V-Neck Knits, Havaianas’ New Kitten Heels and More Fashion on Our Editors’ August Wishlist

Winter’s grip is loosening, and our editors are ready for it. Trans-seasonal knits are leading the charge back to colour, in shades built for the changeover: Niihai’s aquamarine, Henne’s ice-blue and Andersson Bell’s mustard all break away from winter’s usual subdued palette.

Copenhagen Fashion Week was speaking the same language, with the bold prints and punchy palettes of Ganni’s plaid cardigan and Marimekko’s button-up shirt catching our eye. The Danish capital also gave us the season’s most unexpected hybrid: flip-flop-meets-kitten-heel, courtesy of Havaianas. (It’s a fitting debut, given Copenhagen chic-ified thongs back in 2018.) But that’s just the start. Here’s everything the Broadsheet team is adding to cart this month.

Emmanuelle Lee, social media coordinator

Copenhagen Fashion Week has me adding things to my wishlist that aren’t even available yet, namely these impossibly chic kitten heels by Havaianas. The runways also stoked my long-running V-neck obsession. Niihai’s aquamarine style is already sitting in my cart, while Henne’s ice-blue number has a matching lace skirt that I plan to live in. Both options would sit perfectly under Vivienne Westwood’s pinstripe blazer, which I’ll wear on its own once spring rolls around.

On the accessories front, Heaven Mayhem’s glossy black cuff is sure to complete any outfit, and Courreges’ sunglasses serve the kind of do-not-disturb energy I aim for. On my feet, these sculptural pumps by Balinese Australian label Dirt bring a subtle hit of fluorescent orange. And in my hand, Edie Parker’s undies-shaped pouch, which has been on my wishlist for years. The label doesn’t ship to Australia, but now that it’s on sale, I might just have to figure out how to get it here.

Scott Renton, Hot List editor

I’ve had the same work bag for about eight years, and I think it’s time to call it. This tote from The North Face has all the utility of a proper backpack without making me feel like a kid going to school. Despite my wish to look like an adult, I’ve been thinking about these lace-less New Balance Abzorb 1890s – “pumpernickel and basil oil” has to be one of the more fun colourways I’ve heard of.

I love it when stuff is a bit goofy and a bit serious, and this silver Larvee watch ticks both boxes. Andersson Bell’s mustard sweater follows the same brief, plus it’s unlikely Melbourne will get warm any time soon. Once it does though, I’m planning a few day hikes in these subtly utilitarian Gramicci shorts, and I might even get the Salomons dirty.

Simone Richardson, shopping editor

Who said winter was for saving money? Someone get this girl out of the house, stat – my bank account can’t survive another shopping-induced blow. The spoils of my recent spree include Maison Margiela’s heeled ballet shoes (which I’ll wear with everything, right?) and a pair of vintage patent boots by Marithe & François Girbaud. Both styles will bring a totally different vibe to these loose belted capris from NYC label Thuylam, which I’ll pair with Scanlan Theodore’s fluffy choker worn as a belt.

Up top, I’m all about natural fibres done beautifully. Marle’s silk knit has the kind of sheerness that’s made for layering (I’m already plotting outfits). But if I’m keeping things casual, Pinky & Kamal’s woollen hoodie hasn’t left my body all winter. The thumb holes alone are reason enough to love it, keeping my mitts warm as I clack away on WFH days.

Evie Baker, photo editor

A new month spurs a new excuse to shop, and even more so now that spring’s in sight. Alpha 60’s sporty-chic knit will work through to summer – I love the one-shoulder design, and the fact I can throw it into my bag for chilly evenings. Henne’s V-neck top is another trans-seasonal piece I’ve got my eye on. It’s made from 100 per cent Australian merino wool, so it’ll stay breathable as the weather warms. Rounding out the list of seasonal gems is Gimaguas’ two-tone dress, which I’ll wear over pants for now and solo once summer hits.

Conveniently, all three styles would pair perfectly with Tank Air’s bootcuts (aka the denim I’ve been lusting over for months). I’ll accessorise each look with Heaven Mayhem’s silver cuff and a pair of wraparound sunnies from my favourite affordable eyewear label, Szade. But no outfit is complete without a spritz of something delicious, and Byredo’s new vanilla scent has caught my eye.

Maggie Zhou, fashion editor-at-large

I’m fresh from Copenhagen Fashion Week and feeling super inspired. Colour, print and pattern all shone liberally in the Danish capital, and I’m determined to bring that back to my Melbourne wardrobe. I’m looking straight to the Nordic source – Ganni’s Black Argyle cardigan is retro and playful, and Marimekko’s Jokapoika Kioski cotton shirt is punchy while being a wearable, classic piece. (In the Finnish brand’s spring-summer 2027 show, models tucked their striped button-ups into pairs of bloomers, which I now want to try.) 

Another trend I spotted was the rise of tapestry print. I’m fond of Apres Studio’s Reversible Tapestry tote bag, a sweet vintage take on the whole “florals for spring” thing. I like the utilitarian look of east-west bags more broadly. By Far’s Kimberly Nappa leather bag is both functional and a statement piece.

On my feet, Alias Mae’s Fyfe ballet flats in butter yellow are perfectly girly. I can picture myself contrasting them with a leather jacket, a pointelle singlet and some track shorts.

Taylor Silk, video producer

Three years ago, Acne Studios ruled my whole wardrobe: jeans, shirts, knitwear, shoes, all of it. Then I sold the lot in one of those style-crisis moments. Lately I’ve found myself drawn back in, and this cashmere hoodie is the reason why. For a sportier alternative, Literary Sport makes a quarter-zip that’s perfectly tuned to plaid’s comeback. But with so many windy outdoor shoots this winter, Arc’teryx’s Beta jacket might be the smartest choice of all, paired with Loewe’s slick runners for long days on my feet.

