'I'm a lifestyle writer and these are 6 trends you'll be wearing all autumn.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Big W

It's that time of year again when we prepare for a change in season, farewelling our summer wardrobe to embrace the rich, cosy trends of autumn and winter.

It's a moment to take stock of what we have and what might need to be updated or swapped out.

As a lifestyle writer, I'm always looking for ways to stay stylish, accessible and comfortable without breaking the bank. With a busy schedule full of social commitments, I rely on a few key staples that are easy to style and versatile enough to take me from dinner with friends to a lunch session at the park.

This season, I can't take my eyes off the new BIG W autumn/winter collection, put together by their in-house design team in partnership with BIG W's leading fashion suppliers, making them perfect wardrobe must-haves for everyday wear. Between the quality, unique design elements and price point, using these pieces to update your wardrobe this season is a no-brainer.

This year, we're seeing trends inspired by the Northern Hemisphere — from pops of red and statement denim to a preppy wintry aesthetic.

Let me show you how to style these must-have pieces for the chilly season ahead, so you can look (and feel) incredible.

Trend 1: Lightweight layers. 

The unpredictable Australian weather means four seasons in one day — making lightweight layering essential.

The trick is to opt for thin, buildable layers that can be taken on and off as the temperature fluctuates. It's also an opportunity to infuse some personal style and is a trend the "cool girls" of Copenhagen use on repeat.

To nail this look, start with a wide-leg pant — it could be an elevated tracksuit or a funky pair of jeans. Layer over a tank, a crew-neck cardigan and a cute pair of sneakers to finish the look.

For a more preppy take, try only buttoning the top button of the cardigan. If the weather is cold, you can top it with an overcoat, but regardless of the temperature, always remember a statement bag. This season, it's all about quilted and textured bags.

Shop the look: 

Crew Neck Button Cardigan in Charcoal Marle, $18.

Image: BIG W.

Side Stripe Pants in Dark Blue, $30.

Image: BIG W.

Quilted Shoulder Bag in Chocolate, $20.

Image: BIG W.

Trend 2: Play with colour.

This year, we've been seeing a lot more neutrals, with brown, grey and charcoal coming through as hero colours. Start with these as a base.

To add some interest and dimension to this simple palette, opt for one or two statement pops of colour in your capsule wardrobe.

If you spent any time looking at fashion week street style this year, you'll know that we cannot get enough of reds and burgundies. The easiest way to play with trending colours is to choose one item you can wear with multiple looks such as a cardigan or even a pair of shoes.

Shop the look: 

Button Up Cardi in Red, $18.

Image: BIG W.

Trend 3: A classic trench. 

With its neutral colourway, a trench is the ultimate winter wardrobe hero, bridging the gap between functionality and sophistication.

Its thoughtful design is so versatile — roomy enough to layer comfortably over chunky knits yet tailored to maintain elegant lines that flatter every silhouette.

Cinching at the waist to deliver a polished look even on the greyest of days, a well-cut trench coat elevates even the most casual outfit beneath.

In fact, I prefer a high-low look, pairing the trench coat with a chunky jumper, leggings, sneakers and of course, some crew socks.

Shop the look: 

Trench Coat in Irish Cream, $45.

Image: BIG W.

Trend 4: Varsity chic.

Gone are the matching tracksuits of winters past. For 2025, we're seeing a resurgence of preppy and varsity-inspired silhouettes and graphics.

This means chunky sweaters in football-sport style paired with comfortable leggings as well as mini skirts and tailored blazers.

Lean into the school-inspired trend with headbands, Mary Jane ballet flats and of course a saddle bag. Look for stripes, tailored suiting and sport-luxe-inspired shirts for the ultimate campus-core aesthetic.

Shop the look:

86 Print Slouch Fleece Sweater in Cream, $15.

Image: BIG W.

Tailored Crop Blazer in Black, $35.

Image: BIG W.

Tailored Mini Skirt in Black, $20.

Image: BIG W.

Striped Knit Collar Jumper, $22.

Image: BIG W.

Trend 5: Textural dressing.

If you're not feeling adventurous enough to play with colour this winter, add some personality with texture.

Think marle knitwear, chunky weaves and gathering, to create dimension while still keeping the look relatively monochromatic. It's also plush and comfortable, which is ideal when you're trying to look chic while racing around on errands. 

The easiest way to try textural dressing is with your jumpers and accessories, so feel free to play with your knits this season, as well as a fun embossed statement purse.

Shop the look:

Preppy Knit Boxy Cardigan, $25.

Image: BIG W.

Embossed Black Bag, $15.

Image: BIG W.

Trend 6: Rethinking denim.

In the northern hemisphere it's been denim, on denim, on denim. And, when you have so much denim, you need to differentiate. 

For winter, it's hard to go past a denim maxi-skirt for a different take on the fabric, which is both feminine and edgy. 

Play with your denim washes, considering something a little antiqued for a more relaxed feel. You can also bring this look over into your everyday jeans, with a comfy loose-fit very much the trend for the season (and ideal when you're constantly on the move). Pair this style with a more structured top to create shape and balance.

Shop the look:

Denim Maxi Skirt in Smoke Wash, $25.

Image: BIG W.

Loose Fit Jean in Smoke Wash, $30.

Image: BIG W.

Shop BIG W's new autumn/winter collection in-store or online.

Feature Image: Supplied.

BIG W is one of Australia's most loved brands and has been part of families lives for over 40 years. At BIG W, we put our customers at the heart of everything we do across our network of 179 stores nationally. Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe, updating your home, or picking up everyday essentials, we're here to make shopping easy, affordable, and inspiring — so you can focus on what really matters.