You name it, we’ll be wearing it in leather this winter. Leather shorts, leather dresses, leather leggings…and more. Other choice picks of fabrics will be fur, suede, wool, tweed, twill, velvet, satin and denim.

Luxurious and thick fabrics create a sculptural and sultry look with the chunkiest of knits keeping us both warm and looking fabulous. Chunky doesn’t have to equal dowdy though ensure you have open-weave detailing and a little skin showing.

Chunky and textured are the keys to knitwear this winter – whether cardigans, turtlenecks or sweaters. For a snug outfit, try a long cable-knit ‘cardigan coat’ teamed with bright tights and ankle boots. Knits are hot in charcoal grey, bold colours or classic black. Team with a belt to ensure no loss of shape.

Waist definition is something New Zealand women are becoming more aware of. Knee-length skirts with flattering, soft and feminine blouses are a great look when paired with a broad or narrow belt. A big belt makes a bold statement, while a narrow belt will create a delicately defined waistline.

Even if you don’t have a well-defined waist, a belt will create the illusion of an hourglass shape.

Over-the-knee boots are the must-have item and those daring enough will find the tops of their boots creeping up even higher with thigh-high boots also making it mainstream. From elegant suede’s to darkly futuristic wound-and-bound leathers, the options are many and various.

Dandy elements will re-enter women’s fashion. Think bow blouses, ruffles, jodhpurs, tailored waistcoats and brooches. Menswear is feminised for sexy yet masculine looks.

Capes and cloaks will be a favourite with our fashionistas with New Zealand’s designers creating their own unique revivals. From cropped mini capelets to long cloaks and full capes.

Colours will be variations between beige and light gray, sophisticated lilacy-purple, milky blueberry and teal blue, a very wearable red and a combination of fuschia and soft pink. Warmer colours will be represented by honeyed-up yellow and earthy shades of orange, a darker version of this spring’s tangerine. For the darker tones we will see deep black, slate gray, inky blue and deep purple. Super-shiny metallics and shimmering fabrics in silver, bronze and gold.”

People should expect to see lots of dramatic, feminine prints and accessories. Animal prints, ruffles, lace, plaid, brocade, florals, zippers, statement necklaces, patterned leggings and tights, bold coloured opaque tights and sequins. Wear them in small doses and balance them out with a couple of garments from the wardrobe.

Dress sensationally and keep warm in the months ahead. As the weather changes it’s important to know how to protect the skin heading into winter. The dramatic weather change from hot to cold can ultimately dry out and break skin.

Making sure you drink lots of water is essential at this time as the moisture lost from all those summer activities (swimming in chlorine water, swimming in salt water, bathing in the sun) will have taken its toll.

This is the perfect time to switch from using lotions to creams because during summer most people use lotions because they are a lighter in coverage. Creams tend to be oilier than lotions. Creams offer an additional barrier to help keep moisture inside the body and help protect against the extreme cool temperatures.

Angela Stone is a top New Zealand fashionista. The Christchurch style expert and model stages most of the major fashion events in the city including the big ticket events at Addington and Riccarton Cup days.

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