Fashion: Under construction

Deconstructed separates mixed with streetwear provide a versatile take on casual dressing.

For those who came of age in the early 90s, you'll most likely recall wearing plenty of plaid in what was the heyday of grunge. It was a look that caused a particular stir when designer Marc Jacobs distilled the Seattle grunge look for his collection at Perry Ellis in 1992 - and for which he was subsequently fired.

Plaids, denim, chunky knitwear and deconstruction offer plenty of inspiration and versatility this season. Sure, it might be lipstick grunge, but it's an opportunity to explore casual separates with a nod to the streets.

Think of skew shirting, frayed hemlines, slip dresses, murky tones and country plaids that team well with denim. Masters of deconstruction Nom*D provide layering pieces that work for any occasion from uneven shirt dresses to plaid wrap skirts and apron tunics.

While the plaid print is a winter wardrobe staple, designers including Kate Sylvester, Ruby and Penny Sage, have focused on discreet micro-checks and gingham this season. When teamed with the grey marle knitwear pieces and blue denim available right now, it results in elevated streetwear at its best.

1 Sylvester skivvy $229. Silence Was trench coat $369. Nom*D wrap skirt $410. Cinabre lapel pin, $195, from Crane Brothers. Witchery patent ankle boots $299.

2 Nom*D overlay apron $285. Country Road shirt $65. Ruby double-breasted coat $429. Kathryn Wilson $329.

3 Kate Sylvester dress $399. Levante knee-high socks, $15, from Smith & Caughey's. Witchery boots $299.

4 Taylor tunic $447. Georgia Alice belt $389. Kate Sylvester pants $389. Chaos & Harmony boots $349.

5 Kate Sylvester skirt $299. Rollas T-shirt $60. Witchery camisole $89.90. The Knitter cardigan $440.

Editor's picks

Opening Ceremony T-shirt, about $159, from Net-a-Porter
Lonely slip dress $240
Zest Weekend skirt, $60, from Farmers
Ruby boots $329

Stockists

• Chaos & Harmony
• Country Road
• Crane Brothers
• Farmers (09) 950 8340
• Georgia Alice
• Kate Sylvester
• Kathryn Wilson
• The Knitter
• Lonely
• Net-a-Porter
• Nom*D
• Opening Ceremony
• Rollas
• Ruby
• Silence Was
• Smith & Caughey's 0508 400 500
• Sylvester
• Taylor (09) 929 4539
• Witchery (09) 523 1335