During Melbourne Fashion Week, the city is alive with runway shows and presentations featuring the work of local designers, drawing fashionable crowds to the cultural capital’s hotspots. And what does every runway show need? Models, of course. While the fashion on the catwalk naturally piques our interest, we’re equally as fascinated by the off-runway looks of all those effortlessly cool models. Long revered as the ultimate fashion muse, models’ street style is the definition of insouciant cool, and we’re taking notes.

So what exactly constitutes the off-duty model look? It’s not one particular trend or outfit, but rather an approach to dressing. It relies on quality staples — think relaxed cut jeans, an oversized white shirt, beautifully-aged outerwear — worn with pieces of the moment, like an It-bag, an IYKYK shoe, subtle but sophisticated jewellery. The looks are classic but with a modern, cool-without-trying edge. They’re comfortable, too, which is always a bonus.

This month, we’re taking our cues from the models traipsing around the city. We’ve pulled together a model off-duty edit full of pieces that are easy, chic and achingly cool.

The Everything Bag

There’s plenty of waiting around during fashion week, so savvy models pack their bags with everything from books to noise-cancelling headphones and snacks. A bag that can fit everything (and the kitchen sink) is practically mandatory, like this one from Mulberry.

SHOP NOW: North South Bayswater Tote, $1950 from Mulberry, Ground Floor

The Perfect Jeans

Jeans that look like they’ve been worn and loved for years, while also fitting perfectly, are the backbone of a model’s well-appointed wardrobe. These ones from Ksubi can be worn long or cuffed, depending on your destination.

SHOP NOW: Low Rider Cuffed Aged Jeans, $239 from Ksubi, Ground Floor Little Bourke Street

An Oversized Shirt

A white shirt is infinitely versatile, and an oversized version adds instant cool to any outfit. Wear it open over a cami or with a pair of baggy jeans, sleeves rolled just so. Viktoria and Woods have nailed the cut with their Goliath shirt.

SHOP NOW: Goliath Shirt, $350 from Viktoria and Woods, Level 2

The Forever Coat

Models know you don’t go anywhere without a trench handy; it’s the ultimate piece of transeasonal outerwear, perfect for throwing over an outfit when running between casting calls and shows. We love this slate version from Camilla and Marc.

SHOP NOW: Reyes Trench Coat, $650 (RRP $950) from Camilla and Marc, Level 2

Cool Kicks

Leave it to the most stylish of the pack to pull off these chunky dad-style sneakers from New Balance. They’re surprisingly wearable though, and look especially cool with baggy shorts and slouchy socks.

SHOP NOW: New Balance 530, $159.99 from Hype DC, Lower Ground

Chic Sunglasses

Sunglasses to hide from the cameras when running from show to show are essential, and the bolder, the better. These Furla ones are angular and make a statement.

SHOP NOW: Furla Sunglasses, $299 from Furla, Ground Floor