Image credit: courtesy of Bassike

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For more information about Vogue Australia Fashion’s Night Out, visit our VAEFNO page here.

The streets of Sydney and Melbourne are set to glow a little brighter this October, as Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out (VAEFNO) stages its annual return. In 2023, the shopping bonanza will begin in Sydney’s CBD, gracing the city centre on October 19, before making its way down to Victoria in conjunction with Melbourne Fashion Week on October 26. Expect live performances, interactive installations, and of course, plenty of opportunities to shop from your favourite retailers—at a fraction of the price. Also to look forward to are the series of pop-up runways that will, well, pop up across the two capitals. 

Looking to invest in a party ensemble ahead of the silly season? Turn to fashion labels like Hansen & Gretel, Song For The Mute and Aje, whose frocks and suits will take you from day to night with ease. If you’re more of a beauty fanatic, VAEFNO has you taken care of, with deals across brands like Skinceuticals and larger retailers like David Jones, where you can have your pick of serums, lipsticks and other bathroom shelf staples. And if you’re on the hunt for homewares, Dinosaur Designs and In The Roundhouse are just some of the brands offering discounts at this year’s event. A little interior sprucing, whether that be with a statement platter or vase, goes a long way.

As VAEFNO rolls around, we ask our editors what they’re adding to cart, from shorts and drop-waist dresses, to shades and a cheeky bottle of rosé.

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“This is on the summer wish list from cute Aussie owned resort wear brand, Terry-T.” —Emma Kalfus, executive fashion editor

SHOP NOW: Cruise poncho in sunflower, $275 from Terry-T 

“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a collector of cleft-toe shoes. I put all my Tabis on regular rotation—rarely am I seen without them—and so far, they’re all staple silhouettes, from ballerina flats to block heel pumps. This VAEFNO, I think I’m ready to welcome a more daring shape, like this strappy number in cream. Silver or crimson ones next” —Gladys Lai, content editor

SHOP NOW: Maison Margiela Tabi pumps in white, $1,500 from Marais

“I’ll be completing my set—I have the pants already—with this top. The consideration Song For The Mute gives to fabrics is really up there with top tier European fashion houses which means this jersey is so featherlight it’s a secret summer win: it completely lets the air in with its technical construction, so no arriving to the office on sweltering days as a hot mess.” —Alice Birrell, fashion features director

SHOP NOW: Long sleeve twisted shirt floral jersey, $645 from Song For The Mute

“I’ve got a million weddings coming up in the next year, so I’m always on the hunt for formal dresses. I’ll be hitting up Aje and Bianca Spender, who both have deals on this VAEFNO.” —Francesca Wallace, director of digital strategy

SHOP NOW: Cordelia corseted maxi dress, $625 from Aje

“A new pair of sunglasses are my favourite way to ring in summer and these red Prada ones from Sunglass Hut seem like the perfect pair for me!” —Isabella Mamas, fashion assistant

SHOP NOW: Prada blue sunglasses, $694 from Sunglass Hut

“Jasmin Rouge by Tom Ford is unlike anything I’ve smelled before—it’s a potent white floral with a dark and sophisticated quality, grounded by an amber base. Many fragrances are eye-wateringly expensive these days, but I find Tom Ford’s unique blends are always worth the splurge, especially when they’re this simple, unique and memorable.” —Jonah Waterhouse, assistant fashion features and news editor

SHOP NOW: Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge 50mL, $410 from David Jones

“I’m such a sucker for a summer bag swap-out, and this new incarnation of Loewe’s famed raffia basket bag is hard to resist. I’m loving the optional shoulder strap and the structured tote shape, which makes it ideal for casual office days or long lunches.”

SHOP NOW: Loewe A5 tote bag in raffia, $1,800 from Marais

“Thanks to VAEFNO, it’s time—time to invest in a pair of the Loewe anagram embroidered jeans that I’ve been coveting for months from Marais. Lightweight, straight leg jeans are my holy grail essential item, and I just know that this cult-favourite pair is going to take the jewel in the crown of my spring/summer capsule wardrobe.” —Nina Miyashita, content editor

SHOP NOW: Loewe Anagram cropped jeans in mid blue denim, $1,485 from Marais

“While everyone’s fighting over the next steal to wear, I’m going to stock my fridge with the best drinks—our fridges are the unsung heroes of summer. Catch me sipping on rosé champagne poolside all summer long.” —Will Lennox, content producer

SHOP NOW: Larmandier-Bernier Rosé de Saignée Cru Extra Brut, $260 from David Jones

