What We’re Wearing This Winter
It’s official – the temperature has dipped below 22 degrees, which means Brisbane winter has arrived. As we swap short sleeves and skirts for coats, knits and layers, a few standout pieces are already emerging as the season’s must-haves.
With Brisbane Fashion Festival fast approaching and EOFY sales even closer, we took a look at the trends dominating stores across Australia right now. From elevated outerwear to unexpected comebacks, these are the pieces that will undoubtedly define your wardrobe this season.
Funnel Neck Jackets
The staple of the season, there is not a single outlet that has strayed away from offering one of the signifiers of the 2026 winter, the funnel neck jacket. Regardless of material, brand or price, this elevated outerwear trend has firmly established itself as winter's must-have piece, seen in favourites like Kookai, Glassons, Billy J, all the way to top-end designers like Aje, Rohe, Scanlan Theodore. Whether crafted from wool, leather, suede or nylon, the design is a structured, high neckline that brings both warmth and sophistication to any outfit.
Versatile enough to throw over denim for a casual look or pair with tailored pieces for a more polished finish, the funnel neck jacket is shaping up to be the piece you'll reach for on repeat.
Scarf Sweaters
You could buy a scarf and a sweater separately. But 2026 said why should you? Following the rise of neck-detail dresses and built-in scarf silhouettes on international runways, winter fashion has embraced the trend in knitwear form, where warmth meets effortless elegance. Striking the perfect balance between polished and cosy, these chic designs are proving that practicality doesn't have to come at the expense of style. While more affordable options are beginning to emerge, you'll find some of the strongest takes doing the design justice are brands such as Henne, DISSH and Carla Zampatti.
The Leather Jacket
Hanging right next to your funnel neck jacket will be another winter essential, the leather jacket. Biker, bomber, blazer or aviator, while the style has taken on many different forms over the years, what remains is their place in your rotation.
This winter, rich chocolate brown leather is leading the charge, particularly in oversized bomber styles. Paired with relaxed denim for daytime wear or thrown over a dress for an evening out, it's the kind of piece that works hard in any wardrobe.
The best part? You'll find a version at virtually every price point, making it one of the easiest trends of the season to get around.
Double Denim
Only out of fashion for a split second while we shook off Y2K, double denim has firmly reclaimed its place in the trend cycle. Across Meshki, DISSH, Billy J, Sheike and Forever New, pair a flare jean with an oversized button up of the same denim wash. Wear it buttoned up for a more polished feel, or layered over a tank for a laid-back approach.
Once considered a fashion faux pas, double denim is now one of the easiest ways to achieve an effortlessly cool, off-duty, on-trend look this winter.
The Capri
Love them or loathe them, capris are making an unexpected comeback this winter. We feel the resurgence of the once aging capri now stands in for what skinny jeans used to bring us – shape. With baggy jeans, flowing skirts, and looser fitting clothes all the rage, sometimes in winter having such bulky top heavy items like sweaters, parkas, or knits requires something more tight-fitting and shaping on the bottom to even out the visual weight. This is where capris step in. While the trend may divide opinion, there's no denying its growing presence across Australian retailers. Brands including Kookai, Bec + Bridge and DISSH are embracing the look, often styling capris with oversized outerwear and funnel neck jackets to create a balanced, modern silhouette.
Winter Tones
Pastels and bright colours are stepping aside to make way for winter's cooler hues, and the shades we're seeing everywhere are chocolate brown, deep reds and muted blues.
Chocolate brown continues its reign as winter's unofficial neutral, while rich mahogany reds and deep wine tones are emerging as the season's statement shades. Meanwhile, muted blues are offering a softer alternative to traditional black and grey palettes, bringing a fresh coolness to winter wardrobes.
While these trends are dominating wardrobes right now, fashion never stands still. With Brisbane Fashion Festival just around the corner, we'll be keeping a close eye on the runway to see what pieces earn their place as the season's next must-have.