Warm and cosy for chic winter

AS the cooler months kick in it may be time to update the wardrobe.

Brisbane-based style advisor Cass Sun said to make a statement this winter opt for safari and military styles, suede, big heavy knits and shearling or leather teamed with lace or delicate fabrics.

She said in trend this winter was the “warm and cosy” look with “lots of texture and natural tones”.

“It's all about being brave and mixing your textures.

“Imagine a lace detailed dress with a leather jacket,” Ms Sun said.

When it came to colours, Ms Sun said natural tones like camel, khaki and mood colours in a range of different shades were the hottest trend.

She said teaming neutral colours with an accent colour was a great way to create a chic look.

Combining camel with navy, grey or dark denim were just some suggestions she gave.

Animal prints will also be a hit this winter.

For those who are brave enough to wear a full animal print piece of clothing, take small steps and wear something that features animal print detailing, like a scarf, Ms Sun advised.

When it came to men's fashion, Ms Sun said it was “all about layering”.

A well-fitted shirt with a v-neck jumper and a jacket or casual blazer worked well.

Ms Sun said looking stylish didn't require spending “crazy amounts of money”.

“Go and have a look at op shops and second-hand shops for coats and jackets,” she said

“Usually people have only worn them once or twice and coat styles don't date.”

Ms Sun said it was best to invest your money on signature pieces, like a really great dress, and spend less on other different bits and pieces.

She said this winter's must-have items included a great jacket or coat that suits your body shape, fitted cargo or jodhpur pants with detail, a pair of suede ankle boots and an animal print accessory, like a scarf, handbag, shoes or shirt.

Personal stylist and shopper Cindy Newstead listed “a great winter coat, quality scarves, great winter boots, strong accessories with a great winter dress that can be layered” as her winter must-haves.

To save money she said “search out the higher-end stores for the looks you love.

“Use magazines and then go to the cheaper stores to emulate the look you're after.

“Keep an eye on the stores you love as the clothes generally go on sale every few weeks, and joining up to loyalty cards will also keep you up with the sales,” Ms Newstead said.

Both Ms Newstead and Ms Sun said the key to looking great was dressing to your body shape and style.

Cass Sun's style tips:

• Ill-fitting jackets make you look larger than you are.
• Buy a coat or jacket that fits your body shape well. A tailored jacket or coat will show off the best bits of your body.
• Fit v fashion – something may be in fashion, but if it doesn't fit you well, steer clear.
• Wear items that suit your body shape and then bring them on trend with accessories.
• If you are handy at sewing, add your own detailing to items to bring them on-trend.

For more personal style advice from Brisbane-based fashion advisor Cass Sun visit the website at www.yourstyleadvisor.com.

Cindy Newstead's style tips:

• The trend this winter is focused heavily on strong military jackets, shearling accents to lapels, flare and wide-leg trousers, checks and animal prints.
• Keep it simple, add a quality statement piece, dress to your body shape and dress to your own style.
• Cindy Newstead is a Melbourne-based fashion designer and runs personal style workshops on the Gold Coast. For more information visit www.stylewithcindy.com.au.