There is more to life than a great new handbag and a beautiful pair of shoes. But we won’t judge you for thinking otherwise. As the curtain lifts on a new season in style, musing about which alarmingly priced accessory sets your world on fire is an essential practice that’s as critical to welcoming in autumn as switching on the heating and ordering a pub roast. This season’s highlights are plentiful, spanning colour, price and state of mind. There are lady-like handbags (we see you, Saint Laurent), sumptuous colourways (hello, Ferragamo) and seriously showstopping shoulder bags (yes, Prada).
There are also some exciting new shoes to sink your feet into — from Alaia pumps (yes please!) to the return of monk-strap loafers, a revival we are fully on board with. Fans of high heels should opt for slingback and sculptural court shoes (just make sure you can still run for a bus in them). After all this is a season for people who have places to be — not those who choose to carry their heels in an overflow bag (still a style no-no).
There are less obvious add-ons too. Hats are back: yes hats. And we’re not talking logo caps for once. Channel your favourite Sixties screen siren with a bucket style (Bottega Veneta does a lovely one). Gloves are also a thing too. Having been seen on the red carpet as a viable accessory, they now have appeal for daytime. Plump for a leather style and wear them with everything from three-quarter-sleeve coats to dresses.
Cashmere jumper, £650, Johnstons of Elgin. Coat, £2,600, and hat, £690, Celine by Hedi Slimane. Panthère de Cartier pocket gem with chain, £7,050, Cartier
INA LEVY
Silk jacket, £3,195, silk trousers, £1,825, belt, £485, and burgundy Voltaire bag, £1,640, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. Sunglasses, £270, Alaïa. Black Perriand bag, £3,190, Métier. Necklace, £1,025, Sophie Buhai
INA LEVY
Jumper, £900, cardigan, £1,660, and skirt, £1,560, Prada. Slingbacks, £770, Roger Vivier. Gloves, £530, Khaite. Red pouch, £650, suede keyholder, £360, and Arcadie bag, £2,100, Miu Miu. Socks, stylist’s own
INA LEVY
Jacket, £3,585, coat, £4,485, skirt, £2,155, shoes, £990, and hat, £1,255, Loro Piana. Bubble cuffs, £1,370, Alaïa. Umbrella, £340, London Undercover. Socks, £16, Pantherella
INA LEVY
Coat, £3,730, Khaite. Boots, £1,170, Petar Petrov. Knitted hood, £165, and blanket, £1,100, &Daughter. Peekaboo bag, £4,300, Fendi. Bag trick, £450, Miu Miu
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White top, price on application, pink shirt, £1,080, and leather trousers, POA, Bottega Veneta. Hat, £470, Loro Piana. Glasses, £405, Tom Ford. Equipier bag, £7,990, Hermès
INA LEVY
Dress, £4,350, Khaite. Shoes, £1,010, and gloves, £630, Miu Miu. Shoulder bag, £1,700, Alaïa. Handbag, £3,150, and cuff strap, £510, Prada. Suitcase, £1,130, Rimowa. Hoops, £235, LO Collections x Alex and Trahanas, Dinosaur Designs. Pendant, £1,300, Sophie Buhai
INA LEVY
Hair: Tomi Roppongi at Julian Watson Agency using Sachajuan. Make-up: Machiko Yano using Dior Forever Foundation and Capture Totale Le Sérum. Nails: Saffron Goddard using Dior Manicure Collection, Le Baume and Dior Vernis. Model: Quinn Mora at Premier Model Management. Local production: Raw Production
