The Guide to Dressing Chic This Winter: My Fall / Winter Wishlist
- Innasya Mackenzie
- Feb 3
- 5 min read
Dressing well is a form of good manners. As the season of falling leaves and hot chocolate approaches, it comes time to turn our attention to our winter wardrobes. Shopping impulsively has no place here. The goal is a wardrobe meticulously curated to embody our personal style.
Cold weather is no excuse for poor dressing. As Vivienne Westwood said, you have a more interesting life if you wear impressive clothes.
If you ask me, the best antidote to seasonal depression is curating a wardrobe filled with pieces as unique as we are — garments that express our true selves, rather than defaulting to hoodies and leggings.
The Scandinavian Approach to Winter Dressing
Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway. Dressing with style and staying warm are not mutually exclusive. Let me introduce you to the Scandinavian layering method.
The Scandinavian layering method is built on five intentional layers, each serving a specific purpose.
Layer 1: The thinnest. Breathable organic materials, a light long sleeve. A thin merino or silk to keep the skin dry and reduce sweating.
Layer 2: A second thin layer, a wool or wool blend—the absorbing layer—that pulls moisture away from the base.
Layer 3: Fleece, heavy wool, or cashmere—the insulation. A roomy sweater to trap air.
Layer 4: The jacket that protects from the weather, blocking wind and rain.
Layer 5: The outer coat. A well-cut, longline wool or insulated coat that provides added warmth while protecting the legs in colder conditions.
As wool regulates temperature, insulates when damp, and breathes better than other synthetic materials it is an important component in the Scandinavian layering method. Wool is a non-negotiable in any Norwegians wardrobe.
While Australian winters don’t quite reach the same extremes as Northern Europe, the Scandinavian layering method is far from irrelevant. By selectively incorporating key layers, we can adapt the approach to suit our climate — allowing us to wear runway-ready looks day to day without sacrificing comfort. In Australia, Layer 1, Layer 3, and either Layer 4 or 5 work perfectly.
Désirs de Saison: Fall / Winter
The best dressed women don’t shop with impulse—they curate their wardrobe with purpose. Your closet is a reflection of your essence. I adore an extravagant, statement piece so here are my desires of the season:
The Wishlist
Knee High Boots
Knee high boots have been a staple in my wardrobe for years with my closet containing multiple pairs of black leather knee high boots.
As I grow further into my authentic personal style i'm starting to discover my love for statement pieces, still versatile, but designed with a more unique approach in mind.
As a former ballerina, these ballet boots, crafted with used ballet shoes, instantly caught my attention. They're the perfect combination of a past passion, and present love — my adoration for vintage fashion.
Wool
It's no secret that I love a two piece set and while tweed will continue to be prominent in my wardrobe, wool is another material I would like to include more of.
With my move to Europe approaching I'm beginning to realise my current winter wardrobe won't quite comfortably fit the conditions of Paris. Paul&Joe — the brand of which this iconic set is made by — manufacture most of their garments in France. As I move overseas i'm eager to discover and curate a wardrobe full of more European brands.
Sheer Stockings & Stay Ups
As of last year, we've seen the return of statement tights in everyday fashion with sources such as Vogue, Voir Fashion, and Forbes marking them "back" and the "MVP of NYFW".
There's no denying black sheer stockings are the perfect staple in any wardrobe but why must we solely stick to black. Personally, i'm excited to incorporate white, and patterned tights into my winter wardrobe as they add that little something extra to an outfit without being too over the top.
Fur
After spending the last year in Australia's capital, Canberra I quickly came to notice my "night out uniform" was a little black dress, sheer stockings, and a fur coat. Warm, stylish, and ever so chic.
Possibly one of the largest debates in fashion, real or faux fur? What's your opinion?
These Forever New heels were my go-to going out shoe — a style that didn't leave me wincing in pain by the end of the night.
The Little Black Dress
Heaven is a place of little black dresses. They are my favourite item in my wardrobe, by far, and my favourite piece to shop for.
A design rooted not just in aesthetics, but history. A timeless garment that has and will continue to be a staple for many women.
First introduced by Chanel in 1926, the Little Black Dress has stood the test of time and evolved as the years have passed.
Velvet
Who declared velvet exclusive to evening wear? Both in nightfall and the waking hours velvet is one of the most exquisite fabrics in my opinion and a material I hope to integrate more into my daily looks.
A luxurious textile that catches shadows and glimmers with every movement. With a heritage of opulence a velvet dress is more than just clothing, but an experience of luxury.
Tulle
My trusted outfit formula was once a simple top with a statement skirt. I'm starting to recognise that my confidence blossoms in funnily enough, the opposite.
Add more volume to the top half of my body with a puffy sleeve, embellished detail, or statement design has been my preferred styling method as of late.
A blouse is another timeless piece that I will be keeping more of an eye out for when shopping and adding to my wardrobe.
Sleepwear & Accessories
I'm a firm believer in style not simply being expressed in our public appearances but also in private — your bedroom.
A study conducted by Harvard revealed that what you wear affects how you feel — enclothed cognition. By sleeping in silks, satins, velvets, and tulle my authentic personal style is not just on display for the world to see but also carried into my private quarters.
Fashion doesn't just stop at your clothing, your accessories are what make an outfit and never something to brush past.
If nobody judges you or calls you “too much”, your outfit isn’t good enough.
Love, Innasya x
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