By Michelle Bateman | Presented by Oroton| 2 days ago

Let's be honest: this is likely to be the first winter in three years that you've had things to do, places to go and – most excitingly – events to dress up for. What better excuse would you need to update your cool-weather wardrobe?

With new season looks hitting the stores and Afterpay Australian Fashion Week just around the corner, we asked top Sydney stylist and creative consultant Patrick Zaczkiewicz to share the five key trends for winter.

Winter is all about outerwear and although adding the latest style to your wardrobe can be an investment, it's one that will pay off. After all, you're likely to be wearing that coat or jacket almost every time you go outside.

According to Zaczkiewicz, the maxi coat is the shape to invest in this year. "The bigger the coat the better this season," he says. "Big-silhouetted, floor-length maxi coats are definitely the key style for winter."

Look for a classic wool option or try one in faux fur to make even more of a statement.

While monochromatic dressing in neutral colours is still an on-trend option, expect to see some colour creeping back into your wardrobe this year. Zaczkiewicz likes strong, vibrant shades , which will really stand out against the grey winter sky.

"Red was big on the runways this year, but if it's too strong, then try introducing a cornflower blue or a muted green shade," he suggests.

If you're not ready to embrace head-to-toe colour just yet, try adding a pop via an eye-catching handbag or pair of shoes. "It can really elevate an outfit," says Zaczkiewicz.

Accessories have skewed towards the novelty side recently (remember the tiny handbag trend?), but Zaczkiewicz assures us that classic shapes are making a comeback. For handbags , this means "beautiful hardware, top handles and fold-over flaps" that are perfect for day-to-night dressing. Oroton's Lane Texture small tote in brandy is a beautiful option that will work with almost any outfit.

Sunglasses will also be a key accessory for winter, he says. "A pair of classic black wayfarer-style sunglasses is something worth investing in this season – I know I will be."

If your work-week wardrobe needs a little freshening up, then you're in luck: the latest styles are office-appropriate without sacrificing style. "Oversized and slouchy tailoring is a trend that I love, and I think can be easily applied to workwear," says Zaczkiewicz.

The stylist also notes the return of tartan and plaid prints , as a nod to the early-2000s trend. "We'll see more sophisticated, subtle tartans all the way to bright and punchy combinations."

One or two of these on-trend pieces are all you need, then round out your wardrobe with a selection of workwear basics. "Have a white, blue and striped shirt in your wardrobe that you can wear either tucked in or open over a tank with a pair of trousers," Zaczkiewicz suggests.

Perhaps the most unexpected trend for winter is transparent fabrics. "I saw so many looks on the international runways consisting of sheer coverings and layers – it seems the world is becoming very transseasonal," Zaczkiewicz notes.

If you dare to bare, this is an alluring trend to try for evening wear. Simply swathe yourself in layers of sheer fabrics, throw on a giant maxi coat and you'll be ready to go!

Enter here to win tickets to Oroton's AAFW runway.

Auto news: 2022 Maserati SUV lineup due by the end of the year  - drive.com.au

Online Coupons and Best Deals

Watch the brand new series The Girl From Plainville now on Stan.

Latest news, reviews and cars for sale