These are the pieces you'll need to create the F/W '19 bourgeois look

So bourgeois

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Fashion has always been notorious for being “ever-changing”, “stylish” and “progressive”. But when designers start to blatantly display the not-so-fashion, ‘70s bourgeois look for F/W ‘19, it feels like stepping into retrograde is the Next Big Thing.

Yes, frumpy browns, plaid skirts and boxy blazers are less glamourous, but they’re so much more sensible for the working woman. Hedi Slimane’s two-piece pinstriped suit at Celine that channeled the heydays of Celine Vipiana is one example. Victoria Beckham’s trio of an argyle sweater, long collared shirt and below-the-knee skirt is another. Do we still need to go for a third? If so, see Proenza Schouler look 26.

Scroll through for our faves to achieve the early ‘70s, classic wardrobe.

 

Photos: Uniqlo, Gucci, Net-a-Porter, Mango

 

ALSO READ: MAISON KITSUNE DEBUTS THEIR FIRST EVER RUNWAY COLLECTION WITH A NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR

1. PU leather top handle bag, $55.90, Mango

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We can’t say no to a black bag. It’s simple and sophisticated, yet classy and versatile enough to bring you from day to night. Either wear it with a simple shirt dress, or with a white shirt and a pair of denim jeans.

 

Photo: Mango

 

ALSO READ: MONCLER GENIUS’ F/W ‘19 COLLABORATION WITH SIMONE ROCHA IS SERVING US ROMANTIC AVANT-GARDE REALNESS

2. Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo rayon shirt, $49.90, Uniqlo

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The pussybow blouse is a wardrobe essential for the bourgeois girl. Instead of choosing your usual safe route (aka blacks or blues), opt for one that’s fashioned in a bright colour, like this red number. 

FYI, the Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo F/W ‘19 collection will be available in all stores and online from Sept 6 onwards.

 

Photo: Uniqlo

 

ALSO READ: MAISON KITSUNE DEBUTS THEIR FIRST EVER RUNWAY COLLECTION WITH A NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR

3. MM6 Maison Margiela checkered polyester midi skirt, US$391.21 (about S$540.56), from Net-a-Porter

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Phoebe Philo brought back the knife pleated skirt circa 2012 not because it was all about #aesthetics, but to visually (and fashionably) narrate the idea of power dressing in the new age. Seven years on, it is a staple in every working woman’s wardrobe.

 

Photo: Net-a-Porter

 

ALSO READ: MONCLER GENIUS’ F/W ‘19 COLLABORATION WITH SIMONE ROCHA IS SERVING US ROMANTIC AVANT-GARDE REALNESS

4. Leather belt with horsebit, US$450 (about S$621.63), Gucci

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A simple leather belt is a must have, but we’d love to go for one with horsebit detail for that touch of vintage. Wear yours with pretty much anything.

 

Photo: Gucci

 

ALSO READ: MAISON KITSUNE DEBUTS THEIR FIRST EVER RUNWAY COLLECTION WITH A NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR

5. Polyester blazer, $89.90, Zara

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Okay, so you may have a black blazer in your closet, but do you own one that’s printed in checks? If your answer is no, add this to your cart, pronto. We don’t need to tell you how you can wear a blazer, simply because it’s the same situation as the belt: you can match it with literally everything.

 

Photo: Zara

 

ALSO READ: MONCLER GENIUS’ F/W ‘19 COLLABORATION WITH SIMONE ROCHA IS SERVING US ROMANTIC AVANT-GARDE REALNESS

6. Loewe calfskin loafer, US$860 (about S$1,188.30), from Net-a-Porter

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Heavily embellished pumps and dad sneakers are all the rage. However, we believe that the classic loafer will triumph. Why? Because three years down the road when you open your shoe closet, chances are you’ll still wear the latter out.

 

Photo: Net-a-Porter

 

ALSO READ: MAISON KITSUNE DEBUTS THEIR FIRST EVER RUNWAY COLLECTION WITH A NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR

7. Silk pleated skirt, $4,700, Celine

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If you’re going to rock the F/W ‘19 bourgeois look without something from Celine, then what’s the point of doing so? It may be a little hefty on your wallet, but if you’re up for a Christmas present that’s five months in advance, by all means, splurge.

 

Photo: Celine

 

ALSO READ: MONCLER GENIUS’ F/W ‘19 COLLABORATION WITH SIMONE ROCHA IS SERVING US ROMANTIC AVANT-GARDE REALNESS

8. Viscose cardigan, US$370 (about S$511.26), Sandro

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Your office + centralised air-conditioning = constant shivering. Neither is that good for your skin, nor for your well-being. Our solution: this cardigan. It’s fun and it’s cool. But best of all, it’s fashioned in black and white. In other words, you can wear it with... you know the drill. Anything.

 

Photo: Sandro

 

ALSO READ: MAISON KITSUNE DEBUTS THEIR FIRST EVER RUNWAY COLLECTION WITH A NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR