By Cassandra Ryan
It might be taking Toowoomba’s winter a while to show its true face, but it’s never too early to start putting together your winter look. The autumn/winter (AW16) style season is in full swing in our shops, so the Toowoomba Living team headed to Grand Central to find out what’s hot this winter.
Grand Central offers a huge variety of incredible brands, including some fantastic Australian labels. However, with so many choices it can be hard to know where to start when shopping for seasonal pieces. To help decode the winter shopping puzzle for you I spent a morning with Grand Central’s personal stylist and Toowoomba fashion designer Carolyn Taylor-Smith checking out the latest seasonal looks and trends.
Enduring style
A big focus across all stores this season is high quality fabrics with particular attention paid to the cut of the garment. The idea of curating a wardrobe of quality basics that can be built upon with each season’s latest trends is classic in fashion. This season more than ever before we’re seeing all stores stock items that will last you season after season. Veronika Maine has a reputation for gorgeous fabrics and they continue to deliver on it this year.
The AW16 colour palette is all about tones of wine, burnt orange, and camel. Mix these rich, warm colours with neutral basics for an on trend, yet eternally classic look.
Some of the rich colours of the season. Top left, olive features in this two tone vest from Veronika Maine. On the right, a grey collarless long-line coat is thrown over a textured dress, both from Cue. And bottom left this merino knit features two seasonal trends, a rich berry colour and a neck tie (Veronika Maine).
Delicate details mixed with a vintage vibe
Finishes like eyelet details, neck ties, statement sleeves, off the shoulder knitwear, and of course flared jeans and wide leg pants are heavily influenced by the re-emergence of the 70s that we saw last year and that is continuing on this year.
There’s also a strong 60s influence especially at Cue, with shift dresses in A-line shapes and long sleeves. Many of the designs give a nod to the bold geometric style of mod era, but are given a modern edge through details like beautiful dark floral prints and functional cuts.
Wide legged pants matched with a slim knit are a great workwear option for winter. Add a belt for extra interest. Total look from Veronika Maine.
Knits are always in
Texture is in, and this season’s knits feature cosy statement pieces like jumpers with cable knit detail and oversized pieces made from chunkier yarns. Grand Central’s newest brand Seed has a beautiful range of knits in many styles, while Target and Sportsgirl are great cost effective options if you’re watching your budget.
And while we are seeing top fashion bloggers wearing these pieces over flowy chiffon skirts and trainers, this look can be a little too over the top for us everyday gals. Instead try keeping your bottom half streamlined with a well-cut pair of trousers and a heeled ankle boot, which will elevate the look and keep you from looking frumpy.
We layered this cute top featuring velvet over a sheer top. Paired with check pants just for fun. Look from Cue.
Make it your own
An easy way to incorporate trends into your look is through accessories. Suede shoes and bags with fringed detail or patchwork colour combos add to the bohemian vibe that we are seeing in street style fashion.
With the off the shoulder trend being so huge this year, accessory designers are cashing in on the best way to decorate the bare décolletage. Hoop or chandelier earrings draw attention to this area in a subtle, classy way. Or you can break up the area by opting for a neck tie or choker, which will give an edgier element to your outfit while also being incredibly chic.
Dying to update your wardrobe but don’t know where to start? With so many fantastic options it can get confusing, especially if you’re time poor. Grand Central offers 90 minute personal styling sessions with Carolyn, who has an incredible amount of knowledgeable about the fashion industry after spending her whole career immersed within it.
Carolyn will help you define your style by looking at your body shape as well as your lifestyle, and teach you how to incorporate trends into your wardrobe without looking like a fashion victim. Sessions can be booked by phoning Grand Central on 4632 5866. You can also book group sessions with Carolyn, which would make for a fantastic start to a hen’s night or shopping trip with your girlfriends.
Contributor: Cassandra Ryan
Find more from Cassandra at cassandraleeblog.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
Styled by Carolyn Taylor-Smith
Modelled by Cassandra Ryan
Photos by Toowoomba Living
