fringed dresses and skirts might have had the front row in a flap this season, but there’s no need to get tied up in knots. Love Story’s Sarah Pidgeon showed us how it’s done when she tapped into the trend with her choice of a brown Michael Kors bag at the Golden Heart Awards in New York. Look for styles in swampy green, the standout colour at last month’s Australian Fashion Week. Kate Spade “Loop fringe strap” shoulder bag, $569.
Cherry bomb
A blue chore jacket, once a staple of French workers but now adopted by Harry Styles and Austin Butler, is the new, cool way to upgrade a casual look: it layers comfortably over knitwear and packs plenty of pockets for your phone, keys and loose change. We like mixing it up with a touch of faded cherry – the perfect contrast to blue jeans. MJ Bale “Marais worker” jacket, $299.
Howdy, cowboy
Selling a somewhat distant American dream, denim, fringing and cowboy hats are back this season, as shown on the Ralph Lauren runway earlier this year. Maybe start small with a western-themed belt (and we don’t mean the ones that have buckles big enough to double as car badges): a narrow strip of leather with subtle detailing adds interest, even if you haven’t seen a horse since the last season of Yellowstone. Christian Kimber “Texas” belt, $455.
Vested interest
A grey, knitted vest is hardly the most groundbreaking of winter-warmers, but it’s the perfect backdrop for this season’s swathe of colourful shirts. On his recent press tour for The Mandalorian and Grogu, Pedro Pascal used a grey knitted vest to highlight, first, a deep-yellow T-shirt and then a mint long-sleeved shirt. Just call it chiaroscuro dressing. Also, you can layer it under a blazer to avoid bulky-looking arms. Arvello merino vest, $220.
Pin-up star
Brooches on men have been an Oscars staple since 2019, showing up, most recently, on the breasts of Michael B Jordan, Connor Storrie (Heated Rivalry) and British actor Joe Alwyn. Diamonds after dark are always perfect, but we think this very masculine combination of leather and platinum will survive scrutiny in daylight on the lapel of a sports jacket. Hermès “Flibustier” brooch, $840.
Easy rider
Leather pants that are two parts rock star and one part motorcycle rider – with just a dash of Ross from Friends – are this season’s sexier alternative to chinos for a night out. In Cannes, Mexican actor Diego Calva showed us how to dial down leather’s fetishism by teaming his with cuddly knitwear. Warm tones, such as brown or burgundy, are more wearable than black and help you withstand the elements just as effectively. Maniere De Voir pleated trousers in vegan leather, $275.
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