STYLE STATUS
Find what works for your look and lifestyle.
WORDS NICKY ADAMS
CUVÉE ROSE COAT, $728, UNREALFUR.COM.AU
MOOD OF THE MOMENT
Plaid just keeps coming from every direction, and there’s a reason for this: its versatility is as fabulous as its timelessness. From outerwear to statement dresses, often crafted from fabric in a heavier weave, it’s a look that leans into the practical as much as the visually pleasing.
Styling has taken a maximalist slant; head-to-toe is the go – an approach New Zealand designers are excelling at. Given our mild winter climate, Bay dwellers have the advantage of being able to dip our toes into cold-weather looks without having to completely ‘winterise’ our wardrobes, and for this, layering is key. Mid-weight pieces topped with a statement coat enables the outerwear to be the entire look. Go for faux fur and shearling or ethically sourced feather, and add new depth to the most basic of outfits.
HEREAFTER DRESS, $440, TWENTYSEVENNAMES.CO.NZ
WELCOME WINTER TO YOUR WARDROBE
Colour features strongly this season, and a great way to banish the gloom is by zhushing up your neutrals with splashes of it. Although florals will always say “spring”, some designers haven’t been able to wait and have turned blooms transeasonal by showing them paired with heavy boots and a coat.
The quarter zip knit is another favourite look, and one that works just as well for men as women; thanks to its minimalist appeal, it’s a top-tier staple.
INTENT JACKET, $470, MOOCHI.CO.NZ
Sweaters take the average turtleneck up a notch, with this season championing ultra-cosy funnel-necks. In fact, the high-collar aesthetic is a huge breakout trend right now, as are balloon pants. Billowy with a tapered hem, for many fashion fans, these pants sartorially divisive, but like it or lump it, they’ve quickly become the silhouette of the season.
TRENDING NOW
Most-wanted this winter.
BEC AND BRIDGE CASSIS DRAPE MAXI DRESS, $469, SUPERETTE.CO.NZ
RECALIBRATE YOUR LOOK EASY ELEVATION Although transeasonal pieces are imperative wardrobe fillers, find me someone who doesn’t love a winter coat or jacket. At this time of year, in some form or other, leather (or faux) can’t be beaten.
Versatility is a star quality that can just as easily read retro or polished and can’t be beaten for longevity. A beautiful long-line piece of tailoring will never date, and if you’re looking for an on-trend jacket, a funnel-neck or bomber should be your pick.
None of this season’s trends feel too set in stone, but a ’20s-style dropped or elongated waist is a highlight, and generally a flattering one. Sheer lace and corsets are as dramatic as they are current, with a gothic vibe simmering away in the background.
ACLER AVISION MAXI DRESS, $809, BELLOVIDA.NZ
EASY ELEVATION
Overall, this winter’s trends couldn’t get more low maintenance, with designers encouraging fashion lovers to selectively add a few main players, then consider ways to creatively rethink what we already own.
For 2026, pay attention to your knitwear and knee-highs. The former has been elevated via woollen dresses, skirts with matching cardigans, and wrap tops and matching pants, all considered high-fashion pieces.
A trend has also emerged in the form of pre-layered knits. Last year, we saw sweaters and coats with scarf details; this year, it’s knits over knits. If that’s not your thing, look to the trending play on texture – silk or satin paired with merino or cashmere shows an appreciation of quality as well as classic style.
