Seven Fashion Trends To Know This Winter (and How To Wear Them), According to Aussie Stylists

Fashion trends don’t emerge in a vacuum. Beyond the cyclical nature of the industry, they’re shaped by cultural moments – a film, a music video, a single runway show that shifts the conversation overnight. The latter is the driving force behind one of winter’s biggest trends: the collarless jacket. And we have Chanel’s creative director Matthieu Blazy to thank for it.

Blazy made his long-awaited debut at Chanel last October, sparking a renewed buzz around the fashion house that’s been dubbed Blazymania. The show’s opening look? A boxy cropped jacket – a collarless, confident and distinctly modernised take on the iconic 1920s silhouette that Coco Chanel stitched from tweed. Months later, collar-free layers are everywhere, and it’s not a coincidence.

Beyond Blazy, the move towards more structured dressing is consistent with fashion’s ongoing obsession with ’80s power dressing. This winter, the aesthetic shows up again through long tailored coats and midi skirts, while ponchos and capes bring a different kind of shape through the shoulders.

It’s not all polish and structure, though. We tapped seven Australian stylists for the top trends to know this winter – and here’s what they said.

Frill and ruffle – Cecile Huynh, Melbourne stylist

“I’ve been seeing a lot of ruffle and frill detailing on everyday wardrobe pieces. I’m drawn to rewearable pieces that you can get a lot of mileage out of, like a bomber jacket or hoodie with an interesting detail and a touch of whimsy.

“On my personal wishlist is the Agnes hoodie by Par Moi, the Jana bomber by Sister Studios and the Pintuck jacket from Deiji Studios. For special occasions, the Ottie skirt and top set from Chulle now comes in a three-quarter sleeve version for the cooler weather. The beauty of these pieces is their ability to mix and match with anything – including, importantly, what’s already in your wardrobe.”

@cecile2k

Collarless jackets – Jade Leung, Melbourne stylist

“Collarless jackets will be big this winter. Chanel has made it an iconic silhouette, but we’ll see new modernised iterations in differing lengths, tailoring, colours and fabrications.

“It’s minimal, elegant and versatile. My favourite this season is a tie between Camilla and Marc’s cropped jacket and Henne’s long-line coat. I’d style both with a cashmere knit, straight-leg jeans, and a loafer or kitten heel depending on my step count that day.

“For a more tailored option, Camilla and Marc’s longer style with a cinched waist would pair nicely with pleated suit pants and a belt. Or for a night out, throw P Johnson’s cropped jacket over a LBD and sheer tights. Styles by St Agni, Dissh and Scanlan Theodore are well worth a look too.”

@jadeleungstylist

The henley shirt – Stuart Walford, Melbourne stylist

“The henley has been making a comeback for a while, but we’re finally starting to see options all across town, especially in menswear. It’s the perfect elevated basic for the season, giving off a relaxed look that still feels sophisticated, seen here by Our Legacy and Incu, plus classic low-cost iterations at Uniqlo. You can style it up with a suit and loafers, seen here by Cos and Reiss, or keep your look off-duty and pair it back with sweatpants or denim.

“I personally prefer to size up because they’re neat when layered over contrasting colours or prints, just undo the top button to show off the layering. Alternatively, sizing down gives a more fitted vintage feel, nodding to its athletic roots.”

@stuart_walford

Textured midi skirts – Violet Grace Atkinson, stylist and creative consultant

“One trend to know is the textured, statement-making midi skirt. There’s a tangible shift toward femininity and sensuality in fashion right now – ruffles, shorter hems and higher heels – and a midi with real tactile interest is the gentlest alternative to the usual trouser or jean. It’s comfortable, corporate-friendly (hard to red-card for showing a little ankle) and endlessly versatile.

“Fabric is the whole point. A Emery’s bouclé style is perfection, while this super-textured skirt by Camilla and Marc is a heavy-hitter that I’d keep simple with boots and a black cashmere sweater.

“For something with more drama, Bianca Spender’s plum organza skirt would look beautiful peeking out from under a long coat or worn with a metallic heel. This khaki Lee Mathews style has a weight to the drill that’d work phenomenally with a long boot. And for a new take on the leather midi, I love this Albus Lumen skirt with its drop-waist belt detail, kept simple with a crisp button-down and coat thrown over the top.”

@violetgrace_

Leather, everywhere – Billy Chambers, fashion stylist

“The standout trend for me this winter is leather. I’m seeing it everywhere, from jackets and trousers to gloves and bags. The best pieces are elevated, practical and timeless but still feel unique. It’s not about chasing trends, but investing in well-designed pieces with thoughtful details. Whether it’s St Agni’s funnel-neck, Bottega Veneta’s woven texture, or the way Monphell’s black-dyed trousers have faded in parts to reveal hints of their red leather base, these subtle design elements are what set great pieces apart.

“Let a single leather piece be the hero – like Mutimer’s jacket or A Esque’s pocket bag – and pare it back with simple knitwear or denim.”

@thebillabon

Capes and ponchos – Rebecca Ferré, Melbourne personal stylist

“This winter is all about pieces with structure through the shoulder, neckline or drape – think capes, shawls and ponchos in luxurious knits and faux fur textures. These silhouettes add polish while still feeling effortless, and they’re perfect for layering over your everyday wardrobe. What I love about this movement is that it has true longevity. A beautiful poncho or cape isn’t something that disappears at the end of a season, it becomes part of your wardrobe identity.

“Clea Galerie makes a collared, jacket-like style, while Scanlan Theodore follows an asymmetrical hemline in fluffy mohair. For a wrap option, A Emery crafts one in deep olive, Marle dials up the warmth in carob and St Agni keeps it classic in black.”

@locarnostyling

The long tailored coat – Victoria Burns, stylist and creator

“A great coat doesn’t just complete an outfit, it becomes the outfit. And right now, it’s the extra-long, sharply tailored black coat leading the way. It feels like a modern interpretation of ’80s power dressing which we’ve been seeing a lot of – strong, confident and effortlessly elegant. What makes it resonate is its ability to create impact through silhouette alone.

“My styling tip: invest in the best cut you can afford and let the coat do the work. I’ve been living in my Naked Vice Isla coat in black, alongside the oversized Boston coat in grey and brown – both are effortless throw-on pieces that work with everything. Harris Tapper’s tailoring is always impeccable and feels considered yet wearable. Another brand I keep coming back to is Courtney Zheng – this style has been on my radar for its clean lines and understated elegance. And for more double-breasted options, these wool-blend designs from Witchery and Camilla & Marc are hard to go past.”

@viccyb_