Winter may have arrived, but has your wardrobe done the same? This season is a great time to engage with current trends, explore styles you might not be able to enjoy during the warmer months and just get cosy. If you are looking for advice on how to put together an unforgettable winter wardrobe, look no further — it is right here.
Draw Inspiration from the Season's Colours
A traditional winter colour palette is all about contrast — snowy whites and icy blues offset by deep reds, forest greens, and darker blues and purples. Grounded, earthy tones, along with chromatic blacks and greys are also in. Now is the time to be bold and embrace these rich tones, especially if the famed four seasons colour analysis has identified you as a winter. Draw on this palette for your work wardrobe and bring a cooly confident vibe to the office. Start with Uniqlo's assortment of knitwear — just look at this alluring 100 per cent Australian merino wool ribbed turtleneck sweater or polo sweater and you will see what winter fashion is all about.
Speaking of the classics, THE ICONIC and Princess Polly have put together their winter essentials. Check them out for practical but chic looks. For a different approach — while it might get you some surprised glances from the true fashionistas — in the midst of winter, it can be nice to wear colours that remind you of springtime blossoms. Colour Me is Cable Melbourne's new limited-edition range, named as such for its gentle, yet vibrant hues. These mohair jumpers come in six different styles to brighten up your winter — petal, butter, denim, melon, nude and azure — and have a soft, luxurious feel.
Add Lovely Layers
Layering is one of those parts of fashion which sounds simple in concept, and it is simple — right until the moment you realise you have done it completely wrong. Sure, it is about putting different pieces on top of each other, but to really succeed at layering, those pieces need to artfully contrast colour, style and size. I do not know about you, but I find the latter is where things often fail — you have a jacket, shirt, pants and scarf that all go together in terms of colour but have completely different patterns, so it looks like you have gotten dressed in the dark, or their sizing is a little too similar for the layered effect to really pop. If you want to make layering really easy, up the contrast on colours and sizing — think long bright coats and scarves on paler shirts or a short chic jacket or vest on a long winter dress — and keep the style of the items relatively consistent. One great way to do just that is to keep the bottom layer simple and pair it with a statement coat or jacket. As befits its name, THE ICONIC always offers distinctive, contemporary vibes. The Asymmetric Wool Jacket from & Other Stories is like nothing else — adding this layer will instantly elevate your outfit.
Embracing layered clothing does not need to mean embracing a higher price tier, however. For a statement jumper that won't break the bank, try Big W's range. It is simple but effective. The &me Women's Argyle Knit Jumper is a vibrant piece to complement the plainer parts of your wardrobe while the &me Women's Oversize Cocoon Coat ties an outfit together. Faux fur is a choice material for an iconic outer layer — it creates a bulky organic silhouette which contrasts magnificently with sleeker, simpler items. Take this GUESS Amari Faux-Fur Vest, which demonstrates what layering is all about. Want more faux fur looks? Check out this list we put together of stylish coats, scarves, vests and more. As fun as it can be to focus on the outer layer, do not forget how important a good mid and/or base layer can be. If you want to build a great outfit, it needs a solid foundation. Look to relatively understated pieces like the GUESS Marciano Black Agathe Ribbed Midi Dress. With its elegant knit design, this dress pairs perfectly with almost any statement jacket, scarf, bag or all at once. It also works just as well on its own for a simply sophisticated vibe. Uniqlo's HEATTECH range is another exceptional option, bringing those underlayers to the forefront. These pieces are light, thin and yet live up to their name, making them the perfect choice for winter layering. These HEATTECH Leggings, plus a contrasting skirt, will keep you warm and in vogue all winter long.
If All Else Fails, Rug Up
If there is nothing else to love about the cold season, it is the fact that it is a great excuse to maximise cosiness. As much as modern designs go for clean, sharp lines, the chill in the air makes it more tempting to angle for comfort, resulting in chunky and relaxed fits being practically synonymous with winter fashion. Do not forget to pick up some track pants or sweatpants. Regardless of what you call these slouchy trousers, Cotton On has a fantastic selection featuring baggy, balloon and bootleg cuts. The Cotton On Baggy Sweatpant is a classic choice, cosy to the max and available in eight different shades. That is more variety than the rainbow! A slouchy dress is another top pick, hitting the intersection of professionalism and practicality. The Avella Women's Knit Dress is a perfect demonstration — refined enough for a day at work but relaxed enough to keep you comfy the whole time. If you are looking for even more snuggly clothing, we have put together this list of the plushest wearable blankets and dressing gowns from The Oodie. Admittedly, some of them might not be considered the trendiest, but fashion is nothing if not self-expression...and you cannot properly self-express if you are too cold. If you need any more inspiration, our top fashion experts have also compiled a list of this season's finest knitwear, cardigans and sweaters.
