Italians are known for two things: their love of food and their penchant for fashion. The Italian style is characterised by an unfussy approach: luxurious fabrics and high quality investment pieces that form the backbone of the wardrobe, because it’s always worth splurging when you’ll wear (and love) it forever, and playful pieces that are thrown in for good measure. A purse embroidered with delicate beads, for instance, or a fringe-trimmed skirt that sways when you move. It’s the kind of approach that’s something of a North Star — regardless of how old you are or what you already have hanging in your wardrobe, prioritising carefully-crafted pieces that are guaranteed to weather both time and trends when you buy is a fail-safe method for building a wardrobe that evolves with you.  

It’s an ethos that lies at the heart of iconic Italian brand Weekend Max Mara. Launched in 1983 as a more laid-back take on Max Mara’s impossibly chic workwear and formal pieces, Weekend was designed for the woman who sought to be equal parts elegant and comfortable off-duty. Fast forward 40 years, and the brand is the perfect example of how women want to dress today: considered and sophisticated, yet casual and cool. Now, Weekend Max Mara is laying down roots for the first time in Sydney’s CBD. Ahead of the store’s opening in the QVB, we’ve pulled together an edit of pieces to have you dressing like an Italian.  

This cotton canvas shirt dress can be dressed up with a waist-cinching belt and camel pumps for a monochromatic office look, or can be worn loosely buttoned with sandals on a hot day. 

Cotton canvas Shirt Dress, $870 from Weekend Max Mara, Ground Level  

 Italians know that sometimes all it takes to look effortlessly chic is a really good blazer. This double-breasted one is made from 100% Virgin wool and promises to make even the most casual of outfits look seriously cool. 

Double Breasted Woollen Cloth Blazer, $1175 from Weekend Max Mara, Ground Level  

Never underestimate the power of great denim to make you look like you’ve just stepped off a busy Milanese street. An oversized shirt nonchalantly tucked and an oversized bag made from buttery leather clutched under the arm add the finishing touches.  

Denim Cargo Jeans, $530 from Weekend Max Mara, Ground Level  

Speaking of shirts, a boxy striped one lends laid-back sophistication. Wear it untucked over tailored trousers and leather mules for a modern take on officewear.  

Poplin Over Shirt, $490 from Weekend Max Mara, Ground Level  

Max Mara’s Pasticcino bag takes its cues from the brand’s Italian heritage and draws inspiration from traditional Japanese coin purses. Its oversized silhouette is equal parts novel and functional — it’s right at home tucked beneath the arm while on the move. 

Large Pasticcino Bag, $900 from Weekend Max Mara, Ground Level  

(All prices are approximate).

Visit Weekend Max Mara now open on Ground Floor