Barrel-Leg Jeans, Asics’s New Collab and More Fashion on Our Editors’ June Wishlist

Winter is settling in and with it comes the urge to burrow into our wardrobe’s softest corners – cashmere wraps, brushed-back knits, or anything that promises warmth without sacrificing polish. But the cold isn’t killing anyone’s appetite for a good hunt: between vintage one-off finds and pre-order trunk shows, our editors are still chasing the thrill of something rare.

Another throughline this month is a tonal palette – ash grey, khaki and faded indigo show up through coats, denim and knitwear. Where colour does creep in, it’s via the accessories: a terracotta tote, yellow-tinted sunglasses, a pink plaid bag. Playful designer collabs are also having a moment, from Griff’s ribbon-laced Asics to Susan Fang’s phone cases for Casetify. Here’s everything we’re adding to cart this month.

Emmanuelle Lee, social media coordinator

There’s nothing I love more than an ash-grey palette and this month I’m leaning all the way in. First up is this exquisite coat from Maison Essentiele (an outfit in itself), which I imagine pairs perfectly with Chloe’s jelly mules, a style that reminds me of the princess heels I practically lived in as a child. Staying within the tonal theme, this Bao Bao Issey Miyake tote is another dream investment, especially with its metallic finish, and Gimaguas’s three-in-one dress makes for the ultimate layering piece this winter.

Darker on the colour wheel, these velour trackies by Melbourne label Rarkaza are a modern take on the Y2K Juicy Couture uniform. Just like the 2000s, sweats aren’t just reserved for home – I’ll zhoosh them with Xanthe Ficarra’s chunky beaded necklace (a recent purchase) and St Agni’s sleek perforated heels for a ’fit I could style both in and out of the office.

James Williams, creative solutions manager

I’ve been collecting 2000s DKNY and Marithé François Girbaud lately. Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe the op shops around Fitzroy have just been delivering. South Melbourne’s Swop and Chapel Street Bazaar too. Either way, the haul has been good.

But I don’t want to cosplay the era, so I’m playing the balancing game of high-low, old-new dressing. On the dressier end, these Lemaire twisted jeans are doing the heavy lifting. Blue denim tends to read casual, but black sits somewhere a little more put-together. I’ll wear them with Lemaire’s leather-trimmed sneakers, which have that same dressed-up-dressed-down energy – and conveniently satisfy the itch I’ve had for a nylon Prada pair. To round it out, my Homme Plisse quarter zip has made its annual return – a go-to elevated basic that has well earned its keep.

I’m also about to jet off on some travels and Arc’teryx’s Beta jacket is a reliable shell jacket worth packing. I’m also eyeing Hoka’s Project Transport range and a Klattermusen backpack – they’ll have me feeling adventure-ready, wherever I end up.

Gitika Garg, art, design and style editor

Every winter my wardrobe revolves around one jacket. This season, I’ve got a feeling it’ll be this khaki style from Harris Tapper. I tried it on a few weeks ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Its rounded silhouette and oversized proportions strike a sweet spot between polished and off-duty.

Earthy olive tones are emerging as a theme in my wishlist this month. I’m also eyeing Bassike’s barrel-leg jeans and a leopard-print faux fur scarf from Unreal Fur. In winter, it’s often the smaller details that make an outfit feel considered beneath all the layers. On my radar are these gold earrings, inspired by ancient Greek jewellery, and a pair of suede mules from St Agni – a sleek, pared-back alternative to the ubiquitous Birkenstock clog.

Speaking of shoes that instantly elevate an outfit, I’ve had my heart set on these embossed leather mules from Dries Van Noten – a statement piece that adds a touch of western cowboy cool to any outfit.

Simone Richardson, shopping editor

Jean Paul Gaultier mesh is iconic. The loud swirls of pattern and colour make it instantly recognisable – or so I thought. I just snapped up this vintage piece from Sydney curator Sys 362, which is far more restrained than anything else I’ve seen from the archive. Each one-off find sends my mind into outfit mania – for this one, I’m thinking these special Dries heels I scored for my 30th (shout-out to April’s wishlist for the hint) and a pair of long sculptural shorts, like these from London label Paiden.

Elsewhere, St Agni’s trunk show closes for pre-order in 10 days, and the label’s sea urchin-inspired designs are on my mind, specifically the belt and handbag. Back on dry land, I’ve been eyeing Nina b’s slouchy hobo in a distressed grey-green that’s yet to be released. Each style is hand-sewn in Melbourne from by-product leather and carries real design weight. Rounding out my list is this navy V-neck by Copenhagen label Kernemilk, stocked locally at Sucker.

