If you’re still reeling from the effects of July’s Mercury retrograde, August is the time to take a deep breath and re-establish proper communication channels that might have broken down. While you’re at it, dress in your lucky colour for the month according to your horoscope and who knows? Something good might come your way. Else, it’s a great excuse to just spruce up your wardrobe.
Get ready to conquer the boardroom when you’re dressed in a sharp pantsuit and these plum loafers from Bally that scream strong and sassy. We love the contrasting gold buckle and the block heel that gives an added boost of height.
Sweaters might be great for the cold office but can often be impractical once you step out into the real world (such as, for lunch). Don’t want to be drenched in sweat or limited to air-conditioned malls? This Mango iteration solves that struggle with openwork details along the sleeves to provide ventilation. It’s also made of a light fabric that doesn’t feel suffocating.
You can always depend on Maison Margiela to rework everyday classics into something experimental and original — such as this sweater that features a split seam and extra long sleeves — while staying true to the brand’s minimalist ethos.
Bermuda shorts are the perfect middle-ground between looking dressy AF and totes casual. In fact, they are the perfect example of smart casual. We love that they are easy to match and great for the hot weather. Here, Zara’s iteration is of a nice neutral shade that pairs well with a white off shoulder top or a shirt with its hem tied into a ribbon.
Zara bermuda shorts with pocket details, S$49.90
Whether you’re travelling for a short trip or have a whole day packed with gym and work, a carryall such as this Mulberry City bag can comfortably fit all you need. Plus, the pop of orange is a nice accent if you keep the rest of your ensemble neutral.
Mulberry City Weekender heavy grain luggage bag, S$2,075 from Farfetch
Related article: Your Complete Horoscope For August 2019
Pencil skirts are a staple in every working woman’s wardrobe. But it’s time to switch up the boring classics with a fun, vibrant orange number from Pomelo Fashion. Pair this with matching orange pumps for a look that’s bold and youthful.
Take a quick scan at your trouser collection — are pieces mostly in blacks, blues and greys? It’s time to spice things up with this pair of Forte Forte slacks. We want this so badly because 1) it is in an unconventional lilac shade and 2) it’s made of a delicious velvet material that says “I’m too cool for school”. We say wear with a silk shirt for a contrast.
Don’t go to your next fitness class looking basic. This lilac H&M sports bra scores because it’s not in black, and it has skinny criss-cross back straps that are both sexy and stylish. Plus, we love that it has a ventilating mesh and padded cups. Wear with floral print leggings to round up the cute outfit.
H&M sports bra medium support, S$29.95
Related article: H&M Drops Exclusive Ariana Grande Tour Merch Collection
If you’re looking for a statement piece that will start conversations, this PH5 asymmetric dress is the way to go. It has a graphic wave hemline (that shows off your legs!) that is complemented with bold white lines. Bonus: It clings to your curves and accentuates your figure.
Cut with an oversized silhouette and finished with a cute logo, this Bershka T-shirt is a great addition to your weekend wardrobe. Wear with a pair of distressed denim jeans and chunky dad sneakers.
Purposefully made oversized to complement the brand’s simple and minimalist aesthetic, we love how German fashion designer Jil Sander (dubbed the “Queen of Less”) added exaggerated French cuffs and a gathered neckline for visual interest. Plus, the clean cream colour will appeal to the Virgos, who love cleanliness.
Jil Sander Louise slubbed-crepe dress, S$2,845 from MatchesFashion
Sleek and comfy, we’re loving this Charles & Keith sock sneakers for the sci-fi vibes. The neutral cream shade is an easy colour that would pair well with most, if not all, colours.
Charles & Keith cream knitted sock slip-on sneakers, S$65.90
Related article: Go Behind-The-Scenes Of Charles & Keith’s Fall 2019 Campaign Starring Hailey Bieber & Ju Xiao Wen
Made with a sumptuous blend of wool and cashmere, this versatile grey midi from Gabriela Hearst is great for a spring or autumn vacation. Or you could dress it for the frosty office with a pair of heeled sandals and some statement jewellery.
Gabriela Hearst Seymore wool and cashmere-blend midi dress, S$1,415 from MatchesFashion
Local fashion label The Form prides itself on creating well-made basics that can be easily rotated, regardless whether it’s for work or the weekends. This stone grey jumpsuit is a testament to that ethos — its v-neck cut ensures it’s not too boring and it comes with pockets.
A high-waisted maxi skirt is easy to pair, whether you’re going with a T-shirt for something real casual or a bodysuit or crop top for dressier dates. Even more so when it comes in a neutral chocolate brown shade, like this Matteau number. Plus, the elasticated waist is more forgiving for days when you’ve had too much to eat.
Matteau gathered-waist cotton maxi skirt, S$435 from MatchesFashion
Sure, we’re always more inclined to reach for the funkier, more outlandish shades that come in unique shapes and colours such as blue and pink. But for something classic, carefree and elegant, brown sunnies, such as this pair from Quay Australia, are the way to go.
Quay Australia Omen sunglasses, £45.00 (S$77.24) from Topshop
Besides being known for its ready-to-wear and collectible bags, Dior also has a jewellery line created by French jewellery designer Victoire de Castellane. This dainty ring is part of the Mimirose range that celebrates the line’s twentieth anniversary. It combines the silhouettes of the Mimioui and Rose des Vents lines to create a delicate yet playful and youthful jewellery collection. Go for the one set with a diamond, or if you prefer some colour, this ring also comes with gems such as ruby or emerald.
Dior Mimirose ring, 18k yellow gold and diamond, price available in store
Related article: Baby Dior Brings The Magic With Their Fall/Winter 2019 Collection
Hoop earrings are always chic but this bamboo-inspired design takes it up a notch with a ridged texture. Go with a messy ponytail to show them off.
Made with a gunmetal crinkled fabric, this Maria Lucia Hohan bustier top instantly transforms you into a glam goddess. Shine bright at an after-hours party or weekend clubbing sesh when you pair it with sleek cigarette pants and matching silver sandals.
Maria Lucia Hohan Macie plissé-lamé bustier, S$640 from MatchesFashion
This dark grey Klarra jumpsuit will get you dressed and stylish in a pinch — which is especially useful for mornings when you’ve overslept or forgot about an appointment and need a quick slip-on-and-go option. Match with sneakers for a more casual look or pumps for a professional finish.
Made with lightweight jersey cotton, this sunflower yellow top from Kimhekim would be a cheery addition to your weekend date outfits. Pair it with black denim jeans to really make the yellow pop or go with cream trousers to for a softer-but-still-very-pretty combination.
Monday blues getting you down? Perk yourself, and the rest of your colleagues up, by donning this bright yellow Love, Bonito dress to work. We love the high neck and button detail which makes you look polished. Wear with a simple pair of black strappy sandals.
If you really want to keep up with the fashion gang, you’ve got to ditch the brolly and adopt a parka instead. Not only will this Louis Vuitton piece keep the water out, it works as a fun outer layer to throw on as well, with or without rain. Experiment a little and try it with a t-shirt and shorts combo with boots, or a midi dress with mules.
Louis Vuitton long oversized hooded parka, price available in store
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Shirt dresses are the perfect harmony between a formal shirt and a casual dress — which means that you can easily wear them to the office or a weekend family outing. The navy colour of this Cos design keeps it ‘safe’, but the addition of a zip fastening at the front and a pointed collar prevents it from straying into boring territory.