Elements of urban sophistication that's relaxed yet elegant can be seen in Banana Republic's latest line.

Scarlet red silk satin sleeveless top is worn with a black military-style blazer and distressed skinny jeans. A cowl neck mini sweater dress, also in red, looks even more striking when paired with black opaque tights.

"Soy silk" transforms casual tees into satiny separates. Aggressive zippers top coquettish skirts. A crisp white shirt becomes a statement of downtown chic.

The new silhouette-featuring gently layered volume at the shoulders and a lean leg-lifts and elongates the form. Tactile fabrics envelope the body via cocooning knits, smart jackets and the chunky scarf. From the draped shoulder shift dress to the silk-trimmed cardi, these separates impart an air of understated ease.

Across fashion seasons, a solid foundation becomes paramount for both women and men. For her, skinny pants, either in charcoal denim or matte black leather-pair perfectly with the lace-up bootie in velvety suede. For him, the super soft chino serves as a strong base for shawl-collar cardigans, waxy leather motorcycle jackets and military-style blazers.

Rugged rope details finish off dapper peacoats, button-downs are left unfastened and the two-button suit is modernised with sporty zip cardigans beneath. Treasured pieces-including the moleskin coat and city boots-pair perfectly with confident essentials like crewneck sweaters and an army-style jacket.

In terms of accessories, the cross-body chain-link purse plays a major role in as does the exaggerated beret and elbow-skimming leather gloves-two finishing touches that are as much about weathering the elements, as they are accents for modern drama.