Colours, textures and tones

With the cooler months fast approaching, Katie Day connects with three local style experts - Prof  Margo Barton, menswear consultant Nathan Solomon and makeup artist Kim Tuliau-Moeroa - to get their fresh perspective on autumn/winter style.

What do you love about autumn/winter style?

Margo: I love the opportunity to wear hats, of course, create a few new ones; plus this year I’m going to bring out my knitting needles, mohair wool and perhaps even get the knitting machine out and create something especially snuggly.

 

Nathan: The colours and textures, especially the earthy tones through autumn. Gotta love a good cable-knit.

Kim: I love the fact you can layer so many pieces to create different looks. I also love being able to play around with different textures, tones and colours, not just with clothing but with skincare and makeup as well, as I believe your skin and complexion changes with the seasons.

What are your autumn/winter wardrobe essentials?

Margo: Boots and turtleneck merino tops with everything, under everything, plus a hat - a beret or a homburg-style felt hat - and a bright printed scarf, often found at op shops.

Nathan: Nice merino or lambswool crew-neck jumper, an Oxford shirt, good for most occasions, and the classic chino.

Kim: Definitely one of my neutral-toned coats. I love being able to dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Also, an oversized cardigan that I can wear tucked into any pair of pants for a semi-casual look, or paired with a skirt to look a bit more dressed up.

What is your top tip when looking for autumn/winter fashion?

Margo: Shop in your own wardrobe first - figure out what’s there that you love - and secondly, if able, look in New Zealand designers’ stores for that special piece to add to your outfit. Thirdly, head to vintage and op shops for a quirky one-of-a-kind accessory or piece of clothing that gives you that wee lift on a cold grey day.

Nathan: A couple of good pieces can go a long way in refreshing your current wardrobe - be versatile with what you already have.

Kim: Invest in clothing items that are timeless and you will get plenty of wear out of for years to come. Also invest in a decent coat that can wear well with any outfit created, while keeping you warm.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your autumn/winter wardrobe?

Margo: I try my best to be sustainable in my dressing. I’m definitely not perfect, but do my best to wear a selection of my existing clothes, second-hand clothes mixed with NZ designers and usually natural fibres.

Nathan: Natural fibres and sourcing awareness. We are lucky in New Zealand with having a world-leading wool industry and having companies such as ZQ that holds accountability for ethics and sustainability to each farm it sources from. Also, checking for third party accreditation such as Bluesign, which independently audits factories’ sustainability processes.

Kim: I’ve made a conscious choice when purchasing to not make impulse decisions, and to make sure it’s an item I will be able to wear over and over again. Something I constantly remind myself when shopping is to buy what I need, not what I want. I have also made a choice to invest in good-quality pieces when purchasing, instead of fast fashion items that will wear out quickly or become outdated by the next season.

I also hire outfits for big occasions, instead of buying a statement piece I know I’ll only wear once.

What is your favourite winter skincare tip or product?

Margo: I wear Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Night Cream during the day. Nice and luxurious, it’s from the supermarket. Plus bright red lips - my favourite is MAC’s Lady Danger.

Nathan: Baxter of California Oil Free Moisturizer - easy absorption for a non-greasy finish.

Kim: My absolute favourite skincare product I couldn’t live without over winter is definitely the Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil. It has the most luxe smell, which comes from all the plant-based ingredients and essential oils blended into it, such as patchouli, lavender, jojoba and olive oil, just to name a few. It is the most hydrating product without leaving a greasy feel to the skin, I end up using it in the morning and mixed in with my night cream during winter as I find the weather can really dry my skin out over the cooler seasons. I also like to apply it on top of makeup midway through the day to give my makeup look more of a radiant finish, as well as use it on my lips and cuticles when needed.

Ultimate piece of style advice?

Margo: Buy the best quality you can afford. This could mean new or second-hand - quality is everywhere. If I really love something and have room to keep it, but don’t want to wear it right now, I will keep it for later. Currently, I’m wearing a Zambesi dress from the ’90s that I’m so happy I never sold or took to the op shop. If you really won’t ever wear something, fold it up and give it to your favourite charity. If it’s damaged consider darning - even use bright thread and emphasise the darn as a design feature. Please never ever put something in the rubbish - there’s lots of uses for your unwanted treasures.

Nathan: Get the fit right. No matter what shape or size you are, having the right fit can make you look a million bucks.

Kim: Choose pieces of clothing you can wear throughout the seasons. Try to select pieces that go with your summer outfits and can easily transition into your winter wardrobe.

Overall, embrace your unique individual personality and let that shine through in your style, don’t compare yourself to others and feel confident being exactly the way you’re meant to be. There’s no rules around fashion - if you love it make it work for you.