The weather is getting cooler, so what are the best tips for preparing for the real women’s Winter wardrobe?

Key Pieces:

If you haven’t already or they need an update, choose or purchase key quality, classic pieces you absolutely love and build upon them. You may need to spend a little more on these to get the quality and fit. Good key pieces include jackets, good pair of jeans, good pair of pants, skirt, dress and coats.

Last year I purchased a Lululemon puffer coat and I wore it nearly every day and love it, it has a hood so protected me from the rain during school runs especially on those days when I was carrying too much and couldn’t physically hold an umbrella. Other key pieces may be a quality suit in black or navy, a black or navy dress, a pair of Paige jeans. Look at Cue or European brands for key pieces.

Whilst I was in Europe last year I purchased a blue corduroy jacket which I absolutely love, its warm enough to wear in the Australian Winter and smart enough to wear to dress up jeans and pants or throw over a dress.

Pieces for a season:

Purchase items that are less expensive yet can be used for layering and daily wear. Think long sleeve tops, blouses, jumpers, cardigans, leggings, jeans, scarfs. I am talking about that bright wool seasonal sweater you might find in Country Road. Always buy 2 sizes smaller at Country Road to ensure fit. Portmans, Seed, Witchery also do great seasonal items.

Shoes: good quality boots, boots, boots. Invest in a pair of boots that are comfortable and you can wear with almost everything. If your budget can stretch choose Spanish or Italian made. I love Edward Meller for boots. In my wardrobe I have a pair of short black boots and a pair of taupe short boots I wear non stop in Winter. Also you can’t go wrong with a pair of white sneakers, they look great with jeans, leggings for that dressed down casual yet smart look.

Accessorise: Bags, jewellery, hats, scarfs. I use accessories as the cherry on top of the sundae. I am huge bag lover therefore change my bags according to the occasion. However at work I have one key bag for everyday and use smaller bags for occasion/evening if I go out. I love a good cross body smaller hand-bag, makes a gorgeous statement yet keeps you hands free.

Whilst I was in Europe, I was wandering through a beautiful Parisian department store and this lovely salesgirl did a huge sell job on me with a navy cashmere headband. Im not talking about a thin plastic thing but a beautiful woven headpiece which keeps your ears warm in Winter yet your hair can be free. It is so beautiful, I just love it and lets face it shopping is mostly about the experience so when she took the time to show me how to wear it, how on earth could I say no to it!

Also don’t afraid to be bold and different with your fashion, I say use your key, classic pieces as a base and then layer up from there, add the colourful jumper or scarf and the cherry on top may be those beautiful statement ear-rings, a colourful handbag or some patterned tights underneath.

Everyday classic look I love: team up a good pair of jeans and boots with a navy and white striped top and cover with a key pieces jacket or coat and finish with a bright red cross body bag for interest…voila!