Australian Fashion Week: 5 Aussie designer must-haves for your wardrobe

With Australian Fashion Week upon us, five of the country’s most renowned designers have shared their five must-have pieces for your wardrobe this season.

With Afterpay Australian Fashion Week upon us, five of the country’s most renowned designers have shared their five must-have pieces for your wardrobe, this season.

The masterminds behind Australian fashion brands Bec + Bridge, Hansen & Gretel, St Agni, AAIZÉL, and We Are Kindred have revealed what’s ‘in’ and what’s ‘out’ and what you should be adding to your collection.

Each designer has recommended five wardrobe essentials, which can be worn separately or pieced together to form a packaged look with the inclusion of accessories.

Here are five fashion must-haves from Lizzie Renkert, Ainsley Hansen, Lara Fells, Minnie Jo, Bec Cooper and Bridget Yorston.

LIZZIE RENKERT – DIRECTOR, WE ARE KINDRED

For the director of the Australian ‘bohemian luxe’ label, 2022 is very much the year of “getting back out there” and the return to international travel has shaped her must-have fashion recommendations.

“The key pieces I am looking for this year are those with a down-to-earth wearability and trans-seasonal element that can easily translate regardless of what the weather has in store,” said the designer.

1) Luna Crochet Midi Dress – We Are Kindred

Lizzie recommends this piece for its balance between fashion-forward style, comfort and wearability. She recommends midi length dresses to meet the style demands of any occasion.

“The colour makes it a perfect choice for wear year-round, with the midi length making it something you can dress up or down as the situation demands,” she said.

2) Elsie Short Sleeve Blouse- We Are Kindred

This “update on an everyday white blouse” is recommended by Lizzie for its mandarin neckline, shorter puff sleeves and subtle cut-out sections, providing “a directional twist that makes it perfect for dressing up a casual look.”

3) The Spencer Boater – Lack of Colour

To accessorise, Lizzie has recommended her “absolute go-to” flat brimmed, boater style hat, for warmer locations and hails the ease of styling it with the existing pieces in your wardrobe.

4) Cat-Eye Sunglasses – Celine via David Jones

Lizzie recommends one of her favourite pieces of eyewear as a staple accessory for your wardrobe, for its cat-eye shape and suitability for any outfit, at any time of the year.

“Everyone should have a quality pair of sunglasses in their wardrobe,” said the director.

5) Rina Hoops – Reliquia Jewellery via The Iconic

To top off her five recommendations, Lizzie suggests adding earrings with pastel-coloured jewels for “a small touch of glamour” and “to add a bit of sparkle to an outfit.”

“I like the idea of having ‘classic’ accessories which you can wear for years and style between a variety of outfits for various occasions and events,” she said.

Fashion designer Ainsley Hansen from Hansen & Gretel. Source: Supplied

AINSLEY HANSEN – CREATIVE DIRECTOR, HANSEN & GRETEL

The director of the Sydney-based brand, who is also a new mother, stressed the importance of wardrobe essentials for this season.

“Having little time to think about my dress options, the below staples are mostly all I need,” said Ainsley.

1) Oseree Skirt – Hansen & Gretel

Ainsley recommends this black, silky mini skirt to be paired with oversized tops and outerwear and credits the versatility of the piece.

“The best thing about this skirt is you can layer it, it’s great to wear with sheer black tights or even over a silk pant” she said.

2) The Kennedy White Buttoned Shirt – Hansen & Gretel

Ainsley said a classic, good quality, oversized shirt is an absolute fundamental piece for her wardrobe, that can either be worn with pants or “doubled up as a dress.”

3) Manhattan Low-Top Sneakers – Acne Studios

Ainsley recommends adding a good pair of sneakers to your wardrobe, specifically with a platform or a little height to elevate (literally) your look. These Acne Studios sneakers are her favourite.

“I bought my first pair over three years ago and have worn them around 900 times and they are still perfect!” she said.

4) Le bob Gadjo Canvas Bucket Hat – Jacquemus

For Ainsley, a hat is a must-have accessory, especially if you spend a lot of time outside.

“My hat collection is growing weekly. This is currently my favourite however I love any kind of black cap.”

5) Astrid Oversized Blazer – Hansen & Gretel

Supporting a current fashion trend, Ainsley recommends adding an oversized blazer to your wardrobe for a “masculine edge to an outfit”. Ainsley suggests buying blazers two sizes larger than your normal size.

“Check out your father’s suits collection and add a couple of rolls to the sleeve” she said.

