Winter Styling

Winter can be a challenging time to look stylish. Driving rain and biting winds can have you piling on layer after layer in the quest to stay warm but - according to some of Perth's top stylists - it need not be at the expense of style.

In fact, they say, winter can be the best season for impressive dressing.

It's a case of knowing how to integrate some of the season's key winter looks into your everyday wardrobe.

Aco stylist Annabel Cribb recommends layering lighter pieces; this will give warmth without adding bulk. "Our winters aren't generally that harsh, so for most of the time layering up a series of fairly light pieces with a jacket thrown over the top is sufficient to keep warm without totally sacrificing any semblance of style," Ms Cribb says.

"It's also great during winter to combine different textures for a more fashionable, contemporary look.

"Combining textures such as leather, cotton, silk and cashmere, for instance, can add interest and depth to an otherwise simple outfit," she says.

Ms Cribb says those with fuller figures shouldn't be afraid of embracing the layering trend.

"If done well, layering longer, looser layers can be far more flattering than squeezing into tight-fitting clothes in the quest to look slim," she says.

"Layers should neither be too tight nor too loose and should always skim the body rather than hug it."

While she likes to inject colour into often-drab winter wardrobes, she tells her clients to be selective when adding a splash of colour.

"Add a coloured jumper or scarf, just avoid adding it to the largest part of your body so it doesn't become the focal point," she says.

A personal fan of the high/low look that was introduced to the fashion landscape by off-duty stylish models such as Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, Ms Cribb says the key to mastering this look is mixing ultra-casual attire with luxury pieces for an effortless, thrown- together air.

"Wear a pair of distressed denim boyfriend jeans with a chic silk blazer and a pair of heels for instant glamour on cool winter nights," she suggests.

SANA Boutique's Sara Beecroft says coats (especially pea coats) are one of the key looks this season and a great opportunity to turn one of winter's most practical threads into a stylish statement.

Instead of disappearing into the fashion landscape with blacks and greys, she says some of her favourite coats of the season have been in tones of powder pink and light-grey marle. She says proportion is also important when putting together or layering key winter pieces.

"If you're wearing a loose top, pair it back with a skinnier jean and a tighter top looks best with a looser, less form- fitting bottom," Ms Beecroft says.

Prints are also strong this season - and look best mixed.

"A mish-mash of combinations can add fun and verve to an otherwise plain outfit on an average day; as do stripes and lace incorporated into your winter look," Ms Beecroft says.

Furs, she says, are a strong winter look and have been one of the season's fastest sellers. Timelessly stylish, she likes furs thrown over a silk shirt and skinny jeans or injected as a warm addition to a mid-winter black-tie outfit.

Stylist Elizabeth Clarke nominates coats as the topper of choice this season.

"There is no more versatile piece you can have in your winter wardrobe.

"Layer over a tee, jeans and sneaker combo and you have the ideal Perth winter look," she says. "Don't be afraid to adopt it as your winter signature piece and wear it every day.

She says being seen in something more than once is more than OK, as spearheaded by the effortlessly stylish Dutchess of Cambridge.

"Pick your key piece, wear it to death and make it your look."

Ms Clarke says your grandpa's flannel shirts have become one of winter's key fashion looks this season and worn back with denim make for a stylish off-duty look during cooler weather.

She says jewellery and killer accessories are more important than ever during the winter months when we traditionally shy away from the bright and the colourful.

"Remember jewellery is not just for dress ups, it's an everyday essential particularly in winter."

_ _INSIDE: The stylists reveal their fav winter pieces _. _

A mish-mash of combinations can add fun and verve to an otherwise plain outfit . . .