Where Stylists Shop: The Winter Staples To Add to Your Existing Rotation

Come winter, outerwear tends to steal all the praise. But what if I told you that the true winter saviours were more discreet? Melbourne stylist Rebecca Modara says that the “most underrated pieces are often the ones that disappear into an outfit rather than announce themselves”.

Melbourne stylist Victoria Burns agrees: “Underrated staples are the quiet heroes, base layers, refined knits and the pieces that make layering feel intentional.” We asked 10 Australian stylists for their must-have winter staples, and these are the garments and accessories they can’t give up.

Victoria Burns, Melbourne stylist and content creator

“One of the most underrated winter staples is a great long-sleeve top. From soft cotton to fine merino, these are pieces that layer beautifully. Don’t just go for black or white; I love introducing colour through winter, like deep reds, moss greens and soft greys. Especially in Melbourne, layering becomes as much about styling as it is about practicality. A fine turtleneck is another forever piece for me. It’s very ’90s, very effortless and something we’re seeing a lot of people reference again. It works as easily under tailoring as it does with denim or a midi skirt and pumps.

And then, of course, a dependable knit. A beautiful knit can anchor so much of a winter wardrobe. I tend to look for pieces with texture, softness and a slightly relaxed shape; something that feels luxurious but easy. I’ve been especially drawn to knitwear from Venroy, Bassike, Scanlan Theodore and Henne, all of which do elevated essentials beautifully.”

@viccyb_

Lauren Dilena, Adelaide stylist

“One underrated winter staple I always recommend is a fine-knit layering piece. Bassike, Morrison and White Story do beautiful lightweight merino that sit perfectly under blazers and coats without bulk. Another essential is a tailored wool trouser. I love the options from Saba for everyday polish, or Viktoria & Woods for a more relaxed, elevated silhouette. A structured longline coat in a neutral tone is also key this winter. Scanlan Theodore consistently delivers investment pieces that pull a whole winter wardrobe together.”

@laurendilena

Rebecca Modara, Melbourne personal stylist

“Cashmere knitwear is worth the investment, but only when produced properly. Weight and ply matter more than brand cachet. A well-made crew neck or turtleneck from Uniqlo, Deering or Loro Piana will outperform a wardrobe full of mediocre blends. The difference in hand-feel is immediate. For more accessible options, both Uniqlo and Cos offer credible alternatives without sacrificing structure.

Tailored wool trousers remain chronically undervalued. High-waisted, pleated and cut with volume through the leg, they elongate the silhouette and balance heavier winter layers. Assembly Label, Cos and Max Mara Weekend all produce strong iterations. The most common mistake is treating trousers as an afterthought, when in reality they do much of the structural work in a winter outfit.

Two accessories I’d elevate from afterthought to essential would be a cashmere snood or collar (Notshy does this particularly well), and leather gloves with proper seaming. These aren’t finishing touches; they’re what allow an outfit to function once you step outside.”

@locarnostyling

Billy Chambers, Melbourne stylist

“I tend to keep winter staples simple. A good long-sleeve is something I rely on constantly. They’re easy to layer and easy to style; Bassike does this perfectly with their organic cotton Terry Slouch Placket Sweat. From there, it’s about subtle elevation – a merino polo knit from P Johnson, outerwear like a bomber from Melbourne brand Milkbar or a coat from California Arts to round things out. And I can’t go past the perfect winter accessory; the classic wayfarer from Ray-Ban. It works with everything and always feels sharp.”

@thebillabon

Karinda Mutabazi, Melbourne stylist and creative director

“The Uniqlo Heat Tech camisole is the perfect layering piece; I wear it all winter. They keep me warm but not overheated, as my job can be quite physical. I am on the hunt for a new winter boot, and I have my eye on the Poet Ruched Leather boot from Radical Yes. It’s the perfect hybrid of a boot and a loafer, and can still be worn in warmer months because of the refined silhouette.”

@mutabazi_k

Sonali Fernando, Perth stylist

“In winter, many of us wear darker colours. So the most underrated winter wardrobe staple is a loud and fun statement jacket. At the moment, my favourite statement jackets are anything from the brand Kid Super Studios, and more locally, the brand All Angels Are Aliens. Both of these brands use a lot of patterns and colour and All Angels Are Aliens upcycles most of their pieces. Aside from this, a fun beanie or winter hat can elevate any look. For this, I recommend Trasho Mondo, which has a wide range of stockists and Oxy Customs, which, as the name suggests, does custom screen-printing.”

@gnarlynandos

Liv Brown, Melbourne personal stylist

“For me, winter is all about accessories. You want to be warm and comfy, which can sometimes lead to a pretty basic outfit. But the right accessories completely change that. A fun hat is my go-to for keeping warm while still adding something extra. Unreal Fur has great options, and Asos is always a good place to look too. A puffer jacket is also an essential for me, especially for those cold morning walks. This Wolf Gang one is currently calling my name.”

@rattle_style

Kerrie Carucci, Brisbane stylist

“The most underrated winter wardrobe staples are versatile layering pieces. For base layers, I particularly love lightweight, warm natural fibres including wool, cashmere and cotton blends, in a pop of colour. A few standouts that I’m integrating into my clients’ wardrobes include 100 per cent merino wool knits from Uniqlo and Target. Also, 100 per cent cashmere and cashmere blends from Uniqlo, Country Road, Witchery and Ida+s.”

@kerriecarucci_stylist

Joshua Austin, Melbourne stylist and creative director

“This winter, the absolute must-have items are going to be anything furry. Get real fur from your local vintage store and buy faux when it’s new in-store. The ultimate attitude for winter is going to come from unconventional handbags. You’re gonna see furry bags everywhere! Bichon Pockets are handmade in Melbourne and serve icon energy. What says rockstar more than a leather-strapped, fur-covered bag on your shoulder?

I never feel more like a boss than when I’m in a full-length fur coat. Unreal Fur is a Melbourne-based brand that makes all sorts of faux fur pieces in different styles – I particularly like this fur jacket.

Chunky scarves are everywhere in fashion; they are statement pieces that genuinely keep you so rugged up. This fur version from Morgan & Taylor is such a luxe option. They can be edgy with jeans and a leather jacket or more chic with a long wool coat.”

@joshuaaustinstyled

Stefan Francesca, Adelaide stylist

“Key winter staples include high-quality wool turtlenecks and fine knits for layering, lightweight insulating layers for adaptability under heavier coats, as well as structured knitwear that sits clean under outerwear. Tailored wool trousers in neutral tones replace heavier reliance on denim.

Scanlan Theodore is strong in refined tailoring and elevated everyday dressing, particularly wool coats, slim trousers, and clean knitwear that anchors winter wardrobes. Camilla and Marc excels in structured tailoring and modern suiting, alongside elevated knitwear designed for layering and repeat wear. Beare Park focuses on pared-back, locally made essentials with a strong emphasis on simplicity and softly tailored silhouettes rooted in modern minimalism.”

@stefan_francesca

For more shopping advice from some of Australia’s top stylists, read the rest of our Where Stylists Shop series.