Waistcoat, £125 and trousers, £125, Aligne; Leather sandals, £110, Jigsaw; Gold plated bracelet, £195, Tilly Sveaas; Leather bag, £295, Russell & Bromley
Reformation’s Patrizia Bowling Bag has plenty of space and inner pockets, making it useful as well as elegant. “It’s one of our top selling bags, particularly in classic black,” says Joni Pangsaeng, the brand’s senior director of design and merchandising. “The mini bag was popular for so long that we are now seeing the pendulum swing in the opposite direction. Overall, there has been a shift towards more casual, effortless dressing. Mini bags feel party-ready, whereas an oversized bag is a subtle outfit shake-up that’s inherently laid back, yet chic.”
But don’t relegate anything that wouldn’t fit the kitchen sink to the back of your cupboard just yet. Big bags look great with a skimpier or more streamlined outfit, but something smaller (think Strathberry’s Crescent Basket, or the Le Teckel from Alaïa) looks just right with wide-leg denim and an oversized trench.
“Expressive looks are all about tension,” says Bornstein. “We never want to feel like we are just one thing, or playing into one aesthetic.” So try looking at your favourite pieces with a fresh eye this summer: an unexpected pairing here and a little proportion play there is the easiest way to bring your wardrobe bang up to date.