When it comes to classic, polished winter dressing you can’t go past the power of a great blazer. Easily worked back with everything from tailored pants to casual denim, it’s the one trusty fashion staple that can be relied on to tie a look together. And whilst there will always be a place for a beautiful black blazer or an understated white jacket, this season patterned blazers are very much having a moment. From bold prints ranging from punchy florals to graphic prints in vibrant shades, they’re one way to incorporate a little fun into your look. The beauty of such out-there outerwear is that you don’t have to do much more with your look—simply pop it on and you’re guaranteed to make a statement.
This houndstooth blazer was a favourite of mine at Fashion Week
Now that we’re officially in winter it’s time to take stock of your wardrobe and see what seasonal updates you might need to take you through the next few months. What I like about this time of year is that it’s the ideal opportunity to experiment with layering, getting cosy in beautiful knits and rocking a gorgeous statement coat. If you’re looking to add some on trend touches to your look, here are a few buys worth adding to your shopping list.
A suit
Suiting has firmly planted itself as a style must-have and it’s definitely a fashion investment worth making. A good quality suit will take you through many an occasion, from work to an event, and will guarantee you always look polished. Don’t be afraid to have fun with bold colours—a suit these days is anything but boring.
Textured pieces
Fashion is getting tactile with texture being a major player this season. Think corduroy and luxe velvet. Expect to see it in everything from jackets to pants and skirts.
When it comes to coats you can afford to go a little bit extra
Supersized statement coat
Coats are a staple of any winter wardrobe, especially of the statement variety. Think outerwear that’s bold and impactful. This season a coat isn’t just a last minute addition but a key component of a look.
Animal print
It’s time to get wild with animal print. Think leopard, cheetah and ocelot prints for adding a punchy element to any look. If you’re only going to add one piece to your wardrobe this season, definitely consider a leopard print midi skirt. It’s versatile and so on trend.
Utilitarian boots are a comfy update for your shoe wardrobe
Utilitarian style ankle boot
Boots that have a strong silhouette, think sturdy looking with buckles and straps are the way to go this season. They’re great for adding a grounding element to dainty, feminine pieces.
Polished trousers
In keeping with the trend towards suits, look for polished tailored trousers to give your winter outfits a chic touch. Dress it up or down with a tee or a blouse and change up the vibe of any look.
Puffy sleeves
Volume is a key trend to look out for. I saw plenty of shirts with puffy sleeves at Fashion Week and they’re a fun, wearable way to dress up your favourite pair of jeans.
I can’t live without a room tote bag
Roomy tote bag
We’ve been embracing teeny tiny bags of late but that doesn’t mean there’s not a place in our lives for a good ol’ fashioned roomy tote. A welcome accessory for those whose list of essentials each day is numerous.
Anyone who has ever felt just how ridiculously comfy and luxe a cashmere sweater is will agree this is definitely a style update worth making. Invest in a few staple colours and you’ll have them for seasons to come.
It has been freezing in Sydney the last few days so I’ve definitely had stocking up on every cosy thing imaginable on my mind. I’ve been wanting to update my winter woolies repertoire (and replaced a few jumpers that are looking tired) so I have been busy scoping out a few of my favourite stores for sweaters. I tend to have a lot of neutral, versatile pieces in my closet but I’m also on board with a bold knit or two to help lift an outfit. From vibrant colours, interesting prints to beautiful finishing touches such as a striking sleeve or textured finishes, warming up this winter is proving to be anything but boring.
Temperatures have really started to drop of late so it’s put me in the mood to look for a brand new coat. And one of the best ways to really take a winter outfit in a fun, vibrant direction is with a statement coat. Whilst the classic shades such as black, navy and camel have their place, I think it’s always nice to have a coat with special touches whether it’s a striking pattern, interesting textures or great finishing details. Also given that you will have to wear a coat all the time for the next few months it pays to have one that lifts your ensemble and gives it a standout feature.
I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite coat styles for you to check out—from a bright splash of colour to a slightly different silhouette, there’s definitely plenty to fall in love with. Prepare to cosy up and get warm in style.
Pint-sized shoulder bags are a winter must-have. They’re ideal for a night out as they leave your hands free for juggling canapes and cocktails, and for all day as a compact way of carrying your (smaller) essentials.
Golden Hour
If you want to elevate a look, the addition of a gilded accessory is a guaranteed way to make something look luxe. Team this bag with a classic top-to-toe black ensemble for the ultimate in effortless chic.
Texture Tails
MIMCO’s Trance Mini Hip (in Black/Alabaster) packs a sartorial punch with the combination of mirrored details, metal studs and a beautiful scalloped strap. It’s an eclectic mix but when worked back with muted tones such as black and grey it’s striking rather than overwhelming.
