fashion

'I'm a fashion editor, and these are the 5 affordable pieces to wear this winter.'

In my humble opinion, getting dressed in winter is a lot easier than the warmer months.

I don't mean "easier" in the literal sense of putting clothes on. Obviously there's nothing easier than chucking on a linen dress and heading out the door.

But when it comes to putting together looks, I find winter-wear requires less of a thought process. You're generally just remixing the same staple pieces: jeans, knits, jackets, flats.

That said, these core styles evolve every year according to what's trending. And while the shifts might be subtle, they can have a big impact on your daily styling.

Watch: Jessica Vander Leahy tries the Style Maths method. Post continues below.


Mamamia

I'm here to update you on 5 key styles to know about heading into the cooler season, to help form the building blocks of your winter wardrobe.

And because of the whole cost of living situation, we're keeping this edit strictly under $150. The items I've sourced still offer quality, but won't send you broke.

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The knit: V-neck.

Let's kick off with a broad category that definitely needs a bit of distilling: knitwear.

In a new video for Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow gave us a rare glimpse inside her wardrobe. Was it all to promote her in-house fashion brand G.Label? Yup — but I still took notes.

"I would say knitwear and jeans are the things I wear most in my life," Paltrow shared before taking viewers through her vast collection of sweaters.

Gwyneth Paltrow shares her knitwear collection in a video for GoopGwyneth Paltrow shares her knitwear collection in a video for Goop. Image: Goop.

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Pulling out a deep v-neck sweater by her brand, she says the style has been a bestseller thanks to its "oversized, comfortable" fit — so they've reissued it in new colourways.

Paltrow is right on the money: according to my fashion research, the v-neck is the shape we're going to see coming through strongest this season… although the classic cut never really goes out of style. The coolest way to wear it now? With loose tailored trousers and sneakers. Just add an oversized coat or trench.

Shop v-neck knits.

Glassons Cosy V Neck Knit Jumper, $39.99.

Glassons V-Neck jumper.Image: Supplied.

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Next Black Cable Knitted Longline V-Neck Jumper, $68.

Black v-neck jumper.Image: Supplied.

The jean: Barrel leg.

If the name "barrel leg" is still throwing you, I urge you to give this trending style a chance. I was hesitant too, but as a 5'4 woman who's now a convert, I've found these jeans actually give the illusion of length, where skinnier cuts tend to make me look shorter.

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The cut is an instant wardrobe updater, and I promise it will make all your top layers look fresher - whether you're pairing your denim with shirting, knits or outerwear.

It's all about proportion: look for a streamlined, tailored jean that crops right on the ankle, so you get that extra volume through the leg without feeling like your jeans are ballooning and, well, giving clown.

Shop barrel leg jeans.

Sportsgirl Jesse Mid Rise Barrel Leg Jean, $89.95.

Blue barrel-leg jeans.Image: Supplied.

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Rolla's Gigi Helena Barrel Jeans, $139.95.

Dark wash barrel leg jeansImage: Supplied.

The jacket: Sleek bomber.

Fashion Month wrapped up in Paris recently, and if the street-style images and front row fits are anything to go by, there's only one jacket to know about for winter: the bomber.

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Everyone from Hailey Bieber to Charli XCX wore a version of the boxy jacket, typically in leather or suede. Some had old-school aviator vibes, while others leant into mannish tailoring.

While suede and leather are serious investments, you can get the look with sleek faux versions (you can read more about the trend and shop our full edit here.)

Shop bombers.

Lioness Kenny Bomber, $109.

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Princess Polly Nunez Faux Leather Jacket, $120.

Brown faux leather aviator jacket.Image: Supplied.

The coat: Teddy texture.

Shaggy textures took over the Autumn-Winter runways, sprouting from bags, shoes and even dresses, but if there was one definitive piece that looked like what we'll all be wearing next, it was the faux fur coat.

The dramatic style made appearances at just about every show, and we've also seen celebs embracing the trend during the cooler months overseas.

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kendall Jenner have made a case for faux fur overcoats, but that vibe might be a little OTT for our climate — cropped jackets are an easier sell for Australia's milder winters. While neutrals will always be chic, don't be afraid of coloured faux fur; it's one surefire way to brighten up dreary days.

Shop faux fur coats.

Next Camel Faux Fur Bomber Jacket, $86.

Faux fur shaggy camel coloured jacket.Image: Supplied.

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NA-KD Long Teddy Coat, $119.97.

Long black teddy coat.Image: Supplied.

The shoe: Luxe loafers.

2024 was the year of the statement flat, with mesh styles and embellished Mary Janes popping up all over the high street. The point was to punctuate your outfits with a look-at-me shoe.

But according to trend reports, we're settling into more of a minimal mood this season, which is extending to accessories and footwear.

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With the massive suede resurgence, we'll see slip-on loafers in brown shades start to overtake those more eccentric options. Square toe "car shoes" (yes, the type your grandma might've worn) are also on the rise.

If you're wondering what the heck you're going to wear them with, the answer is everything. Jeans and blazers, dresses, loungewear — it all works. The new directive is to compliment your outfits with an understated shoe. Talk about keeping you on your toes…

Shop suede loafers.

NA-KD Gathered Detail Suede Loafers, $129.95.

Suede brown loafers.Image: Supplied.

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NEXT Mink Leather Forever Comfort Round Toe Loafers, $94.

Taupe suede loafers.Image: Supplied.

Will you be wearing any of these winter trends? Let me know in the comments!

Feature image: Supplied; Instagram/@nakdfashion

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