Autumn/Winter fashion trends all wrapped up.

By Sarah Sullivan

Brrr, winter is on the way and that means it’s time to cosy up with this season’s hottest looks. And where better to find what’s trending than the Afterpay Bi-Annual Fashion and Beauty Trend Report for Autumn/Winter? It’s your insider’s guide to what Afterpay customers are shopping for this season.

After a year of wearing comfortable, you’ve decided it’s time to pack away the loungewear and get back out there in style. High on your list of outerwear must-haves are longline trenches, belted jackets, puffers, and hooded coats and jackets. Seasonal knits that celebrate skin tones in chocolate, camel and nude are also in force.

It’s time to shine a light on what’s making headlines this autumn and winter in Australia and New Zealand, and where to shop them.

Get Hooded.

Every wardrobe needs at least one hoodie, if not three. It’s that one item of clothing that you can easily incorporate into your everyday look. During autumn, you leaned towards the cropped hoodie and paired it with '90s-inspired denim in lighter shades.

But it doesn’t stop at crop. Longline coats with hoods are making an appearance in shades of artic white, plum, beige and charcoal. Some of the lighter fabrics make for perfect layering, as you get the warmth without the bulk.

Opt for a mid-calf length coat with detachable hood, which is just what you need as you leave the house and get back to your daily commute, arriving at your desk snug as a stylish bug.

Puffers are back.

Nothing gives warm hugs like a puffer jacket. Pop one of these on and you’ll feel like you’re walking around in a cloud of heated deliciousness.

But if you’re still having nightmares about the oversized puffer jackets of the late 2010s, where coats were so big and long and puffy you could have been mistaken for a bowling pin, rest assured today’s puffer dressing is anything but.

Think tonal in creams, browns and tans. They’ll go with anything right now. And don’t just settle for the traditional polyester. Branch out into faux leather or opt for a faux fur trim to mix it up.

If you’re not quite ready to part with your athleisure wear just yet, pair it with a puffer in bold colours to bring a little sunshine into an otherwise grey winter’s day.

In the trenches.

No other coat has stood the test of fashion time like the trench. Fiercely practical and wonderfully stylish, they’re a non-negotiable, and complement just about any look.

In a throwback to the ‘70s, this season you’ll see leather and faux leather coats in hues of tan, camel and brown.Or why not go for something more traditional with a relaxed silhouetted style? Colours in pale beige or navy create endless possibilities, and wrapping it up with a belt and pair of sky-high heels completes the look.

These days, more labels are making the switch to sustainably grown and sourced fabrics, so invest well and enjoy your trench for seasons to come.

Staying toasty in knitwear.

When it comes to winter warmth, knits are a no-brainer. Their soft, textured fabrics deliver a relaxed feel and are ideal for layering.

Making an appearance this season is the sleeveless knitted vest. Like everything else in the ‘warm & cosy’ department, neutral colours and textured materials are featuring. Worn with pants or a skirt, they’re the ideal foundation piece.

And don’t be surprised if you see the return of the cable knit in pretty pastels and neutrals. The chunkier the better.

Add a belt for style...

Stylish? Tick. Versatile? Tick. Must have? Tick, tick, tick. Who doesn’t love a belted coat? They’re the ultimate, figure-defining outerwear piece that always delivers a polished look.

We’re not surprised to see the return of the belted blazer. They’re insanely stylish and can add an element of sophistication to any look. Aim for lightweight woven fabrics that hang beautifully and cinch nicely under a belt.

If blazers aren’t your thing, that’s cool. This season has an abundance of belted options in a range of fabrics and styles. Think cardigans, trenches, open front wool wrap sweaters and coats, even knitted oversized vests are making the cut.

But don’t limit yourself to one style of belt. Branch out and be brave; mix and match your style to suit the way you’re feeling.