Australian Winter Trends 2025… On a Budget!

By Elizabeth Allen and Cara Lanyon

Are you ready for winter? We’ll walk you through 2025's trends and show you how to style them without breaking the bank.

Comfort, layers, nostalgia and chic: trends to love this winter

Australia’s position in fashion trends often has us watching the Northern Hemisphere embrace new winter trends during our hottest months, but our winter trends aren’t 1-to-1 follow-ups. Overall warmer winters and unpredictable city weather necessitates flexibility and creativity as we adapt worldwide trends for our colder months.

Overall, this winter sees a return to natural fabrics, playful pieces and embracing personal style. The attitude of value over price (cozzie livs, anyone?) sees consumers turning to fashion that can bridge from comfort, to workwear, to casual wear. Think trans-seasonal clothes, breathable high-quality fabrics and structured layers. This year’s trends reflect how we want our wardrobes to be flexible and reliable, without needing to spend, spend, spend.

Boho

Boho’s back, baby!

📷 Freepik

We love boho chic, the free spirit of the fashion world. Boho’s all about mix-and-matching colours, prints, textures and layers. The trend continues to strengthen from 2024, finding more love and an exciting edge. Breathable natural fabrics and materials are boho chic favourites, allowing for stress free layers and experimentation.

Meet moto-boho: a fashion favourite gets an edge

Moto-boho is a twist on this trend, combining the freeform softness of boho with the edge of motorcycle jackets, boots and belts. A leather jacket is like a fine wine: it gets better with age. So should your wardrobe! Pair leather with bold prints, flowing maxi skirts and dresses or break out the wide-leg trousers with a paisley shirt, it’s up to you! 

Get the look for less:

1. Start with your own wardrobe: everything from florals, flared jeans, fringes, tassels, midi skirts and much more can form your boho look. Pull them all out and see what you can mix and match! Got a fave floaty floral maxi or slinky slip dress from summer? Throw it over a long-sleeve thermal and some tights for a cosy boho base. If you don’t have one that works, these are the perfect items to find at your local thrift shop or… shop the sales! Now is the perfect time to find an out-of-season item at a huge discount! Our friends at Eastern Eclectica have some gorge floaty numbers on sale right now, plus the perfect Penny Lane coat to top off any boho fit.

2. Add some edge: a vintage-look, moto-style leather (or vegan leather) jacket, chunky boots, a studded belt – these will all pull your boho look into 2025. City Chic and Curve Project both currently have vegan leather biker jackets with just the right amount of crop. For biker or combat style boots – we absolutely love Bared for their all-day comfort, but if your Afterpay balance is getting a little high, you can get a similar look from Kmart for a LOT less.

3. Finally, layers are a must, and perfect for changing Australian weather. Bring out the patterned scarves and shawls: these make great accessories to complete your boho look. And don’t forget to load up with brass or silver jewellery. Chains, bangles, rings – the more the merrier!

Embrace your free spirit with Oh Ramona’s Boho Collection.

Comfortable Chic

For those torn between form and function, it’s time to rejoice! The elevated comfort trend has emerged as consumers assess the value of their clothes and what they want out of their wardrobe. We’ve seen it with the rise of athleisure: we want our clothes to do more and be more. But we’ve realised we don’t always want to look like we’ve just come from the gym!

Comfortable chic is all about pieces with flair and function that provide confidence from the couch to the cafe. It’s kinder on your body, with pieces made to fit you and fit well, and kinder on your wallet, with more versatility and options. Think cosy wool-blend jumpers and cardigans, relaxed-fit dresses, elasticised waistbands and casual sneakers. Comfortable chic says that fashion can be functional and stylish!

The best part about high-quality fabrics and pieces? They last. A well-made knit can become a favourite for every cold season, and lighter cardigans and slouchy jumpers are trans-seasonal gems. Invest in your comfort and your wardrobe with timeless pieces.

Get the look for less:

1. Assemble a capsule of neutral, comfy basics. You may already have some of these – a relaxed pair of jeans, some simple sneakers, and soft cotton jersey, wool or silk coordinates in neutral colours. If you’re a little light on for basics, we love Fayt for affordable, size-inclusive neutrals. If you are able to invest a little more, Commonry is all over this trend! Our best-selling Hope + Harvest or Blush Clothing Playhouse sets also work well here – especially the linen and jersey pieces in cooler months.

2. Layer on some comfy statement pieces. Cosy jumpers, cardis and jackets will give personality to your neutral base and allow you to essentially wear a comfy uniform every day, simply switching out one or two pieces to create a whole new look. We’re obsessed with Frank & Dollys’ Boheme knits – talk about chic! And UK label Cara & The Sky have so many gorgeous British-made knit options, perfect for your daily WFH / coffee run / dog walk routine.

3. Pop on some cute sneaks, a cross-body bag and you’re out the door. No fuss here!

See Oh Ramona’s Comfortable Chic Collection for more cosy winter favourites.

Vintage-Inspired and Retro Looks

Trends always come back around, but vintage clothing continues to stay strong. The thrifting and Depop trend continues to surge, influencing designers and labels to create their own vintage-inspired pieces. 

While it’s always fun to find that perfect op-shop piece, there can be a lack of diverse sizing on the racks, as well as a deluge of recent fast fashion overwhelming the true vintage clothing gems. Or, maybe you’ve found that perfect piece and need something to pair it with!

Designers are loving pinstripes, pleated skirts, polka dots and rockabilly dresses for a retro look, while materials like corduroy and faux fur have made a stunning return, bringing both colour and neutral chic to any outfit.

