Winter dressing can start to feel repetitive when you’re rotating through the same coats, boots, and accessories all season.
But according to THE ICONIC’s Head of Style, Nicole Adolphe, a few simple additions are all it takes to refresh your wardrobe.
Think updated silhouettes, rich tones and luxe-looking accessories, she’s identified five key trends that are wearable and current for winter.
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The best part? They’re easy to incorporate into an existing wardrobe without feeling like a complete overhaul.
To put her recommendations to the test, I added all five trends into my regular rotation and wore them to the office, around the house, and even interstate.
1. Funnel neck jackets
Structured, high funnel necks are everywhere this winter. Credit: THE ICONIC, 7You
I’ve learned pretty quickly this season that outerwear is no longer just the layer you throw on — it’s the centrepiece of an entire outfit.
But the true star of the show this season is the funnel-neck jacket, defined by its high, structured collar that creates a cool but cosy feel.
“Funnel neck jackets are the standout outerwear trend this winter because they combine practicality with polish,” explains Nicole.
“The elevated neckline creates a more structured silhouette while providing extra warmth, making them an easy upgrade from a traditional bomber or puffer.”
This was probably the trend I was most excited to embrace, because I knew the AERE Rory Organic Cotton Funnel Neck Jacket would work seamlessly with so many pieces already in my wardrobe.
I love the neutral shade and funnel neck, but also the drawstring which helps to create a more flattering shape around the waist — it was particularly handy as an extra layer in cold Melbourne.
2. Snakeskin prints
Level up your accessories with snakeprint this season. Credit: THE ICONIC, 7You
Let’s be honest — most Aussies have a go-to pair of shoes they wear on repeat — something I am definitely guilty of.
But lately, my plain black pair of boots have started to feel a little too safe rather than adding any real personality to an outfit.
Every time I scroll through my favourite brands, I’m met with pops of snakeskin — particularly when it comes to footwear.
“Animal print never truly disappears, but this winter we’re seeing snakeskin emerge as the print of choice,” Nicole explains, adding that footwear is the easiest way to embrace the trend without overwhelming a look.
“A knee-high boot is my personal favourite, but ankle boots and ballet flats offer a more everyday approach,” which is why, when I came across these & Other Kitten Heel Ankle Boots, I knew I could wear them on the weekend and even to work.
I’m a huge fan of a closed toe heel under a straight-leg pair of jeans, so you can best bet that was the first outfit I wore in these statement shoes to the office.
3. Espresso shades
Switch chocolate browns to deeper espresso shades. Credit: THE ICONIC, 7You
If there’s one trend I’m already fully embracing, it’s rich, deep chocolate tones.
Brown has long been my go-to alternative to black, but these darker espresso tones feel especially cosy and warm.
Nicole says espresso is easily her colour pick for winter — even dubbing it the shade of the season.
“We saw chocolate brown dominate last year, but this season the palette has evolved into richer, deeper espresso tones that feel elevated and timeless. It’s the season’s alternative to black and provides the perfect base for layering or tonal dressing”.
While I usually keep styling simple with wardrobe staples like blue or cream denim, Nicole suggests leaning into the unexpected colour combinations seen on the runway.
“We also saw strong pops of cobalt blue at Australian Fashion Week, and espresso provides an unexpected but sophisticated contrast that feels very current for the season.”
Bright blue and espresso? Yes please.
I recently wore the Dazie Zara Asymmetric Knit Jumper to the airport and received so many compliments — most likely thanks to the striking asymmetric design. Next time I’ll try to experiment more with bold colours.
4. East-West bags
It’s officially – the nostaglic shape of East-West bags are back. Credit: THE ICONIC, 7You
Named for their elongated silhouette and horizontal shape, East-West bags are proving to be one of the season’s most sought-after accessories.
“The East-West bag is having a major moment because it feels both nostalgic and modern at the same time. It’s a minimalistic, elongated rectangular bag shape with a handle named after compass directions,” Nicole explains.
She says her go-to is a classic black colourway, so naturally I followed suit.
The COS Nouveau Shoulder Bag has barely left my shoulder lately, proving to be the perfect in-between size when I don’t want to carry a large tote.
Crafted from luxe leather, it looks and feels far more expensive than its $225 price tag suggests.
Finding the perfect shoulder bag is no easy feat, yet this style has straps that are the perfect length, sitting comfortably under my arm.
5. Barrel leg pants
Fashion girls across the globe can’t stop wearing the trending barrel leg silhouette. Credit: THE ICONIC, 7You
As the Northern Hemisphere powers through a major heatwave, fashion girls on the other side of the globe can’t stop talking about one particular wardrobe staple: barrel-leg pants — especially in soft cotton fabrics.
While we’ve seen the trending silhouette before, Nicole says barrel-leg styles “continue to gain momentum because they offer a fresh alternative to wide-leg and straight-leg silhouettes while maintaining the same level of comfort.”
“During winter they can be styled with knitwear, ballet flats and tailored outerwear, while milder days call for a simple tank or tee,” she explains.
While the cool girls of Europe are pairing theirs with cropped jackets as they move into the warmer months, I styled the AERE Organic Cotton Barrel Leg Pants with a chunky knit across my shoulders a pair of ballet flats.
As a tall person, I tend to lean toward longer silhouettes to avoid cutting off my shape at the ankles, but I was surprised by how much I like the slightly cropped look.
To shop the trends of the season, head to THE ICONIC website here.
