BAZAAR’s Guide To Stylish Dressing
Nail maximum style with minimal effort with help from our favourite home-grown labels.
When it comes to our wardrobes, we’re all guilty of overbuying and holding on to pieces that don’t fit or styles that we’ve long outgrown. With the rise of conscious fashion comes the need to re-evaluate our buys, to trade mindless quantity for quality essentials that can see us through fashion seasons and also straddle work and play, day and night. Come along as Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore’s Associate Style Editor Gracia Phang and model Noelle Woon show you how it’s done with a capsule wardrobe of statement pieces and classic staples from local labels, all of which are quality pieces that go a long way in terms of versatility. More importantly, many of the brands featured—GINLEE Studio, Love, Bonito, PAZZION and RECKLESS ERICKA—are part of the Made with Passion initiative, a nationwide marketing programme launched by the Singapore Brand Office and Singapore Tourism Board, and supported by Enterprise Singapore.
As you look to refresh your wardrobe, why not take this opportunity to show your support for our very own talents?
Versatile Head-Turner
In every capsule wardrobe lives a versatile top that’s easy to wear across settings. For a more unconventional take, throw out the idea that adaptable clothing should be neutral-hued and plain as can be (all the better for mixing and matching, or so the thinking goes). Instead, reach for this Hera top from The Missing Piece, which features an arresting red-blue-white geometric print and an asymmetric hem that adds a touch of feminine flair and soft movement with every step. Lean into empowered dressing by teaming it with a crisp white pantsuit for work (just like this one from Love, Bonito); come night, simply shrug off the tailored jacket and turn the halter into a toga by removing the collar sash and voila: A casual-but-still-sophisticated look perfect for evening soirees. Pull the look together with classic footwear and accessories such as white loafers and a structured bag
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Smart Casual
The sweet spot between chic and practical, a pair of high-waisted tailored shorts lets you hit the office and streets alike in style. The Amarantha shorts from Love, Bonito comes in a soft pink that wears beautifully with a classic crisp white shirt—turn up the cuffs for an effortless cool-girl vibe—and heels for work. The sharp cut and modest length make it easy to rack up the mileage: Just switch out the shirt and heels for a more relaxed top, a utilitarian jacket from Beyond The Vines and good ole sneakers, and you’re all set for casual Friday or a weekend jaunt around the island. Play around with texture when it comes to accessories—a pleated bag from GINLEE Studio, for instance, will add visual interest and take the look up a notch.
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Quaint Elegance
There’s just something about flowers that bring cheer—a good-enough reason to make floral prints part of your pared-down wardrobe. Turn down defined blooms in favour of a groovier, abstract take with the Valleys Flare Pants from Minor Miracles, featuring offbeat depictions of begonia flowers that add a little whimsy to the equation. Bonus points to the universally flattering wide-legged, A-line silhouette and polished tailoring, which keep things timeless and elegant. Go print-free for the rest of the outfit and stick to the same colour family—a chic kimono-style top from RECKLESS ERICKA or a sleeveless knit from SABRINAGOH that gently hugs your curves will do nicely. Round off with strappy footwear and a minimalist bag.
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One-Piece Wonder
Nothing makes dressing up easier than a one-and-done number, and the Sharda jumpsuit from GINLEE Studio is an absolute dream. Modest yet sexy, it comes in a midi length and has a low-cut back that lets you show off those sensuous lines. Featuring the label’s signature pleats, it’s designed for ease of movement at both work and play, and comes with a concealed zipper and adjustable cross-back straps. Wear on its own for a fun and flirty vibe that still reads sophisticated, or layer over a reliable basic top such as this one from Our Second Nature for a more conservative look. Team with pumps or strappy heels for dressier occasions, or dress down in sneakers or sandals for easy, breezy style.
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