The six style swaps to make that will modernise your winter wardrobe

A corduroy boilersuit ticks two trend boxes for the new season. - 2018 Christian Vierig
A corduroy boilersuit ticks two trend boxes for the new season. - 2018 Christian Vierig

Now that it's properly cold, we've had to reassess our autumnal wardrobe which is feeling a bit bleurgh. It's not that we don't love a chunky grey knit or black ankle boots, but there's nothing particularly new or exciting about them.

Instead of splashing out on a new cold weather wardrobe, we'd advise you make a few little style tweaks to your current go-to looks to update them for the new season.

Here are the six style swaps to make that will have your outfits feeling brand new... 

The swap: Denim for corduroy

how to wear cords
how to wear cords

Iris & Ink flared pants, £130, The Outnet; Corduroy trousers, £119, Baukjen

Nothing adds a wintery feel like corduroy, particularly in a rust or forest green hue. The heavier-duty fabric will keep you warmer than denim, too, and will refresh your old staples for the new season. Thanks to the vertical wales and flattering hue, a black pair would be a wise buy for everyday wear, but, if you can keep it clean, we love how expensive cream or white looks, particularly when worn with navy or burgundy.  

The swap: White trainers for knee-high boots

knee high boots 
knee high boots

Kristen leather boots, £395, LK Bennett; Imogen boots, £299, Hobbs; Chocolate suede boots, £400, Aeyde

For as long as we could get away with it, we were wearing our go-to floral sleeved midi dresses with sparkling white trainers and bare legs, but in recent chilly weeks, we've upped the coverage with knee-high boots. 

A loose-fit style in sumptuous suede or leather is a timeless staple and worth investing in. While the Christmas sales are on, snap up a pricey pair in a versatile hue (navy, burgundy and charcoal are all great options) and they'll instantly transform your dresses to become winter appropriate. 

The swap: Black and grey for a chic colour pairing

colour combinations
colour combinations

Knitted jumper, £34.99, H&M + A-line skirt, £45, M&S; Culottes, £59, & Other Stories + Alpace knit, £79, Arket

We know, we know, it's near impossible to pick something that isn't black circa 7am on a drizzly Monday morning, but for a look that makes a stylish statement, look to interesting colour pairings.

Burgundy and blush pink, pale blue and brown and navy and forest green are all autumnal shades that you likely have on rotation already, but wearing them together is a new season style hack. Choose a tonal look then pair with clashing accessories. 

The swap: Woolly hats for turbans

how to wear turbans 
how to wear turbans

Embellished wool and cashmere beanie, £48, Anthropologie; Missoni knitted turban, £230, Matches Fashion; Plisse turban, £14, River Island

While a turban would typically feel outré, tis the season to shamelessly inject a party feel into everything you wear. Ensure the rest of your outfit is toned down - a chunky knit, pea coat, trousers and boots are ideal - and you won't feel too OTT. Save sequinned iterations for actual partywear, and instead, look to jewel-toned velvet or embellished options to update your cosiest looks. 

The swap: A trouser suit for a boilersuit

best boilersuits
best boilersuits

Utility boilersuit, £59, Topshop; Corduroy boilersuit, £165, LF Markey

Trouser suits in all of their guises, from classic checks to bright block colour, have been a hit with the street style set in recent years, but the festive season and upcoming Christmas break call for something a little slouchier and comfier, but still with a tailored element. Enter the boilersuit, fashion's answer to new season off-duty wear. 

Pair with chunky ankle boots, or trainers on milder days, for a look that's bang on trend. Get one in corduroy, and you'll tick two trend boxes. 

The swap: Leopard print for zebra print

how to wear zebra print
how to wear zebra print

Zebra Daria shirt, £145, Lily & Lionel; Oversized blazer, £79.99, Zara

You only need to glance over the Zara 'new in' section to realise the ubiquitous leopard print is showing no sign of waning anytime soon, but, if you're after a lesser-spotted print that makes a statement but is perhaps a little easier to incorporate into everyday wear, look for a zebra stripe.

Any fashion girl worth her weight in silk shirts has been stocking up on the print all season, but it's not too late to get in on the animal action. Layer a silky monochrome shirt over a merino wool roll neck and cord trousers for an easy workwear look.