Feeling rosy
Every girl should own a neutral bag that she can easily pair with numerous looks. This bag works for a simple day of errands, as well as for the transition to an evening event. Whilst it can easily remain in regular rotation in your wardrobe, the rose gold finishes keep it from being boring.
Looking to add a little bit of luxe into your winter wardrobe? Say hello to your new best friend – leather pants!
This versatile staple can add a bit of edge to your look and can easily be dressed up or down whether you choose to wear it with a classic white t-shirt or a loose knit. Topping it with a blazer can easily give it some extra polish for an evening event whilst teaming it with sneakers makes it great for everyday casual wear.
Black leather pants will last the test of time but if you are daring enough to try some colour. It’s definitely one way to make a statement. Check out some of my favourite leather options below.
Cold dreary winter days can often mean feeling like you’re in a winter wardrobe rut. It’s hard to feel enthused about styling an outfit when it feels like you’re just putting the same layers on every single day. So, it’s time to mix it up! Here are some easy ways to update your wardrobe so you can get excited about getting dressed in the morning again.
Invest in a statement coat or jacket
It’s great to have the standby options of black, grey and navy in your coat arsenal but sometimes it can get a bit boring when you see a sea of coats in the same colours when you’re out and about. So why not opt for something a little different? A coat or jacket in a bold colour or a striking print can often cheer you up on the dreariest of days and give your look a point of difference.
Find staples with an interesting finishing touch
There are certain staples that we all generally need to get us through winter such as a great pair of ankle boots or a pair of jeans. So if you’re going to be spending a lot of time wearing them, then make them interesting. Try a pair of ankle boots with statement hardware or textures or update your usual skinny denim silhouette for something different such as a pair of flares or boyfriend jeans.
Add some leather
Leather has become quite the wardrobe staple and it’s the ideal way to modernise your look. A pair of leather leggings will get repeated use throughout the cooler months while a sleek leather pencil skirt or dress can look office appropriate when worn with classic pieces such as a white silk blouse or dressed up statement accessories. You also don’t always have to go with black. I have leather jackets in different colours (such as the above in pink) and I love that they can easily brighten up an outfit.
Re-circulate summer pieces
Whilst cool temperatures may mean bare legs and arms out of the question you can still put your summer wardrobe to use during winter. Summer dresses can easily be worn when worked back with a pair of trusty stockings and topped with a blazer or mixing knits with a skirt.
Find new silhouettes
Yes, it’s a given we all have to live in our jackets but why not try some new winter silhouettes? A bomber jacket is a great winter topper and is very on trend. Or why not opt for a cape as a great alternative to a standard winter coat. Adopting new silhouettes is one of the simplest ways to inject some new energy into your wardrobe.
I recently hosted a Westfield Parramatta Styling Session with celebrity stylist Kelly Smythe and during the event we spoke about the big winter trends this winter. If you’re planning your winter wardrobe here’s your cheat sheet to the trends to add to your shopping list…
Layering
The key to good layering is all about layering different textures. So for example gorgeous knits with beautiful leathers. Using different materials provides a great contrast.
70s
The 70s is huge this winter. Think flares, suede, billowy blouses and fringing. When in doubt channel Jane Birkin.
Military
It’s all about khaki and army green. Wardrobe staples like a simple anorak, details like brass buttons and zippers and combat boots are a great way to channel this trend.
Normcore
For those who like dressing with minimum fuss the normcore trend is for you. Think low key and a little bit athletic with a neutral colour palette in white, grey and black. Staples of this trend include tees, relaxed jeans and sneakers.
Abstract prints
Prints show no sign of waning. Let abstract prints be the statement piece in an outfit and work back with a more muted colour palette.
60s
It’s time to find your inner hippie as the 60s have come back again. It’s all about 60s mod with A-line mini dresses a la Twiggy making their way down the runway at Fendi. Team it with retro sunglasses to really capture the look.
Leather
Leather shows no signs of waning. If you’re looking to add some leather to your wardrobe, a motorcycle leather jacket is a great place to start as it can work with virtually everything in your wardrobe. A great leather skirt and pants would also be welcome additions to any wardrobe.
Loungewear
This trend is as close you’re going to get to being able to walk out of the house in your pyjamas! Think silky pyjama-style bottoms, roomy jumpsuits, long robes and track pants.
Metallics
I love metallics. Like I said in this post, they can be dressed down as easily as they can be worn on a night out. You could team a metallic skirt with a white shirt during the day and wear it with a dressy blouse at night.
*check out all the behind the scenes from this styling session tonight on Fashion Bloggers at 9:30pm on E!