📷 Pexels

Get the look for less:

1. Raid your family members’ closets! The late 70s to early 80s are freshly trending right now, as well as the early aughts, with Y2K fashion still enjoying a renaissance. Who was your age in those eras – Mum? Or maybe Grandma? Offer to clean out their closet – they’ll be grateful their favourite pieces are enjoying a second life.

2. Find your local vintage or pre-loved boutique. If trawling through Vinnies isn’t your thing, don’t worry – someone has already done it for you. Yes, you’ll pay a little more, but still less than you would for an equivalent new item, and it can be a much more enjoyable shopping experience. In Melbourne, we love Mutual Muse and Shag, but there are fantastic vintage boutiques in every city and many towns. Bonus – they will often buy your pre-loved clothes, so you can maintain good closet hygiene with a one in, one out rule (speaking of hygiene, please wash them first!) and offset the cost of your new pieces.

3. Invest in statement, retro-inspired pieces from smaller, ethical & sustainable brands. How is this a budget-friendly option? Two ways: 1) Small labels typically use really high quality fabrics and finishes. Their reputation relies on their pieces bringing value to their customers, so you can be more confident they won’t fall apart after a few wears (and if they do, their customer service is likely to be much more responsive). 2) Vintage-inspired pieces are timeless and can be reworn over many years and seasons. Instead of throwing away cash on a micro-trend, you’re making an evergreen investment in your personal style and wardrobe. We’re absolutely loving Adelaide label Frock Me Out’s current take on retro & vintage pieces and it’s all in the details – the dreamy draping of the chambray wrap skirt, the perfect tailoring on the corduroy mini dress, the unique print on the pussy bow blouse. And their faux fur coats…? Mwah! 🤌 Speaking of details, Cherry Bobbins’ size-inclusive, beautifully-tailored retro pieces are true heirlooms. Can’t pay full price? Watch out for vault or archive sales, where labels let go of the last pieces from previous years’ collections at a great discount.

See Oh Ramona’s Retro Collection for more outfit inspiration.

Elevated Workwear

The elevated workwear trend encourages new touches to your corporate wardrobe and expands your personal expression into the workplace. It’s not about replacing all of your blouses, trousers or skirts, but instead considering how you can boost what you already have. 

Mostly have neutrals and want to add a pop of colour? A bold blouse design or colourful cardigan can do the trick. Do you have favourite linens and trousers but want to add a little something? A statement necklace or belt can reinvigorate a classic go-to outfit. 

Elevated workwear expands on structured layering, pairing of colours and neutrals,  emphasising breathable natural fabrics and tailored pieces. Mix and match blazers, cardigans and chic jumpers with crisp blouses, turtlenecks, flowy skirts or classic dresses. 

Get the look for less:

1. Build the foundation. Maybe you already have a great suit that fits you well. Perfect – start there! If not, and you rock a 9-to-5, it’s worth the investment. Check out resale stores or sites for neutral pieces in great condition. Long lines and men’s silhouettes are having a moment so check the blokes’ racks and remember you can get most things tailored for less than buying a whole new suit. If you prefer neutral separates, get started with a pair of slacks and a blazer. Add a skirt and a vest and you’re in great shape! We’re loving City Chic’s latest work edit for cost-effective pieces. In 2025 you can be a bit less traditional with the cuts – ethical, sustainable labels like Sanct and Kuwaii are doing really interesting takes on workwear basics.

2. Mix it up – this is the fun part! Start with your own wardrobe… try on as many different tops as possible with your suit (or slacks / skirt / blazer combo). Try unexpected pairings, like a soft knit jumper half-tucked into your trousers, or a long sleeve mesh top under your blazer. What keeps it elevated is your solid foundation of quality, well-fitting pieces. Do the same with bottoms – switch out your suit pants for a statement bold print pant or soft woollen skirt. Think about creating balance – if your pants have a wide leg, you can rock a statement shoulder, think epaulettes or even shoulder pads. If they’re tapered, keep the shoulder more minimal. Mix textures but match lines or colour tones for a cohesive look. Take pics of your fave looks on your phone so you remember the best pairings.

3. Fill the gaps. As you style your looks, you’ll start to realise what you’re missing, whether it’s contrasting blouses for a pop of colour, or neutral tops for a monochromatic moment. It’s time to shop your wardrobe. Make a list and keep an eye out for resale or new pieces that meet the brief. No mindless scrolling, this is shopping on a mission! And this is actually a great way to tackle those huge thrift warehouses like Salvos or Savers. Quickly scan the racks for the items that meet the brief in your size and if it’s not there, move on. Goodbye, overwhelm! Alternatively, shop the sale racks of your favourite ethical & sustainable boutiques. We love Elk for quality, contrasting pieces as well as dressy neutral basics with loads of sale items up to size 20. Or organise a clothing swap party with friends of similar size, with particular emphasis on workwear. And don’t forget to accessorise – last year’s loafers are just fine (maybe give them a polish!) and simple, gold or silver jewellery for an elevated chic finish.

Work it with Oh Ramona’s Elevated Workwear collection!

Find your next favourite in our Oh Ramona Collections

Winter is a great opportunity to assess your wardrobe and get creative. Maybe there’s a few pieces you’d like to return to, and others that you’re ready to donate or even swap with a friend. Trends change, but your style is timeless, and it could be time to find another favourite.

Check out our latest curated collections for more 2025 winter trend inspirations or visit us in our Hawthorn, Vic, store for new and preloved clothes in a diverse range of sizes. Stay toasty!