This season, sneakers are taking a back seat while flats take centre stage. Read: added polish, without sacrificing comfort. Ballet flats, Mary Janes, and classic loafers are updated with luxe textures and unexpected details. Tory Burch’s Reva heeled ballet and Basque's textural Mary Janes (available at Myer) feel chic enough for the office yet playful for weekend brunch. Coach’s chunky platform loafers are a statement in and of themselves ⁠–⁠ ⁠best paired with razor short hemlines and thick tights. Wittner’s woven ballet flats tap into the season’s textural obsession (they look great with denim), while Maje offer a new-season take on the on-trend boat shoe, a backless update in chic brown leather.

Knee-high boots are taking over this autumn, replacing the traditional ankle style with a utilitarian silhouette that elongates and commands attention. Wittner's take is sleek and versatile, while Camilla and Marc’s ‘Rowan’ boot delivers architectural polish. There’s a certain pragmatism to the chunky, flat styles at Cos and Merchant, while Zara offers an understated riding homage. Perfect under mid-length skirts and dresses ⁠–⁠ or, if you’re feeling particularly equestrian, over slim-leg jeans ⁠–⁠ opt for neutral tones and earthy textures, like burgundy suede and brushed brown leather.

We’re hanging up our beloved bucket bags this season, and refocusing our attention on sculptural crescent silhouettes. Celine’s new creative director Michael Rider first ignited our obsession, sending slouchy half-moon totes down the runway, fastened with gold hardware and finished in sumptuous tan leather. There are great iterations from Australian brands like Oroton and St. Agni (available at Incu), the former’s ‘Florence’ bag is an everyday tote finished in embossed leather, while the latter has a throw-it-over-your-shoulder cool factor. Mimco’s ‘Dolly’ bag (available from David Jones) ups the ante with gold and silver embellishments, while Sportsgirls’ high street take comes in on-trend croc skin.

The classic cat-eye has given way to bold, rectangular frames this season. Think of it as an elegant take on the Y2K redux. Gentle Monster’s ‘Gamot’ style offers geometric precision, while Ray-Ban’s ‘Zuri’ style (available at Sunglass Hut) blends easy glamour with everyday pragmatism. Gucci, courtesy of ombre pink-to-blue lenses and crystal embellished G motifs, and Loewe, with their acetate-finished style in vibrant purple. Forever New’s ‘Ayla’ style showcases a more restrained take on the trend, finished with minimalist metal frames.