(L-R) Just a Cheap Shirt, Stella McCartney, MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela, Carin Wester, See by Chloé

Long Sleeves:

So 90′s but like totally, whatever. You can take it with you. Tie it around your waist. A slim long sleeve or button up will make a fabulous belt as you wait for the nightly chill. Plaid is rad. Iceberg is cool.

Oversized blazer:

A bulky blazer, especially in tweed like this Sonia Rykiel, can be quite warm. Just remember that your office might be quite cold and air-conditioned. I showed you how to take your look from office to party with an oversized sport coat. Use yours from fall.

Cape:

Ah that cape you invested in like this Hussein Chalayan piece that made the perfect top layer to seal in extra warmth is now your only source of cover. No, you’ll be dressed underneath, but keep it the layers light, and the bottom tight.

Wide Leg:

These  Matthew Ames pants are more of a harem while Behnaz Sarafpour works it wide, but any pant with volume (and light enough texture) can stay a staple in your wardrobe as we move into summer. Pants like this would werq at work.

Crop Top Sweater:

Timo Weiland has sandwiched this thick knit crop top between a button down and a heavy coat. For spring, take those layers away and rock the crop with a high waist skirt or shorts. Throw a bandeau underneath for that extra in-case-I-get-warm layer.

Seems like there’s a bit of grittiness on the Spring 2011 runways, and a whole whiskey barrel full of it at Hermes Pre-Fall 2011.

Hermes’ equestrian heritage lends itself to the western feel. Belting the jacket is not just for silhouette’s sake, but for utility, and we realize again that fanny packs are dead useful. And howdy do there black flat brim hat!

Lanvin, especially with the briefcase in tote, makes me think of taking daddy’s jacket and tightening it about the waist.

Matthew Ames narrowed in on the essence of what will make a plaid skirt work.

Marc Jacobs gives us a skirt with the length and volume we need. Those colors make it a bit too cheerful for actual grit, though.

To get super authentic, just steal your man’s coat, like this Ferragamo, and ride off to seek vengeance.

Revealing the Spring/Summer ’09 collection, Matthew Ames has let us in on a stylish pursuit of perfection. The line is a unique blend of dresses, which work together to reveal an undeniable talent. Exploring the architectural aspect of design, focusing more on shape and form rather than color, the label features dresses for the independent woman. Each piece exemplifies the perfect touch of elegance, but not without adding in a dab of flair. With colors such as blacks and whites, it’s clear that the designer is looking to make a bold statement as the designs strut their stuff down the street.

Thanks Popgloss

Matthew Ames is an Australian designer whose collection of Halstonesque dresses has been producing a stir since it’s inception in 1982. Of course, after grabbing national attention in his native land, the designer went MIA, working for a few bespoke tailors in England. In 2003 the designer made a small return to fashion with a private show at his atelier.

Enjoying his own private universe, Mattherw Ames is a reclouse in the fashion world, deciding not to get caught up in the big Anna Wintour run machine, choosing to show his collection to smaller, more select audiences.  His geometric cuts meet impecabble tailoring in a colletion that borders on the ideal of a futuristic landscape. Check out some picks from his Spring Summer 2009 collection.