*Alexandra wears Gucci embossed jacket, denim jeans, signoria pump and emblem bag.

The most stylish women are those who invest in a curated wardrobe that will stand the test of time. What does that mean in real terms? Well, it often means that each season they will invest in a small number of key pieces from their most-loved brands. A great new-style handbag, a joy-inducing piece of outerwear or a great pair of boots. These are the pieces that pay for themselves on a cost-per-wear basis, beautiful, stylish, and impeccably made. Here, we've curated an edit of standout pieces from the world’s most coveted luxury brands, from structured outerwear to statement boots, must-have handbags in sumptuous textures and ingredient-packed skincare essentials.

Outerwear this season strikes the perfect balance between form and function. Saint Laurent exudes effortless Parisian elegance, finished in 100% wool with a neat peaked lapel and oversized cut (we love the timeless appeal of the nude shade). At Burberry, Daniel Lee has sharpened up the brand’s signature trench coat with a longline silhouette and statement lapels in the iconic Burberry check. Miu Miu married Gen-Z cool with American-inspired prep in their chocolate brown bomber jacket – just add denim. And Bottega Veneta are the reigning masters of understated maximalism – their aviator-style jacket features a detachable shearling collar, and a cropped silhouette finished in the softest navy calf leather.

Below the ankle, we’re loving statement-making boots, slingbacks and pumps from Loewe, Gucci, Prada and Saint Laurent. Loewe’s ‘Toy Ankle’ booties feature a spindly heel and a slouchy ankle-length silhouette inspired by the waistband of leather trousers (Jonathan Anderson would have you wear them with equally slouchy denim, but they make a great statement with a mid-length dress too). At Gucci, minimalism is an artform. Enter stage right the brand’s knee-skimming horsebit boots with a slim, leg-hugging design and sleek patent leather finish. And at Prada, we love the utilitarian-chic appeal of the Re-Nylon lace-up booties, finished in a delicious ‘cognac’ shade and featuring the brand’s logo embossed on the side and tongue. Add a touch of colour but keep it classic with Saint Laurent's Jill Booties, featuring sharp details like its square toe and tapered heel chic, in a winter-ready colourway.

Naturally, luxury handbags are a favourite when it comes to new-season investments. Louis Vuitton’s ‘Loop’ bag is a modern crescent moon silhouette with chic gold hardware, all finished in the brand’s timeless monogram leather print. At Celine, the new ‘Camille’ style is pure French charisma, a pragmatic bucket-style with a subtle gold clasp, available in brown, snakeskin and classic black (talk about the perfect everyday tote). Bottega Veneta’s ‘Andiamo’ style is perfect for work – finished in Bottega’s signature intrecciato weave with a gold chain motif (we love this chic oxblood hue). While Loewe’s Y2K-esque Amazona shape is flirty and fresh, with its rectangular shape and playful range of colours (think pistachio and lime green). Versace’s Tag Bowling shoulder bag in this soft lilac hue with striking metal lettering, rivals classic rectangular shapes as the epitome of effortless sophistication. Riding high on the cowgirl chic revival, Balenciaga’s Rodeo handbag in ‘Tan Cowboy’ is both on-trend and a forever classic. For those embracing lighter neutrals, the Gucci GG emblem medium tote bag is a must-have – inspired by the equestrian world, it represents the House's history while acting as a versatile piece for any occasion. And touching on Y2K nostalgia again, Miu Miu’s Aventure bag channels the effortless cool of 2009, making it a timeless staple with a modern twist.

Finally, cold weather calls for a skincare upgrade, and this season’s luxury formulas are as effective as they are indulgent. YSL Beauty’s Pure Shots Night Reboot Serum revitalises skin overnight, offering a luminous glow by morning. Tom Ford Beauty’s Research Crème Concentrate provides deep hydration and combats winter dryness, ensuring a radiant complexion all season long. At Mecca, get your hands on one of the buzziest beauty collabs of the year with Sofia Coppola’s Augustinus Bader collection – a trio of wear-everyday lip colours (Mecca are the exclusive stockists of Augustinus Bader’s cult skincare Australia-wide). And finish off a great outfit with a spritz of Armani’s captivating Rouge Malachite fragrance, with its winter-friendly blend of tuberose, pink pepper, and clary sage, available at Sephora.