With so much fashion existing online, there’s something refreshing about trying pieces on in-store after eyeing them first on a little screen. Enter Just Browsing: We’re taking you into the fitting room as we preview the newest collections from some of our favorite high-street brands and contemporary labels. We’ll get into fabric and quality, fit and feel, and so much more as we make our way through the shop floor. Happy scrolling (and strolling)!
On a drizzly, cold April morning in SoHo, I found myself stumbling into a whole other world, a Bottega Green-clad one to be exact. At 9 a.m., I had the store to myself, soaking in the metal displays full of beautiful handbags in even more beautiful colored leathers. As I walked through round-edged resin clothing rails filled with pieces from the spring/summer 2025 collection, and perused unique fashion jewelry inside grand wooden cases, I realized that while I could tell you which shoes were styled with look 15, and which pieces I wanted to shoot for our Vogue Shopping spring editorial, it’s not often I get the opportunity to wear a head-to-toe look from a luxury brand like Bottega Veneta.
After settling into a green paradise of a fitting room, I tried on a handful of pieces from the current collection; from the assortment of new season footwear to the effortlessly cool spring jackets, and of course all of the brand’s It bags, there was a lot to lust after. One thing’s for certain, if this tassel skirt, funnel neck jacket, and baroque pearl earrings, weren’t already on my wish list, they certainly are now. Here, a look into everything I tried on.
Tassel Happy
One of my favorite looks from the spring runway show included this white leather skirt. Tassel details are having a moment right now, whether it’s on bag charms, as rope belts, necklaces, or in this case hanging from the hem of a midi. I tried it on immediately. For some extra height and to elongate the look of my legs, the Riva mules were the perfect shoe. To tie it all together, I grabbed the “Dustbag” in a similar rich burgundy hue. The squishy pouch is one of those really good designs that can go day to night—throw in all of your essentials and be out the door, looking incredibly chic.
Spring Capsule, Sorted
A spring wardrobe must include these items: a loafer, a light jacket, blue jeans, and a raffia bag. The current offerings at Bottega Veneta check all of those boxes, with a stylish twist. You’ll find an effortlessly cool slip on version of the classic penny loafer, called the Astaire, complete with the house’s signature metallic knot. As for transitional outerwear, we’re seeing a lot of cropped silhouettes right now, which feel really fresh and modern, including this funnel neck jacket and cotton zip front coat worn above. On denim, while these look like jeans, they’re actually not. The brand is no stranger to trompe l’oeil, remember the leather jeans and flannel shirts from SS23? Lastly, raffia bags. One of my favorite ways to bride the gap between seasons is by styling opposite items with each other. Think: leather jackets or trench coats with a basket bag, cashmere knits and wool trousers with flip-flops. Here, the Andiamo tote in raffia and leather does exactly that. Wear it now and all summer long.
All in the Details
You can find the recognizable woven leather on more than the handbags. Case in point: a cotton twill jacket with a removable intrecciato collar. I love a contrasting collar in a jacket, whether it’s a barn jacket or zip-up style like this one. This khaki blouson offers a classic look similar to a cropped trench, but acts as a stylish alternative to the quintessential spring jacket. An elastic hem sits just right a top denim and trousers, a silhouette that feels very now, and sported by many stylish Fashion Month goers this past season. Bottega Veneta’s denim often includes an interesting detail that sets the pair apart from your everyday jean, like a leather or suede patch for example. When it comes to white denim, I love ivory or cream hues versus a stark chalk. This pair feels more fashion compared to your typical bright summer whites, and makes for a dressy jean option for all year round.
Heirloom in the Making
Larger-than-life top-handle carryalls are a handbag silhouette we can’t get enough of this season, and while the industry is generally moving away from quiet luxury, here’s one style from the aesthetic that’s sticking around. The Ciao Ciao is an ultra-luxe option that’s timeless and chic—its soft, slouchy shape has that desirable worn-in look, as if it was passed down from a previous generation. While a swishy white midi skirt and navy trench were perfect company to this modern Milanese look, the Ciao Ciao would feel equally apropos completing a travel or weekend outfit. Make it your own with a bag charm or scarf.
Timeless Totes
While creative directors come and go, there’s one thing that remains certain: the codes and crafts unique to the house. The Cabat bag, a classic open-top tote, for example, uses intreccio, a hand-braided technique that’s slightly different than the intrecciato weave you might associate with the brand, taking artisans two days to complete. For those making the investment, there’s an array of colors and sizes to suit your needs. I gravitated towards the mini, which is your favorite?
But Wait, There’s More…
In addition to the runway pieces, spring shoes, and timeless handbags worn above, there was no shortage of giftable styles that caught my eye for Mother’s Day. It’s around the corner after all! Who could refuse a new wallet or stylish sneaker? Shop my edit of the best gifts, below.
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