The Edit: Key Pieces For AW16

The autumn/winter season naturally paves the way for heavier armour and a fair bit more drama than the spring/summer collections allow. This was perhaps even more true for AW16, with collections being shown that were boldly sumptuous and deeply rooted in historical reference. Here's our pick of a key few pieces for an update:

THE CAPE

No garment makes you feel invincible quite like a cape does. As it has become an outerwear mainstay, it's wise to invest in a cape to create bold architectural silhouettes all season round.

L-R: VILSHENKO Erin Cape, RED VALENTINO Scalloped Cape with Crest Buttons, BURBERRY Knit Jacquard Blanket Cape — **L-R:** VILSHENKO Erin Cape, RED VALENTINO Scalloped Cape with Crest Buttons, BURBERRY Knit Jacquard Blanket Cape

A GLAM SHOE-BOOT

A lace-up peep-toe boot is the ideal transitional shoe and plays on the alluring conceal-reveal appeal in its own way by concealing the ankles and exposing the toes. This season's favorite tactile styles are in velvet and suede.

L-R: JIMMY CHOO Mavy Velvet Boots, AQUAZZURA Lace-Up Boots, GIANVITO ROSSI Leather-Trimmed Suede Ankle Boots — **L-R:** JIMMY CHOO Mavy Velvet Boots, AQUAZZURA Lace-Up Boots, GIANVITO ROSSI Leather-Trimmed Suede Ankle Boots

FLUTED SLEEVES

Championed by Roksanda Ilincic, flared, fluted and bell-shaped sleeves add both a regal and sculptural feel to Autumn/Winter '16's dresses.

L-R: ROKSANDA Margo Long Sleeve Crepe Dress, MARY KATRANTZOU Desmine Printed Crepe de Chine Dress, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Knit Flared Dress — **L-R:** ROKSANDA Margo Long Sleeve Crepe Dress, MARY KATRANTZOU Desmine Printed Crepe de Chine Dress, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Knit Flared Dress

SOMETHING SAINT LAURENT

AW16 was Hedi Slimane's last season for Saint Laurent, and many assert that the 80s-glamour inspired collection was his best. With the much-discussed Hedi era now at a close, it would be wise to attain a part of fashion history.

L-R: Cropped Sequined Crepe Jacket, Layered Shoulder Mini Dress, Monogramme Teen Leather Shoulder Bag — **L-R:** Cropped Sequined Crepe Jacket, Layered Shoulder Mini Dress, Monogramme Teen Leather Shoulder Bag

A STATEMENT MAXISKIRT

Every well-edited closet needs a long princess-like skirt to pair with a simple top and sashay around in. As maxi-skirts have become a new staple over the past several years, AW16's styles get updated with impeccable prints and textured jacquard detailing.

L-R: ETRO Paisley-Print Silk Maxi Skirt, STELLA MCCARTNEY Cat Print Skirt, VALENTINO Garden Party Maxi Skirt — **L-R:** ETRO Paisley-Print Silk Maxi Skirt, STELLA MCCARTNEY Cat Print Skirt, VALENTINO Garden Party Maxi Skirt

SLEEK HARDWARE

Previously chunky hardware has been traded in for elegant minimalist cylindrical versions.

L-R: DELPOZO Cross Carry Bag, DELPOZO Shoulder Bag, M2MALLETIER La Fleur du Mal Bag — **L-R:** DELPOZO Cross Carry Bag, DELPOZO Shoulder Bag, M2MALLETIER La Fleur du Mal Bag

A FINE COCKTAIL RING

Some of us will just never do dainty jewelry. While a cocktail ring was predominantly a costume thing for a while, the demand for a bold, beautifully crafted forever piece has been increasing.

L-R: SABINE GETTY Trinita Verde Ring, WENDY YUE Tourmaline & Blue Zircon Ring, FERNANDO JORGE Fusion Cross Ring — **L-R:** SABINE GETTY Trinita Verde Ring, WENDY YUE Tourmaline & Blue Zircon Ring, FERNANDO JORGE Fusion Cross Ring