As we bid farewell to summer’s lazy, hazy beach days, we welcome the joys of winter: ski holidays, red wine, roaring fires, and most of all, winter fashion. The key to nailing the perfect winter wardrobe? It’s all about layering. Rather than mismatched pieces styled under the same old puffer jacket, this season, why not opt for luxe fabrications, cosy knitwear and timeless outerwear?
We’ve teamed up with Forever New to learn how to build the ultimate winter wardrobe from the ground up. We’ve picked out our favourite base, middle, and outer layer pieces, all of which can be mixed and matched to show off your personal style.
The Forever New winter wardrobe edit
THE BASE LAYER
Your base layer creates the foundation for your outfit. Think tops, skirts, dresses, and pants. Aim for simple, well-cut pieces in quality fabrics that you can wear from desk to dinner.
Our picks:
Hadley Gathered Bandeau
$109.99 at Forever New
Burgundy has been named the ‘it’ shade for autumn and winter, and it’s easy to see why. Straddling the line between a colour and a neutral, it’s softer and more universally flattering than bright red, and pairs well with classic black or brown.
This bandeau top is gorgeous worn alone, while the flattering ruching and straight neckline provide a point of interest peeking through blazers and cardigans. The flattering length hits at around the waistline, and the back split allows for ease of movement… like dancing, if that’s your prerogative.
Sizes: 4 – 16
Hadley Wide-Leg Pants
$119.99 at Forever New
We love investing in chic sets for our winter wardrobe; they’re so versatile and easy to dress up or down. If you’re grabbing the Hadley bandeau (above), don’t sleep on the matching wide-leg pants in the same shade.
Pair the pants and matching top for a special occasion, or layer the pants with a short-sleeved top and blazer for a work-appropriate look. With a high-rise waist, tailored fit, and centre-front pleats, they’re structured and universally flattering.
Sizes: 4 – 16
Hallie Printed Midi-Dress
$199.99 at Forever New
You don’t need to ditch your floaty spring and summer dresses during the colder months. Dresses make fantastic base layers for winter layering, as the fabrics tend to sit comfortably against the skin. Add knitwear, a coat, boots, and suddenly you have a whole new outfit.
This transeasonal midi dress is both feminine and sophisticated. Create an hourglass shape with the cinchable waist-tie and floaty sleeves. The flattering midi-length skims over the lower body, while the buttons allow you to create as high of a slit as you want… great for showing off new winter boots!
This dress is made from Ramie, a natural fibre that is breathable with a lustrous finish, for an elevated look.
Sizes: 4 – 16
Alannah Mesh Midi Dress
$179.99 at Forever New
You’ll catch us in this mesh midi dress all winter long. Its flattering, fitted silhouette makes it the ultimate base layer: pair it under a knit with sneakers for a daytime look or with heels and a leather jacket for date night.
Don’t fear the fitted style: flattering ruching through the bodice and a sleek side split make it easy to move in, and the lining helps it skim effortlessly over the body.
Sizes: 4 – 16
THE MIDDLE LAYER
Your middle layer is for knitwear, blazers, cropped jackets and cardigans. Aim for wool-blend formulations and contrasting textiles that keep you warm and looking your best. Elevating your everyday wardrobe to luxe levels? That’s where your middle layer is putting in the work.
Our picks:
Elara High-Neck Jumper
$129.99 at Forever New
Every winter wardrobe needs a high-neck jumper. These versatile pieces can give dresses and skirts a seasonal update, be dressed down with jeans, or be thrown over the shoulders of a blazer for effortless elegance. The Elara jumper is our pick for the season, thanks to its gorgeous knitted formulation and the built-up neckline.
Editor’s tip: middle layers shouldn’t be too long, as this can add bulk. Look for waist-length pieces like the Elara jumper to break up the silhouette at a flattering point. We particularly love this number paired with a vegan leather skirt.
Sizes: 4 – 16
Hadley Single Breasted Blazer
$159.99 at Forever New
How many items in the ‘it’ colour of the season can we own? The limit does not exist. This single-breasted blazer’s peaked lapels and subtle shoulder pads give it shape and a tailored look. Fully lined and in a wool-blend fabrication, it will see you through the chilly season. Wear it as a middle layer between neutrals or black to elevate an outfit, or on its own for a sophisticated evening look.
Sizes: 4 – 16
Millie Crew Neck Jumper
$99.99 at Forever New
Come winter, we love rich, delicious chocolate… not *just* in our snack drawers, but in our wardrobes as well. This cosy knit wool-blend is giving 60’s mod, especially when paired with a mini skirt, tights and boots.
Look for small details to elevate those middle-layer staples this season. We love the playful gold buttons on the extra-long fitted cuffs of this sweater, as well as the loose sleeves.
Sizes: 4 – 16
THE OUTER LAYER
Outerwear is a must-shop when it comes to nailing your winter looks. Ensure you’re investing in timeless styles and quality fabrics that will see you through the seasons. We’ve rounded up our favourite Forever New coats to complete the winter layering equation.
Luccia Belted Checked Coat
$229.99 at Forever New
This timeless and elegant checked coat is at the very top of our winter wardrobe wishlist. Even at such an affordable price point, there’s no compromise on quality.
Luxe details like the notched lapels and button detailing on the cuffs elevate the look. The wool-blend fabrication means you’ll stay warm on your morning commute. Cinch the waist tie for a feminine shape or wear it open to show off your layers; knitted tops and rich base colours look fabulous under this number.
Sizes: 4 – 16
Sadie Belted Camel Coat
$209.99 at Forever New
Channel your inner old Hollywood star in this chic, timeless camel coat. It’s the perfect neutral to pair with any winter outfit – even activewear – thanks to its tailored fit and warm wool blend fabrication.
We’re layering this coat over the top of the Alannah mesh midi dress for date night, or throwing a chunky knit like the Elara high-neck crew jumper over the shoulders for a daytime look.
Sizes: 4 – 16
Chelsea Faux Fur Collar Coat
$219.99 at Forever New
Remember: winter fashion is also about having fun. When it’s gloomy outside, bring some glow to your day with this Carrie Bradshaw-worthy faux-fur collar coat. The double-breasted design and cinchable waist tie give it a flatting shape, while the warm fabrication will keep you cosy for those evening events. We’re pairing ours with boots and a mini skirt on our next girls’ night out.
Sizes: 4 – 16
Now you’re ready to elevate your winter wardrobe with Forever New’s latest collection. Start with your sleek base number, opting for light, silky fabrics and warm colours. Then layer up with sleek blazers and chunky knits. Finally, top it off with a coat set to see you through the seasons.
Hot tip: Don’t forget to sign up to the Forever You Rewards loyalty program. One dollar = one point, and when you earn 500 points you receive a $50 voucher! Plus, a $25 birthday voucher to spend on your birthday. Happy shopping!
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