Tri Nguyen, group strategy manager

I’ve been feeling blue lately. A really specific kind of blue, like indigo denim with two years of wear on it. I’ve been looking everywhere for that pair of jeans that match the colour of my mood, and I’m still not sure which pair is going to get me there.

This pair from Our Legacy is close, a faded mid-indigo with a dusty, earthy cast. These Carhartt WIP ones are lighter, a more washed-out mid-blue than true indigo. Neighborhood’s wide jeans take us darker and moodier. Sydney-via-Paris label Blue Blues has the lightest of the lot, a soft airy indigo. And Haven’s Station Pant comes in washed indigo or navy wash, which I’m honestly finding hard to tell apart. As I looked through these shades of blue, I couldn’t help but wonder: do I find the jean? Or does the jean find me?

Maisy Geddes, junior graphic designer

Now that winter’s well and truly upon us, I’ve found myself reaching for comfy pieces. I recently got my hands on a long-sleeve tee from Buddy and have fallen in love with how soft the fabric is. It’s quickly become a wardrobe staple, so I’m adding another to the rotation, starting with this delectable tomato-red shade.

As much as I love refreshing my closet, right now I’m looking to make the most of what I’ve got, investing in fun accessories to make outfit repetition a little more enjoyable. I’ve been eyeing Incu’s striped scarf for a while now, and this Witchery fringed number is perfect for adding texture to any outfit. On the shoes front, I’ve been thinking about these Miista mules since last summer – pair them with a cute sock and they’re the perfect trans-seasonal purchase.

For a hint of colour, I’m looking to Laagam’s terracotta tote to break up tonal outfits. And while sunnies aren’t a necessity right now, I’m convinced Poppy Lissiman’s yellow frames will do wonders for my winter blues.

Maggie Zhou, fashion editor-at-large

It’s cold! I recently interviewed some of Australia’s top stylists to hear what winter staples they’re coveting. The verdict? Hardworking, layered pieces that are versatile.

I really love Lee Mathews’s knit tee with capped sleeves, a delicate take on a classic T-shirt. I’m stoked that Melbourne-made label Vege Threads is back after a hiatus. Its organic relaxed long-sleeve tee is cosy and easy to layer. In the same vein, I’m looking for chocolate-toned tights and Ambra’s cable knit ones are a nice deviation from black.

I’ve been reaching for shawls and large wraps this winter, and Scanlan Theodore has a beautiful option made from a blend of Italian cashmere and extra fine merino wool. To top it off, I’ve been browsing Mulberry’s pre-loved collections; this western-inspired Blenheim handbag is at the top of my list. Plus, these Mejuri Chunky Huggie hoops are an easy everyday upgrade.

Audrey Payne, Melbourne food and drink editor

I’m a sucker for a good collab. I’ve already bought too many things from the Baggu x Sandy Liang edit, but if you haven’t there’s still time: the market plaid Dopp kit and three-pack of standard bags (including the Canal Street-inspired bunny print) are the last two SKUs left.

Elsewhere Griff, one of my favourite pop star fashion girls, has teamed up with Asics on a pair of black Gel-Cumulus 16 runners. The trainers come with white laces, but I’ll be replacing them with ribbons as she does in the campaign. Finally, Susan Fang, who is quickly becoming one of my favourite designers, has teamed up with Casetify on the Infinity in Bloom collection. There are three prints across a bunch of phone accessories and I want to go all out and pair the Lavender Mist case with the Opal Dream snappy grip stand.

Gabriella Dolfo, sales and partnerships manager

I’m officially in my winter lock-in era, and it’s my duty to look good while doing it. I’ve always admired a woman who manages to look chic while working out – I’m convinced it improves performance and I want to be her. I’m not usually one for a matching set, but I can see myself in the Pinky & Kamal capri leggings with the matching one shoulder tank. Finding the right sports bra is always a journey, but I’ve heard great things about CSB’s Form racerback crop and might have to test it myself.

I love a workout outfit that can also take you to coffee and a few errands afterwards: throw on a cute hoodie, like this Open YY zip up, and pair it with a not-so-gym gym bag like Crumpler’s Brace bag. Same goes for shoes; I usually do Pilates in toe socks and thongs, a look that doesn’t hold up in the outside world, so I’ve had my eye on this Vibram Fivefingers pair as a slightly more committed alternative. Wish me luck on this journey.