Violeta wears Witchery skirt, COS shirt, Zara jacket and jewellery, Myer boots, Saint Laurent bag.

Plaid has emerged as an unexpected print of the season, with runway nods at Miu Miu, Sandro, and Maje. This iteration is light on the punk revival, and heavy on elevated heritage. At Maje, ruffled plaid shirting brings a feminine softness to the traditional check, while Sandro’s cropped button-down and kick-flare mini skirt offer a fresh take on the twin-set.

For something more structured (and 9-5 friendly), reach for Zara’s deconstructed set, ideally layered under a structured blazer or worn solo with knee-high boots. At Miu Miu, plaid is reimagined through a collegiate lens, best styled with bare legs and loafers. And for everyday ease, H&M’s Plaid Cardigan is a throw-on piece that makes denim feel grown-up.

Leather is a long-time autumn/winter staple, but this time around it’s softer, richer, and more sumptuous than ever before. Rendered in a chic palette of caramels, chocolates and classic black, this season’s leather has added cool-factor. Case in point? DISSH’s ‘Margot’ jacket ⁠–⁠ cinched at the waist or shrugged over knitwear ⁠– or Emporio Armani’s leather shirting, which will add an understated edge to your trusted trouser-and-a-heel office uniform.

Lean into tonal dressing with an asymmetrical leather skirt, like this one by Michael Kors, or embrace the trans-seasonal appeal of this leather pant from Viktoria & Woods. Accessories complete the look: the Mulberry Mini Alexa Bag offers Brit-cool and heirloom appeal, while R.M.Williams’ ‘Lady Yearling’ boots nail that compelling blend of pragmatism and style.

Speaking of R.M.Williams, their new commitment to regenerative leather speaks to fashion’s new obsession with high-tech, low-impact fabrications. Lululemon is on board too ⁠–⁠ they’ve started making yoga mats with mycelium, a buzzy new alternative leather. Fashion heavyweights like Gucci, Adidas, and Hermès are set to follow suit, with the latter unveiling their first mushroom leather prototype last year.

Fashion is going big on shearling, (faux) fur, and brushed wool this season, embracing a more-is-more approach to all things texture. Max Mara’s iconic Teddy jacket remains the gold standard, especially when styled with Weekend Max Mara’s equally tactile Pasticcino Handbag. Acne’s Shearling Cape is an unapologetic statement piece, shielding you from the unpredictable Melbourne winter in style. Coach’s much-loved Brooklyn Shoulder Bag gets a winter-friendly upgrade in shearling, while Zara’s delectable fuzzy mules add a tactile twist to everyday dressing.