Team FQ celebrate the start of Autumn with a look at what we are wearing

16 March 2020
By Fashion Quarterly

The new season is here, and although some of us are not quite ready to part with our slides and beloved summer days, autumn brings with it a new, crisp take on the world… and our wardrobes.

After spending the last few weeks poring over runway and street style inspiration from fashion weeks across the globe, Team FQ are turning inwards to reassess our sartorial decisions and take on the coming months.

Sustainability is a term that can be heard throughout the Fashion Quarterly offices almost hourly, so when it comes to choosing pieces that will stand the test of time in not only our own wardrobes but also our readers’ wardrobes, we are always looking for quality fabrications and brands that are committed to encouraging their customers to make conscious clothing decisions.

Max has been an integral part of the New Zealand retail landscape since 1986; a pillar of the country’s malls and regional high streets. For many Kiwi women, it has been their trusted source of everything from workwear to casual separates and the “going out” tops that defined the 2000s. Fast forward almost two decades and Max continues to evolve following its rebrand with conscious clothing and sustainability at front of mind.

Scroll down for some autumnal inspiration and find out what Team FQ are wearing and how we are styling Max’s new collection. 


Emma Gleason, features director

“I guess you could say I have a vintage look; my wardrobe is a mix of new and secondhand, all enduring pieces. This blanket-check jacket is perfect for autumn. It’s rustic, which I love, and the palette is flattering and exceptionally versatile. I also love the modernity of its boxy silhouette – it would look great with high-waisted wide leg pants. Here though I went with a black satin skirt to add a luxe touch. Paired with my old black turtleneck it creates a streamlined and cohesive base layer. I like to wear berets, they’re chic and practical – this one is vintage.”

Emma wears: Max slip skirt & Eden cropped jacket (coming soon)


Jessica-Belle Greer, features editor

“On busy days in the office, I opt for simple and chic outfits that give me confidence so I can get on with the tasks at hand. Made with 30 per cent recycled cashmere and 40 per cent wool, Max’s classic V neck jumper is a conscious and cosy choice for autumn, especially in the warm ‘brule’ colourway. I’m wearing it with the Lexington wide leg crop jean. Made from organic cotton, they feel great and the flare looks flattering with any pair of heels. This 100 per cent silk shirt is effortless. The cuffs turn out into a slight straight flare when unbuttoned, a cool touch if you appreciate the details like me. I’ve styled these timeless pieces with my vintage Christian Dior clip-ons. With earrings, I like to layer a necklace under my top to add some subtle detail while keeping its pendant close to my heart. I typically only choose one jewellery statement at a time, and it’s nice to wear something just for you.”

Jessica-Belle wears: Silk shirt, Recycled cashmere blend sweater & Lexington wide leg crop jeans


Ruby Hamilton, digital content producer

“With the change of season I always feel inspired to reassess my current go-to’s and see what I can add to my wardrobe that will remain timeless. I think I have found that with this trench coat! A classic shape that is sometimes harder to find than you’d think! This camel tone is super chic and I’m looking forward to pairing it with neutrals for creamy, tonal look. But paired with a straight  leg jean and tee is super easy and an easy outfit to rinse and repeat, especially for work. When it comes to t-shirts the softer, the better! Max have really nailed it with these 100% polished cotton tees made from high quality, sustainably sourced fibers and knowing that the quality will go the distance is a definite yes to invest.”

Ruby wears: the perfect tee, trench coat & organic cotton straight leg jeans


 

Kelly McAuliffe, digital director

“I like my clothes to work really hard for me – I don’t want to add something to my wardrobe unless it’s going to stand the test of time and be something that I can wear a lot with various items I already own. I basically have the same wardrobe for work and weekend, so I justify purchases that are versatile in that respect too.

I was instantly drawn to this linen blouse in the shade ‘Amazon’ from Max as I’m all for a statement sleeve, plus the colour is just divine and so easy to mix and match with the other autumnal clothes I have which tend to be black, denim and beige. The fact that it’s 100% linen means it’s also a great trans-seasonal piece – perfect on warmer days to keep you cool (I’d wear with some shorts or a skirt) or come autumn, layered over or under a full-length dress as I’ve done here with Max’s black slip dress. The dress itself is a keep-forever piece that is super flattering thanks to its waist tie and side slits, but it ticks that versatility box in that it can be worn a multitude of ways and for a multitude of occasions. Being from Max’s ‘can’t live without’ range, I’m also reassured that it’s been consciously designed and made in a sustainable fabric, which has also become a big factor for me when it comes to new purchases.”

Kelly wears: The slip dress & Stephanie gathered linen blouse (coming soon)


Gemma Nott, designer

“I like to be able to keep things easy and comfortable by wearing more of a smart casual wardrobe to work – I don’t want to have to think too hard about what I’m wearing and I’m really lucky that I work in quite a creative environment, so I’m able to to do that. Most days I will opt for a classic blazer/white tee/denim jeans/sneakers combo, and love that it’s now acceptable and fashionable to wear sneakers to work.

I have styled together the organic straight leg jean in mid wash denim with ‘The Perfect’ white tee with Max’s Isabella Check Blazer (which feels incredible on and has a really nice lining). I love how timeless the ‘can’t live without’ range is and that it’s made with high-quality sustainable fabrics.”

Gemma wears: the perfect tee, Isabella check blazer (coming soon) & organic cotton straight leg jeans


This article is brought to you in partnership with Max. To shop the collection and find out more about their commitment to sustainability, head to maxshop.com.

Photos: Rebekah Robinson

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