A busy lifestyle sometimes requires a wardrobe that comes without the bells and whistles.
Simplicity in dress has never been more appropriate. Start the season fresh with new faithfuls that will stand the test of time in harmonious colours and versatile fabrics. If there was ever a more relevant mantra for dressing, it's this: comfort is king.
Simple pleasures (above)
Cool, calm and collected is the order of the day, with blue denim jeans making a statement this season for both men and women. A great camel coat and a languid silk cream blouse make for an easy all day, everyday outfit.
Elsa wears Day Birger et Mikkelsen top, $385. Gregory coat, $599. Neuw jeans, $179.90. Jeffrey Campbell heels, $179.90, from Andrea Biani.
Ngaru wears Barkers shirt, $120. Levi's jeans, $155. Adidas Originals sneakers, $140.
At ease
Relaxed, utilitarian outwear never dates. This Day Birger et Mikkelsen bomber jacket works well as an oversized, sporty jacket or belted at the waist and worn over dress pants for a fresh take on that ubiquitous luxe sportswear look. Just add an oversized gold watch and gold chain for a nod to timeless power dressing.
Elsa wears Day Birger et Mikkelsen bomber jacket, $725. Sabatini skivvy, $175. Gregory pants, $269. Jeffrey Campbell heels, $179.90, from Andrea Biani. Karen Walker belt, $35. Dyberg/Kern watch, $599 and coin pendant, $249.
Golden brown
Autumnal browns make an impact, with several designers using various tones of the shade from light fawn to deep tan. It's an earthy hue that works well with classic tones of navy, cream, red and black but also as a surprisingly wearable blend with this season's sorbet colours.
Elsa wears Lucy McIntosh shirt, $315. Karen Walker jacket, $975 and pants, $440. Louis Vuitton "Marais" bag, $3050.
Comfort zone
Sportswear offers a fresh approach to menswear with a wide range of multi-purpose trainers in myriad colours. Take the chinos and shirts out of squaresville and add trainers for an irreverent touch.
Ngaru wears Barkers paisley print shirt, $120 and chinos, $100. Adidas Originals trainers, $170.
Fresh coat
A navy coat is a man's best friend. Working well over relaxed casual denim or more corporate attire, this Barkers double-breasted wool coat, $400, makes an impressive statement.
Ngaru wears Barkers shirt, $120. Levi's jeans, $155.
New sensations
The jumper and skirt combination is this season's go-to suit, working well for all occasions from work to weekend.
Elsa wears Twenty-seven Names jumper, $490. Zambesi skirt, $260. Gorman bag, $349. Pandora earrings, $469.
Ngaru wears Barkers shirt, $120 and chinos, $100. Adidas Originals trainers, $170.
Stockists
• Adidas Originals 0508 ADIDAS
• Andrea Biani (09) 5222 401
• Barkers barkersonline.co.nz
• Day Birger et Mikkelsen (09) 914 4556
• Dyberg/Kern dybergkern.co.nz
• Karen Walker karenwalker.com
• Levis 0508 501 555
• Louis Vuitton (09) 358 5080
• Lucy McIntosh lucymcintosh.co.nz
• Neuw (09) 358 2848
• Pandora pandora.net
• Gorman (09) 529 2279
• Gregory (09) 524 0164
• Sabatini sabatini.co.nz
• Twenty-seven Names (04) 384 1152
• Zambesi zambesi.co.nz
Hair and makeup/grooming: Katie Melody Rogers using M.A.C Cosmetics
Models: Ngaru Toka from N Model Management and Elsa Cocquerel from 62 Models
Photographer: Greg Bowker
Stylist: Dan Ahwa
Stylist's assistant: Danielle Clausen