With a wet and unseasonably cold summer nearly behind us, dusting off our winter woollies isn’t a shock to the system this year.
But with a new season comes excitement – and sometimes confusion – about what the next big fashion trend will be, (and what should be left behind for good in 2021).
So to help you narrow down your autumn/winter 2022 wardrobe, we’ve enlisted stylist to the stars Donny Galella to give practical and cost-effective tips to look fashion-forward as we shiver through the cooler months.
This $77 ASOS coat is the perfect statement piece to elevate an otherwise colourless look.
(Image: ASOS)Statement Coats
While outerwear like coats and jackets are an obvious choice every time the weather cools down, Donny, who’s dressed the likes of Dannii Minogue, Jessica Mauboy and Jules Robinson, says in order to elevate your look, opt for a statement coat.
“Most of us have a black, grey or camel coloured coat. This season my tips is go with a print like houndstooth or opt for a bold fun colour,” he tells Now To Love.
Donny also suggests investing in a quilted parka or puffer jackets, which are adored by the likes of Kim Kardashian, Emily Ratajkowski and Meghan Markle.
“A longline puffer jacket would be my pick,” Donny says.
At just $45, these faux leather pants from The Iconic will keep you warm and chic this autumn.
(Image: The Iconic)Leather Everything
As we kiss long, warm summer days behind, Donny suggests keeping chic in leather – and anything goes!
“Leather everything! From jackets, skirts, pants, crop tops, leather bucket hats,” he says. “And it doesn’t have to be real leather, but vegan leather is growing in popularity.”
And it seems mum jeans are also here to stay! Donny says loose-fitting denim will be spotted everywhere this season.
“The relaxed styles are in, the Y2K style is here!” he says.
This Showpo set comes in other neon colours, which Donny predicts will make a comeback this season.
(Image: Showpo)Dopamine Dressing
After two years of suffering through the COVID pandemic, we all have a lot of dressing up to catch up on. Whether it’s for
nightclubbing, weddings or long brunches with girlfriends – cue dopamine dressing!
“After lockdown we all just want to get out again, dress up, embrace bold, bright, vibrant colours such as neon pink, acid yellow, orange and cobalt blue,” Danny says.
“These fun colours make us feel good and this season, you can wear them tonally or have fun and mix them.”
Donny says loud colours can be incorporated into your ensembles as subtly or in-your-face as you choose. He suggests bright coats, dresses or trousers for a more eye-catching moment, or to simply add some neon jewellery to test the waters.
Bucket hats, knee-high boots and chunky belts will be big this season.
(Image: Getty)Accessories, Accessories, Accessories!
If you’re someone who opts for statement accessories over striking apparel pieces, then dressing for the cooler months will be a piece of cake.
“Long boots will be popular again, bucket hats are still trending, thick belts are in, and when it comes to heels, platforms are making a comeback,” Danny says.
And if you’re a lover of a good old fashioned pearl but can’t find a way to work them into your wardrobe, then you’re in luck!
“Pearls are appearing on everything! Particularly necklaces, brooches and rings,” Danny says.
But with autumn and winter dressing comes the risk of losing your figure under layers of clothing, so Danny recommends not overdoing it with your outerwear.
“Choose one or two statement or hero pieces and let them be the star of the show. In winter we can often wear lots of thicker fabrics or bulky items, so just be careful when layering,” he says.
Danny advises women not to overlook budget stores like Kmart for affordable, trans-seasonal dressing.
(Image: Kmart)Hot Tip: How To Look Chic For Under $100
If thrifting queens Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have taught us anything, it’s that style isn’t always synonymous with high-end luxury.
Danny says that op-shops are a creative and environmentally-friendly way to find a hidden gem, but to avoid sorting through mountains of unwanted clothes, turn to old faithfuls like Kmart.
“You can be amazed at what you can find in affordable department stores like Target, Big W and Kmart, especially when it comes to autumn essentials like coats, cardigans, jeans and accessories,” he says.
“My best tip is pay attention to accessories, they really help to finish off your outfit and can elevate your look. Statement earrings, shoes, bags, a necklace, hats, a scarf, they can all really help to make your outfit look more chic.”
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