Shopping list: winter essentials

Oh, Autumn. How I adore you so. As it gets cooler in the Sunshine State, I find myself growing more and more excited about fashion. Summer is generally bundles of fun, but in winter you get to wear lots of clothes (which, to me, equals much more fun!).

This winter I refuse to freeze my limbs off and will account for the fact that Brisbane does get quite cold. Cotton blazers, light scarves and opaque stockings just don't cut it, and that's fine. I have far too many memories of wintry torture, like waiting painstakingly for taxis in the early hours of the morning, and battling torrential rain only to reach my destination as wet as a fish, etc.

So here is a list of my winter essentials. On top of these I'll no doubt get my woolen mitts on some warmer basics and statement pieces, but these are must-haves in order to avoid the constant goosebumps, bone-tingling shivers and puddle-drenched feet I've experienced in the past.

Clothes:

1. A warm coat! I haven't worn one of these since I was a teenager living in (significantly chillier) Sydney. This is going to change! My ideal coat would have a collar, a feminine cut and silver hardware (if any), and would sit just below the hip. Did I mention that I'm fussy? Marc Jacobs, feel free to donate your perfect coat to my wardrobe.

2. Snuggly jumpers. I'll team them with minis, maxis, shorts, trousers, jeans, pajamas, everything.

3. A cosy cardigan, a.k.a the super simple answer to layering in temperamental weather.

 

4. A shearling jacket, for when it's freeeeezing but you're after something more relaxed than a full-on coat.

Accessories:

1. Woolen tights. I love my dear opaques, but they're not exactly winter-proof (and if you're as clumsy as I am, they're probably being constantly replaced due to holes).

2. Knitted headwear. Because 40-45% of body heat is lost from your head, apparently. I think turbans are a particularly nice alternative to the average beanie.

3. Scarves! Knitted, (faux) furry, whatever - just as long as I can wrap myself up in it.

4. Low-heeled boots, for splashing in puddles. Kidding (or least I wouldn't be splashing in puddles if I was flaunting these Acne gems!). But this winter I vow to get warm, durable, rain-friendly boots (preferably ankle length) instead of traipsing around in flimsy ballet flats and brogues. Gumboots, not included.

What are your winter essentials?