Image: Serafina
Adelaide’s unpredictable winter weather can make getting dressed feel like preparing for several seasons in one day.
A freezing morning can quickly turn into a sunny afternoon before temperatures drop again once the sun goes down. However, this winter’s biggest fashion shift is not simply about adding more layers.
Women are moving away from disposable trends and one-off statement pieces in favour of structured, versatile clothing that can be worn in several different ways.
Store Manager at South Australian-owned fashion boutique Serafina in Unley Shopping Centre, Natasha shared that she’s noticed women taking back control of their wardrobes and becoming more confident about what they want to wear.
“This year, it’s like women are deciding what they are wearing,” Natasha said. “I’m calling it ‘the reclaiming’.”
“It’s structured, it’s tailored, it takes you anywhere and it suits the weather.”
Unley Shopping Centre brings together winter fashion, accessories, eyewear and specialist garment care, all under one roof. Located in one of Adelaide best suburban shopping and dining strips, Unley Road has ore than 400 specialist, independent and family-run businesses operating just minutes from the CBD.
The centre itself has more than 40 retailers and services, including Coles, Woolworths, Tony & Mark’s, Sussan, Serafina, Taking Shape, Zink Hair, fresh food retailers, bakeries and several places to stop for lunch.
Here are six of the biggest winter style shifts to try this season.
1. Layer with intention
The most useful winter outfits begin with pieces that can be easily added or removed as the temperature changes.
Instead of relying on one heavy jumper, begin with a fitted long-sleeved top, shirt or lightweight knit before adding a blazer, jacket or coat.
The aim is not to pile on as many layers as possible. Each piece should work as part of the outfit, even when the coat comes off.
Sussan is a reliable place to begin, with knitwear, coats and everyday wardrobe staples designed to work in different combinations.
The Australian retailer has 80 years of experience helping women build wardrobes around quality pieces that feel current while remaining easy to wear.
Sussan is located next to hair salon Zink
2. Build a capsule wardrobe around versatile pieces
A capsule wardrobe is a smaller collection of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create several outfits.
Start with a pair of well-fitting pants, a neutral knit, a winter dress or skirt, a practical coat and one more distinctive layer. Choosing complementary colours will allow most of the pieces to be worn together.
Natasha said customers were becoming more considered about what they purchased rather than buying something simply because it caught their attention.
“People aren’t coming in and just buying that piece,” she said.
“They’re thinking, ‘I’ve got a pair of pants that will go with that. I’ve got a skirt that will go with that.’ It’s intentional dressing.”
Black and navy will always have a place in winter wardrobes, but rich chocolate shades have emerged as a softer and surprisingly versatile alternative.
“The world is in love with chocolate,” Natasha said.
“Anything chocolate is the new black. It blends with so many other colours, and it’s very grounded.”
Serafina offers seasonal women’s fashion, structured layers and accessories from its boutique near the Arthur Street entrance.
The South Australian-owned business specialises in distinctive pieces that can add personality to a capsule wardrobe without becoming a one-time purchase.
Serafina is located via the Arthur St Entrance.
3. Choose outfits that move from work to weekend
The hardest-working winter pieces are those that do not need to be reserved for a single occasion.
A winter dress can be styled with structured outerwear for the office before being paired with a relaxed knit and scarf on the weekend. Tailored pants can work with a blouse during the week and a softer sweater for Saturday lunch.
“You can get up in the morning and stay warm with your coat, but when you go into the office, you still have a structured outfit that is easy to wear. You can peel off the layers if you need to.”
Taking Shape offers winter fashion designed specifically for curvy women, with textured fabrics, statement outerwear and boldly individual pieces that can be dressed up or down.
Look for clothing that feels comfortable enough for everyday wear but polished enough to carry you through dinners, events and work commitments.
Taking Shape is located TerryWhite Chemmart
4. Choose one finishing detail
Rather than overloading an outfit with accessories, choose one detail that brings the look together.
A checked scarf, textured beanie or bold pair of glasses can add personality to a simple coat and knit combination.
Natasha said styling had become more restrained this winter, with women using the clothing itself as an accessory by draping a jumper over their shoulders or tying it around their waist.
“It’s not about layering and layering and over-accessorising,” she said.
“It’s simplified, it’s refined and it feels intentional.”
TerryWhite Chemmart and Semprinis both stock practical cold-weather essentials, including scarves and beanies, while Serafina and Taking Shape offer accessories that can add texture and detail.
TerryWhite Chemmart is located at Shop Number 8/9
5. Treat eyewear as part of your winter look
Eyewear is a forgotten and underrated accessory, and can arguably be just as important to an outfit as jewellery or a handbag.
A new frame shape or colour can refresh your everyday style without requiring a full wardrobe update. Classic frames can complement workwear, while bolder shapes can bring personality to simple weekend outfits.
Eyes & Vision and Bupa Optical at Unley Shopping Centre offers optical frames and sunglasses that can bring something more to your everyday look.
6. Look after the pieces you already own
With new coats, scarves and winter knits, it only makes sense to know how to look after each piece properly.
Always check the care label before washing winter garments, avoid placing heavy knitwear on hangers where it can lose its shape, and allow pieces to air between wears. Coats should also be cleaned before being stored at the end of the season, and since this can be a task in itself, Tip Top Dry Cleaners are here to help.
“With blazers and things, to keep that structure, I would usually get them dry-cleaned,” Natasha said.
With more than half a century of experience caring for clothing across Adelaide, the specialist dry-cleaning service can help extend the life of all those quality winter garments.
Tip Top Dry Cleaners is located next to Woolworths
Once the wardrobe update is complete, visitors can stop for coffee or lunch at one of the centre’s food businesses, including Impressa Cafe, The Lunch Club, Mumpling Dumplings & Boba, Grill’d and Dulwich Bakery.
Natasha said she’s noticing women buying with more confidence and it’s been great to see.
“Over the past few years, I was astounded by how insecure the average woman coming into the store was and how much reassurance she needed to get dressed,” she said.
“I am seeing such a shift in women’s attitudes.”
With fashion, eyewear, garment care, food retailers and free parking available in one location, Unley Shopping Centre offers an easy place to prepare your wardrobe for the rest of winter.
Unley Shopping Centre
Where: 204 Unley Rd, Unley SA 5061
When: Monday – Friday 9am -9pm and Saturday – Sunday 9am-5pm
For more information, click here.
