Hip, versatile and practical. Here are the 18 fail-proof wardrobe updates to own now.

1. Chloe Spring/Summer 2012 collection

Full of flattering, feminine silk tunic blouses, pleated skirts and A-line dresses. With clean, fluid lines and graphic block patterns in pleasing peach, cream and beige – how can you ever go wrong?

 

2. Theyskens’ Theory jeans 

Who says you can’t wear denim to work? These come with oh-so-clever cuts. Like the new relaxed straight fit with curved hemlines. And they’re not your average blues – this season includes a rusty, acid-washed red. Match them with a blouse on casual Fridays. At Club 21b.

 

3. Celine bangles

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Brass and stone cuffs with lambskin lining, $1,350 each.

If you love how this French label does minimalist with a clever X-factor, you won’t be able to resist its cuffs. We can’t. Not when they’re this bold yet sleek and have fun details like rainbow-coloured studs. Statement-making. Yet office-friendly.

 

4. Alexander Wang sandals

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 Leather sandals, price unavailable

 

leather gladiator sandals, price unavailable

His footwear’s uber sexy, though not in the traditional sense. Fuss-free, with razor-sharp lines from the signature ankle straps to the just-right 4.5 inch-high heels. The colour palette: ever-reliable black and white. Goes with both your LBD and pantsuit.

 

5. Raoul silk blouses

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Silk chiffon and cotton lycra blouse, $229

The new alternative to your classic white shirt – just look at what Fashion Week It girls like stylist Giovanna Battaglia are wearing. How the homegrown label updates it: super-clean lines and colour blocking with pastels. Relaxed, yet sophisticated. For work and play.

 

6. CK Calvin Klein sheaths

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From left: Viscose sheath (price unavailable), Silk sheath, $690, Polyester sheath, $590)

You can’t go wrong with the clean, slightly A-line cut – flattering and very easy to wear. (Just slip on and go.) They’re frills-free with attention to modest necklines and subtle, sophisticated finishes like embossed croco. And they always come in dependable neutrals. Takes you from work to cocktails – just grab your highest heels.

 

7. Tess Giberson blazers

We love this New Yorker’s minimalist tailored jackets. Extra long, lean and fluid – they’re smart yet feminine. (Definitive modern It girl style.) The signature monotone palette adds to the cool girl appeal. The kind of coat you can throw over anything for instant chic. At multi-label boutique Ambush 02 at Mandarin Gallery, which opens in February.

 

8. Metal matter

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 Eddie Borgo silver and gold-plated brass cuff, £272 (S$557), from 
Net-a-porter.com.

 

CK Calvin Klein 
gold-plated stainless steel bangle watch, $580, from Tangs.

 

Gold lends a touch of luxe to any ensemble. Our favourite timeless combo? The metallic hue with white.

 

9. Michael by Michael Kors knits

Trust the American sportswear master to come up with such effortless basics in his diffusion line. Think slightly slouchy tees and sweaters made from comfy cashmere or silk blends. The mainstay print: classic stripes. Perfect for layering with anything – from your skinny jeans to chinos.

 

10. Neon pouches

Brown is yesterday’s news. Dainty coin purses and cardholders pack a stronger punch with their fluoro accents.

 

11. Ladylike monotones

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 Silk top with embellished collar, $770, from Kate Spade

 

Constellation croco leather and stainless steel case watch with diamonds, $12,650, from Omega.

 

Black and white get feminine with Peter Pan collars, framed handbags and bejewelled watches.

12. Minimalist watches

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 O acrylic, $308

 

Twelve with stainless steel case and leather strap, $558

 

The Issey Miyake Watch Project has finally arrived on our shores. Since 2001, the Japanese label has been collaborating with six world-renowned designers to create nine watch collections – that’s 62 cool minimalist watches. The ninth and latest 10th anniversary range, the O series, is designed by Japanese industrial designer Tokujin Yoshioka. The O watch is a mere 25g, elastic and has a trendy transparent acrylic bangle. Eight collections are available here at Robinsons Marina Bay Sands.

 

13. Blush palette

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 Calf leather booties, $1,460, from Chloe

 

Patent leather pumps, $950, from Chloe

The rosy hue is the new sophisticated neutral to invest in. Opt for classic cuts and polished accessories. If you dare, wear the shade head to toe.

 

14. Chunky rings

The most wearable jewellery? A white gold sculptured ring (diamonds optional!) One is all your need.

 

15. Shoulder bags

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 Calf leather handbag, $290, from DKNY

 

Lambskin handbag with acetate link strap, $2,750, 
from Prada

 

The timeless bag is back, this time with a modern clasp and roomy enough for your iPad. But of course.

 

16. Trapeze silhouettes

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 Tibi polyester jersey dress, £299 ($612), from Net-a-porter.com.

 

Silk dress, $899, from Raoul

 

Chic for both day and night, this silhouette also flatters any body shape. We call it the comfy classic.

 

17. Shirt dresses

The new office staple: a crisp white or blue shirt dress. To make it more feminine, cinch it with a belt.

 

18. Ankle grazers

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Alexander McQueen snakeskin platform pumps (price unavailable) from Club 21

 

Woven leather platform sandals (price unavailable) from Burberr

 

Two things to know about this season’s hot shoes: they’re ankle-strapped and 
big on buckles.