Anoraks

Last Monday we explored the classic appeal of the pea coat, but if you're not the polished type a tailored wool topper might feel a little, well, stuffy. Which is why we're equally in favour of the humble army jacket — aka, the anorak. Combat cold weather with a utilitarian coat that, like your trusty denim jacket, will magically work with any ensemble. Throw it over a flirty floral dress to counter the girly-factor, wear it with leather skinnies to keep things casual, or rug up with woollen layers — any way you wear this hard-working topper you're going to benefit from it's no-fuss appeal. Step inside to shop our top ten picks. 

Madewell may not include Australia in their global shipping limits, but we don't think that's any reason to ignore their latest Autumn/Winter — or as our American style sisters say, Fall — lookbook. Like fellow US chain store hero J.Crew, Madewell employs a killer in-house team of stylists — so their seasonal campaigns are guaranteed to be chock-full of outfit inspiration. This one is no exception, providing some timely reminders of how to look chic, even when the weather takes a turn.  Luckily our friends at Shopbop stocks an edit of Madewell treats, so all is not lost. Weekend wardrobe inspo, just when you need it! 

Unless you've put yourself into shopping hibernation, you would have noticed that our local labels are choc-a-block full of military inspired wares. A sea of khaki heralds the return of this trend, which we saw most recently on the runway at Prabal Gurung's Fall '13 show in New York. It's not by any means new, but this perfect-for-Winter look has staying power. Think classic, gold-button coats, weekend-perfect anoraks and loads of olive. The 20-13 updates to take note of? Skinny cargos are even more streamlined (loose those bulky pockets!), camouflage is making a splash in fleece and jersey and accessories are getting involved this season. Keep clicking to see what to buy, and how to wear. That's an order! 

If you haven't hit the shops recently, why not let your fingers do the walking? Or clicking, specifically. Country Road's Autumn/Winter 2013 collection hit racks in-store (and online) this week, and the range offering is so good we felt it our duty to give you a pictorial preview. There are two speeds to this range; either low-fi grunge-inspired weekend hero peices with a distinctly utilitarian vibe — think camouflage (hurrah!) skinnies, spliced-sleeve army jackets and studded tees. Then there's the more clean-cut, modish collection that operates on a higher level of polish — with sophisticated tailored separates and graphic silk-screen prints; perfect for desk to dinner dates. Shall we. . . ? 

We think of Zara's TRF line as the younger, more casual little sister to the Spanish chain's sophisticated main line offerings, and despite the cold-weather skew, the November look book is full of off-duty essentials and versatile separates that we think we could make work for our southern hemisphere Spring. A sleeveless anorak would work a treat over a floral-print frock, the military toppers would make a cool night-time topper over tailored shorts and those Breton knits? Always in need. Step inside to get a preview of what you can expect in-store this month from Zara.

Exaggerated shoulder silhouettes, exotic prints, and a military-inspired palette? This can only mean one thing. Max Mara has taken us on an Out of Africa safari ride back to the power-suit '80s, and we're feeling the cooler interpretation of utilitarian wares. Sure, the draped trench-like blouses — in the silkiest shades of olive green and khaki brown — struck a must-wear chord, but right now, we've only got eyes for one piece. Meet our new obsession: the printed, oversized coat dress. Jump right into Max Mara's latest collection now, and come back soon for our full review.

90s grunge might be one thing we weren't expecting from Phillip Lim's Spring 2013 collection, which is why it was that much cooler. Everything you Generation X and Y'ers loved — all things plaid, slouchy pants and crop tops, denim — was "recut" by Lim to feel modern, a little bit rebellious, but taken in pieces, totally chic. Winning the totally chic test were his fitted moto jackets done in corded silk and pretty floral prints. Check out all the pictures from the 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2013 collection, and come back soon for our full review.

DKNY Spring 2013 was all about the New Yorker's uniform, whether for sport, street, or work. The sporty theme has been a dominant one at NY Fashion Week thus far — and at DKNY it was expressed through mesh bodysuits, nylon anoraks, and baseball caps (baseball caps seem to be the hat for next season). Then there are uniforms of a different kind, like a perfect denim skirt with a white top, or a canvas and tweed car coat to be thrown on over everything. It was all about updated basics you could wear all the time, from day to night, and who doesn't want that kind of versatility? Ashley Greene, the brand's recent ad campaign star, was in the front row and seemed to be especially excited by a denim-skirt-and-white-top combo, while Donna Karan took her bow in a bright yellow nylon anorak and her signature black bodysuit and black pants.

• Trends: Sporty, cut-outs, mesh, sleeveless blazers, monochromatic dressing.
• Colours: City neutrals — white, black, and "taxicab" yellow.
• Key Piece: The all-white opener was chic, as were the anoraks, a denim skirt, and an awesome sleeveless blazer.
• Accessories: Pointy ankle-strap heels and baseball caps, backpacks and bum bags.
• Who Should Wear It: This is for someone who defines easy street style — we could see SJP rocking the slouchy denim looks

Richard Chai's Spring '13 collection was proof that the sport chic trend is here to stay and with that, you need a toned body to wear the designer's body-con pieces. A slew of pastel printed and colour-blocked dresses were juxtaposed against cut-out details, zipper embellishments, and racerback details injecting an athletic touch to every look. Anoraks were made in every rendition, from soft and silky powder blue jackets to more structured denim. While daywear concentrated on light and airy hues, Chai turned up the volume with his evening options where dresses and separates were dripped in gold lamé, sequins, and multicolored jewelled embellishments. We can already picture young Hollywood lining up for the party-perfect digital print dress adorned with metallic details.

• Trends: Sports chic, cut-out dresses, colour-blocking, digital prints.
• Colors: Powder blue, lavender, citron, white, denim, black, beige.
• Key Piece: The silk printed digital gingham dress immediately caught our attention.
• Accessories: Lace-up wedges.
• Who Should Wear It: To wear this collection with confidence, toned shoulders are a must. Gwyneth Paltrow and Zoe Saldana would look hot in Chai's sporty, racerback dresses.