“Nothing marks the beginning of summer like a fresh pair of sunglasses. This Prada pair has been on my wishlist all year—in simple black, the slightly winged shape is a flattering update on a classic. I also love the triangle Prada logo on the sides.” —Yeong Sassall, head of brand, Vogue Living

SHOP NOW: Prada sunglasses, $624 from Sunglass Hut

“Les Nereides was one of my favourite brands growing up, the kitsch motifs and gorgeous fine intricacy to their products will always remind me of my childhood. I love this ring which is the perfect piece to stack on my always growing ring collection.” —Isabella Mamas, fashion assistant

SHOP NOW: Blue flower and round faceted glass adjustable ring, $199 from Les Néréides

“I love these fun accessories and with a nod to the recent Miu Miu spring/summer 2024 show I think I’ll be purchasing these early as perfect stocking fillers for Christmas.” —Emma Kalfus, executive fashion editor

SHOP NOW: Sunny Cord, $75 from Terry-T

“Ballerinas will be here to stay over summer and I’ve been waiting for the right time to add Balenciaga’s version to cart. The anatomical toes are an update on the Margiela Tabi—though I’m also considering those from Marais in off white.” —Alice Birrell, fashion features director

SHOP NOW: Balenciaga Fetish pump flat in black, $1,150 from Marais

“For me, the end of the year usually translates to switching to smaller everyday handbags—no need to carry around my large leather totes full of extra jumpers and scarves. So I’ll be picking up this shoulder bag by Anine Bing from David Jones. I’m obsessed with the knotted sport cording detail!” —Nina Miyashita, content editor

SHOP NOW: Anine Bing mini Gaia bag, $320 from David Jones

“As we come into wedding and events season, I plan to snap up this Hansen & Gretel black strapless dress which will work on repeat for the foreseeable future. Timeless and easy.” —Emma Kalfus, executive fashion editor

SHOP NOW: Becca dress in black, $399 from Hansen & Gretel

“Jort season in full swing and these dark blue denim are going to be part of my weekly wardrobe rotation.” —Emma Kalfus, executive fashion editor

SHOP NOW: Carmichael long short, $300 from Camilla and Marc

“As the first First Nations designer to show solo at Australian fashion week, Denni Francisco of Ngali is someone we’re watching eagerly at Vogue. This black shirt with a beautiful silk print on the front is something I’d wear with some loose black trousers for summer, or even jeans. Ngali is also offering 50 per cent off purchases over $250 as part of VAEFNO, making now an opportune time to invest in a piece of Australian fashion week history.” —Jonah Waterhouse, assistant fashion features and news editor

SHOP NOW: Black photo print shirt, $275 from Ngali

“I keep buying colourful and gimmicky sunnies, so I’m finally gonna grow up and get some proper ones. Tortoiseshell is perfect for our summers, and this timeless silhouette should last me an age. Now I need to hope I don’t sit on them.” —Will Lennox, content producer

 SHOP NOW: Oliver Peoples sunglasses, $541 from Sunglass Hut

“I love a two-tone drop-waist dress, and this black and ochre design from Bassike fits the bill perfectly. The high-neck accentuates the elegance, while the fluttery hem on the skirt adds movement. One to wear day and night.” —Gladys Lai, content editor

SHOP NOW: Raised neck rib contrast dress, $370 from Bassike

“Since Daniel Lee took the helm at Burberry, the brand’s eyewear has been one of my favourite things about his direction; the shield aviators at spring/summer 2024, which were shaped ergonomically to fit the face, were a particular standout. I’m very into these new runway shades and given Sunglass Hut’s VAEFNO sale, I’m tossing up splurging on them for summer—even though I’d need to get them fitted with my own optical lenses!” —Jonah Waterhouse, assistant fashion features and news editor

SHOP NOW: Burberry wide-fit sunglasses, $566 from Sunglass Hut

“Completing my summer shop at the VAEFNO sale with these chunky slides.” 

SHOP NOW: MM6 Maison Margiela open-toe buckled sandals, $840 from Farfetch

“As my winter wardrobe still hasn’t been totally put to rest, I'm going to be grabbing a new pair of shorts. Black shorts are tough in summer, as they still absorb a lot of heat, these luxe Cupro ones from Song for the Mute are perfect. Like Pyjamas but I can wear them out of the house.” —Will Lennox, content producer

SHOP NOW: Elasticated shorts luxe cupro, $695 from Song For The Mute

“This is the pair I’ll be pairing my sunny cord with for summer at the beach!” —Emma Kalfus, executive fashion editor

SHOP NOW: Miu Miu sunglasses, $534 from Sunglass Hut

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