Our Team’s Winter Style Forecast For 2026 Is In, Here’s How To Shop It
Maddie Wallman
Contributor | Urban List
We’ve been studying the winter style radar and have it on good authority that there’s a 100% chance of oversized coats rolling in with gusts of statement scarves, bold accessories and denim on denim on denim.
But just how do you ride out this style storm without your wallet catching frostbite? Tap into the troves of sartorial treasures at Vinnies WA and you’ll find everything you need to stay cozy, cool and on-trend all season long. From one-of-a-kind coats to show-stopping jewellery, here are the trends and tips for surviving winter 2026 in style.
Go Big or Go Home with Statement Accessories
Winter is not the season for playing it down. Accessories are stepping up, showing off, and stealing the limelight this winter. Remember those teeny, tiny, itsy bitsy sunglasses that barely covered a pupil? Consider them retired. Urban List Client Services Manager, Maddy is backing oversized shield shapes instead, big, bold and eye-catching, with plenty floating around Vinnies stores if you’re willing to dig.
That goes for jewellery, too. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a return of statement jewellery on runways all over the world, forgoing dainty, delicate necklaces and bracelets in lieu of pendants, big beads, chunky bangles and larger-than-life earrings. Urban List’s Head of Commercial Operations Sal, suggests building your own charm necklace from secondhand finds for one-of-a-kind pieces. We were beyond happy to pick up this chunky beaded necklace from Vinnies Myaree for a cheeky $5.
Don’t forget your mitts in winter, either! Maddy reckons “leather, elbow-length gloves are a luxe vintage find,” adding an effortless touch of luxury to any outfit.
Then there are scarves, arguably the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe. As our Brisbane editor Dinu points out, they’ll go anywhere: waist, head, neck, top, even tied onto your handbag, or arm, if you’re channelling your inner Carrie Bradshaw. Silk and slightly unhinged prints work best here, with Maddy adding “animal prints (zebra, tiger, croc), feathers, and tactile fabrics in fun colours are trending.” If it makes you pause mid-rummage, it’s probably worth it.
Denim That Does It All
Regardless of the season or style, denim is the wardrobe staple that never goes out of fashion. Low-rise is creeping back in (proceed with caution or enthusiasm), baggy boyfriend jeans are as popular as ever, and, with no thanks to Britney and Justin, double denim has shed its daggy reputation.
The trick is in the fit, and it’ll likely require a good stint in the change rooms and a lot of different cuts to get it right. Size up if you want it slouchy and sitting low on the hips, and cast a wide net while you’re at it. Urban List Strategist Eden backs a full-shop approach: men’s, women’s, plus-size, the lot.
Still, don't believe the best denim can be found thrifting, check the MNG jeans in the articles hero which were scored for an incredible $15 from Vinnies Osborne Park.
Cocooning Coats for Maximum Impact
Enveloping and snug if slightly ridiculous looking, an oversized coat can do a lot of heavy lifting for a basic winter ‘fit. Buying fresh from the runway, these are the pieces that’ll have you hovering over your banking apps. But thrifting? Whole different story.
Check the tag for the fabric (wool or wool blends are best), but ignore the size next to it. Oversized outerwear makes layering a breeze, effortlessly elevating everyday looks. Stick to traditional tones like black, grey or tan if you want maximum wear, but op shops are also where you can give yourself permission to go rogue. Plaid, patterns, or something a little louder than your usual, this is the time to do it.
As a Freo local, I recommend a slow, methodical sift at Vinnies on High Street and working your way along Canning Highway through to the Myaree and Applecross stores. With a bit of luck (and a lot of patience), you’ll strike a buffet of quality outerwear, from cropped leather jackets and full-length faux furs to structured blazers and cinched-waist puffers.
Sift Happens
Unless you’re one of the very lucky few who strike gold on the first pass, you’ll have to dig. Thrifting isn’t a grab-and-go situation. It’s a slow burn that’ll have you finding a few ‘absolutely nots’ before you land on a ‘hell yeah’, but that’s half the fun.
Go in prepared, wearing something fitted so you can try pieces over the top without a full outfit change. Check every section at Vinnies, not just the ones you think you belong in, and ignore the size tag entirely, between rogue vintage sizing and modern-day sizing mayhem, they’re more of a suggestion at this point.
Remember, a good tailor can fix more than you think, and if something looks a little tired, a lint roll or dry clean can bring it back to life. And most importantly, resist the urge to default to fast fashion when your patience is wearing thin. The right thrifted piece is usually just one more rack away.
Ready to strike sartorial gold? Find your nearest Vinnies here to dig up your very own winter gems.
Editor’s note: This article was produced in partnership with Vinnies WA. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image Credit: Urban List
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