Witchcraft, layers and merino wool: The trend predictions dominating this winter
Image via @shopsucker/instagram
As told to Amelia McQuoid
A winter of contradictions.
Winter dressing is hard. Every outfit is ruined by an oversized jacket, nothing feels warm enough, and everything is grey or boring. To help us approach winter dressing with fresh eyes, we asked some of our favourite stylists, buyers and boutique directors to weigh in on the pieces they’re backing for winter.
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As usual, black, in all its variants, is the colour of the season. It’s the key to reviving Stevie Knicks and Buffy-style witchy looks. If you have a calling for conjuring, this winter might be the one for you. But colour lovers don’t fret! This winter is also the season of accent colours. Amidst grey, earthy palettes emerge bright purples, cherry reds and baby blues.
For embracers of the occult and nonbelievers alike, basics are, as usual, in high demand this season. Everyone’s stocking up on quality knits, thermals and high-neck coats to wear year-round. However, this season calls for a creative twist, leaning into layered textures and silhouettes.
Whether you’re craving a wiccan winter, happier hues or enduring essentials, these are the styles shaping the season ahead.
Pick your palette
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According to Ben Tambyah, co-owner and director of Sucker, “black is back and stronger than ever.” He’s seen a surge of customers investing in black staples, whether it be trousers, jeans or jackets.
Black and its siblings – charcoal and onyx – are at the forefront of the witchy revival. Orson Thomas, the brand director of Mane in Collingwood, sees a return of magical styles inspired by witchcraft and wizardry. Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stevie Knicks, and combinations of leather and black lace.
Orson has “always been a bit Salem River Styx leaning”, so maybe he’s biased. But he’s loving “seeing traces of conjuring and the liminal arts about town of late.” He declares this winter the “eye of newt era”.
On the other hand, Ellie Grant-Taylor, Senior Buyer for Australia and New Zealand designers at The Iconic, points to rich, earthy tones being popular this season. She highlights chocolate brown as a continued favourite and suggests deep clay shades of burgundy and oxblood are the accent colours of the season.
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Thankfully, there are also small pops of colour breaking up this sea of black and brown outfits, with stylist Sabrina Raso pointing towards a renewed love for purple and bright yellow. These fluorescent shades promise to add a touch of excitement to our gloomy days.
Ellie agrees, forecasting shades of cherry red, lemon and dove blue. Brands like Toorallie and Francie are already embracing red through knitted jumpers and accessories.
Quality Wool
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When it comes to fabrics, Ellie detects a continued desire for quality wool garments. You can’t brave winter without wool, whether it’s a coat, thermal or jumper. A timeless wool basic will save you. This season’s essentials are taking the form of brushed knits and woven yarn textures, which bring warmth and texture to everyday winter dressing.
Ben recommends investing in quality merino wool this winter by finding a timeless merino suit, pants, or jumper. Stocked at Sucker, Sydney label Sacred Archive offers handmade merino wool trousers, while Arthur Apparel has a range of colourful Merino wool and cotton blend skivvies.
Creative layering
Layering will always be key for winter. When your only goal is warmth, but you still want to look cute, you layer. Rather than inevitably ruining a cute outfit with a “Michelin-Man-style puffer jacket,” Ben offers a shift to snug silhouettes, fitting close to the body.
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Rest assured, there are still plenty of ways to infuse your layers with personality. Ellie says she’s “seeing a growing appetite for texture and dimension in everyday dressing.” She expects textured knitwear, delicate lace and tactile fabrics to be a regular feature this winter. Creating outfits that are interesting in silhouette and texture, but still warm and cozy.
As par for the course, the late ’90s and 2000s continue to make the rounds, weaving their way back into trends. “This year’s feature is the short-sleeve T-shirt layered over the long sleeve in a contrasting colour,” explains Ben. Labels like Beach Brains and Ess Bee are leading the way with colourful T-shirts and built-in long sleeve layers.
“It’s hard to avoid Brad Pitt’s layered outfits infiltrating the algorithm these days”, he says.
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Collars
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In winter, all bases need to be covered for maximum warmth. So this season, we’re leaning towards a high-neck silhouette. According to Sabrina, the best way to wear this is with a popped-up collar on long wool coats or jackets and bombers with high neck details. She says the most chic way to wear this style is the classic Olsen tuck, “with hair all tucked in”.
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