LARA FELLS – DESIGNER, ST AGNI

The designer of the Byron Bay originated brand prefers a minimal look, with her go-tos being denim jeans and a basic tee. This minimalist style has influenced her five recommendations for wardrobe essentials.

1) Mid-Rise Wide Legs Jeans Off White – St Agni

Lara has recently been “living” in this simple, staple piece. She says this style of jean is a perfect everyday wardrobe essential and can be pared back easily.

2) Shearling Tote Bag Natural – St Agni

This piece is highly recommended by Lara, particularly heading into the Winter season, for its “cosy” feel.

3) Small Dahlia Hoops – AGMES

Lara recommends adding silver jewellery to your wardrobe, as a simple yet effective trick for elevating a basic look. She is particularly loving the latest styles from AGMES.

4) Statement Silk Shirt – Ziah

If you’re like Lara, and prefer a monochromatic and neutral wardrobe, a statement shirt is a perfect addition to “make a subtle statement,” in her eyes.

5) Classic White Tee – St Agni
According to Lara, “again and again, you really can’t go wrong with a classic tee”.

Fashion designer Minhee “Minnie” Jo. AAIZÉL. Source: Supplied

MINHEE “MINNIE” JO – DESIGNER, AAIZÉL

Minhee emphasises the importance of being planet conscious when selecting pieces for your wardrobe this season.

“The future of fashion is planet conscious – prioritising quality over quantity, and openly supporting like-minded businesses that are leading by example”, she said.

1) Abstract Print Dress Blue – AAIZÉL

A vibrant, flattering and seasonless piece that can be transitioned from day to night is something that the AAIZÉL designer swears by. Minhee agrees with other designers who suggest a piece that can be paired to create an effortless layered look is desirable this season. This dress in particular is a hero piece from the designer’s current collection.

2) Raffia Stripe Two Tone Mini Dress – AAIZÉL

Minhee has recommended this repurposed two-tone asymmetric style of dress to create ‘theatre’ through texture, adding a “simple yet unique” touch to your wardrobe.

3) Tie Waist Coat – AAIZÉL

In Minhee’s eyes, a full length coat is a crucial element for any collection.

“I believe that every wardrobe needs at least one full length coat,” she said.

The designer credits the versatility of the piece which can be tied around the waist or worn as a straight A-line coat.

4) Off the Shoulder Ruffle Pleat Top – AAIZÉL

Another wardrobe essential recommended by Minhee is a top that can be dressed up or down. She suggested a top that has “intricate detailing to create dimension and add allure.”

5) High Waist Wide Leg Pant – AAIZÉL

According to Minhee, “these neutral toned linen/cotton blend pants are a wardrobe staple.”

The designer recommends a pant that can be paired with existing tops and pieces in your wardrobe to create “endless styling options.”

“I love to wear mine with a simple white shirt – the look is classically elegant, but also speaks to chic modernity,” she said.

Fashion designers Bec Cooper and Bridget Yorston from Bec + Bridge. Supplied.

BEC COOPER AND BRIDGET YORSTON – MANAGING DIRECTORS, BEC + BRIDGE

The managing directors of the iconic Sydney-based designer brand have recommended timeless and everlasting styles to add or perhaps reintroduce to your wardrobe.

“We’re looking back to 90s references and styles that have lasted,” they said.

1) Slip Dress, Kara Keyhole Dress- Bec + Bridge

The two designers agree that a classic slip dress is a “wardrobe staple that every woman should own”.

Bec and Bridget recommended adding a slip dress such as the Kara Keyhole dress to your wardrobe, as a perfect option for a date night look, or for a more dressed down daytime vibe that can be paired with boots or sneakers.

2) Tailored Claude Pant – Bec + Bridge

Tailored wide leg or cigarette pants and a structured blazer are no-brainer wardrobe essentials and “your sartorial signatures” in the fashion duo’s eyes.

3) Adele Maxi Skirt – Bec + Bridge

You can’t go wrong with an all season skirt and Bec and Bridge have said a “crowd favourite” mini or pencil skirt is the perfect addition to your wardrobe this season.

4) Lightweight Alana Knit – Bec + Bridge

A lightweight knit is a must for transeasonal dressing comfort, according to Bec and Bridget.

“We’re having fun playing with colour gradients this season” said Bridget.

5) Charlotte Long Sleeve Maxi Dress – Bec + Bridge

Another key piece for your wardrobe recommended by Bec and Bridget is a summer dress as “something fun and easy to slip on.”