Any one of these would pair nicely with Lemaire’s belted jeans. I recently bought them in brown, but since they’ve barely left my body, I’m tempted to add the off-white colour to my collection too. (For practicality’s sake, of course.)

Maisy Geddes, junior graphic designer

With spring on the horizon, my wardrobe needs a refresh, especially in the denim and accessories department. I’m swapping dark washes for lighter ones, and this pair of Cos jeans meets the brief perfectly. You can never have too many white tops though, so I’m pairing my new denim with a sheer long-sleeve by Demodemode after months of it sitting in my cart.

Once the basics are sorted, fun accessories go a long way to sprucing things up. Starting with handbags, I’ve got my eye on Nananita’s cherry crochet number and Eechaeroi’s blue tasselled option. Inside, I’ll tuck Monokel’s tinted sunnies for guaranteed blue skies, and on my ears, F&H Studios’ hammered hoops bring an edgier take on the classic style. Finally, my birthday is fast approaching, so I’m putting Simuero’s perfectly chunky ring here, in case my friends are reading this.

Gitika Garg, assistant editor – art, design and style

There’s a capri-sized hole in my wardrobe that only these grey Paloma Wool pants can fill. I tried them on a few weeks ago and completely fell in love with their low waist and perfect crop below the knee. I spotted the brand’s stretch-jersey belt on the same shopping trip, which doubles as a top and would pair perfectly with the new pants. Melbourne’s not warm enough for this outfit yet, and neither are Deiji Studios’ wide-leg cargos or Bassike’s cotton dress, but that won’t stop me lusting after any of it.

Elsewhere, I’m on the hunt for a new bag, something sculptural and conversation-starting. I’ve loved Chinese label Tad Fab and its slouchy Softie silhouette for a while, and this new olive colour is firmly on the wishlist. But then again, so is this voluminous, satin-effect Margiela number. For something more dazzling, I’ve joined the waitlist for a gemstone-encrusted bag by Alchique 001, a small American label I discovered recently. It feels like a cooler, more unexpected alternative to Rabanne’s chainmail style.

Gabriella Dolfo, sales and partnerships manager

Sydney is 20 degrees at the time of writing this, so it’s not too early to be spring shopping, right? I love to find pieces that can be worn across a minimum of three seasons, and one style I know I’ll wear year-round is Emily Watson’s midi handkerchief skirt. I’ll pair it with boots when it’s cold, then swap to Marni’s cute ballet flats come summer.

My Depop algorithm recently served me Ossinger’s satin shorts – unfortunately, they weren’t in my size, so I’m buying them new. They’re handmade and take around four weeks to make, so the timing feels pretty perfect. I’m picturing them with a fitted corset-style top, like this one by Ginn, which I spotted at my all-time favourite store, So Familia. I’ll wear it over Fruity Booty’s frill bra, with the lace peeking through.

To round things out, I’m also after a new pair of sunglasses. I’m tired of wearing the same pair on repeat, and Tom Ford’s wraparound frames feel like they’ll see me through the whole season.

Meg Nolan, social media performance executive

I can finally see the light at the end of the (winter) tunnel, and I’m celebrating with pieces that are fun rather than practical. First cab off the rank: a statement bag. I’m a sucker for zebra print, and this F&H Studios style is the perfect size for me – big enough to fit a drink bottle, but not so big that I’d take someone out if I turned around too quickly.

As a Melburnian who hates wearing layers, I’m always on the hunt for long-sleeve tops that feel dressy enough to wear out at night. The clasp detail on this Chan Luu jacket recently caught my eye, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. It’d go a long way to dressing up these olive barrel-leg pants, but they’d look just as good dressed down with a satin bomber jacket and New Balance’s classic black sneakers.

Jewellery-wise, I’m craving something chunky and silver, like this cuff bracelet. It’s the kind of easy-to-wear piece that instantly gives an outfit more personality. And speaking of outfits, the Olivia Dean dress for the Olivia Dean concert would be pretty iconic, no? Option B would be something a little more fun and flirty, like this Rat & Boa number. Decisions, decisions.

Grace MacKenzie, Sydney food and drink editor

I’m cold! And over it. But the end is near and the pieces in my cart are bright enough to keep me warm (and sane) till the sun comes back. Starting with the daffodil-coloured mules from Radical Yes – I’m into the squared-off toe and the fact I can just slip them on. Is it too much colour if I pop Assembly’s tangerine socks underneath? We’ll see. Pared back with Neuw’s black barrel jeans (currently on sale on The Iconic) and the texture of Brie Leon’s beaded Madera tote – and the colour mash works. While I was in the sale section, this scoop-backed Damson Madder top made it into the cart too, a trusty switch for Deji’s puff-sleeved number. Jeans and a girly top? Forever and always.

Holly Bodeker-Smith, newsletter editor

I’m starting to feel like the late, great Nikki Grahame from UK Big Brother when I needlessly complain about how cold it is. Well, more layers it is. I’m currently eyeing off Pinky & Kamal’s new Inside Out top and Zip Up hoodie, and Thinking Mu’s ethereal knitted cardigan to make winter a little brighter. For those sunny days that show up every few weeks, I’ll be stepping out in Aere’s cotton barrel-leg pants and the billowy season shirt from Kowtow’s latest drop. On the shoes front, I’m always dreaming of Radical Yes’s timeless pairs, and currently have the Petit Palais buckle shoe on my wishlist.