Winter time is great motivation for a quick weekend getaway. You don’t have to travel far from the major cities to find comfort in the cold. Crackling log fires, hearty food and a robust red await those seeking an escape from the working week. Or if you’re like me you’ll just get completely shown up in a game of scrabble (thank god for spell check). Evenings by the fire and mornings in the fog have traditionally called for heavy winter getaway outfits. In the daytime however, there’s room to be more playful in your dressing as the sun comes out to warm up the air. This year, winter dresses take on a romantic feel with sheer, billowing fabric and long, tailored sleeves. Perfect for weekends with your partner (or the girls), these pieces are a refreshing take on winter wear and can be layered up according to the chill factor. I took some of my favourite new-season pieces down to the Southern Highlands recently to show you a more feminine take on winter getaway outfits…
ROMANTIC WINTER GETAWAY OUTFITS
This first look is made for whimsical weekends away. Maybe you’re celebrating an anniversary or setting off on a vineyard tour with the girls. Gourmet picnics and dinners by candlelight are the perfect excuse for ditching the denim and slipping on a dress. I chose the Marcie Dress from Magali Pascal for many reasons. It’s the perfect shade of kahki, a great length for showing off your boots and the right coverage with long sleeves balancing out a plunging neckline. I styled it with a staple pair of ankle boots that aren’t too high in the heel. I can wear these for hours without getting sore feet which is a miracle for someone who isn’t used to wearing office heels. The lightweight sleeves on this dress are perfect for layering under a long coat too, with slimline styles easily gliding over the top. A sleeveless trench would work well here on warmer days, allowing the sleeve details to shine through.
For any trip away I like to pack jewellery that is versatile and will compliment as many looks as possible. I find fine jewellery to be perfect for this because I can layer it up to create a more dramatic look. This winter, I am leaning towards darker pieces with inky black stones and rich gold, mimicking the mood. Gemstones like black onyx add a lot of shine and a beautiful sense of depth to the lightness of this dress. Ever the jewellery obsessed, I always take one or two statement pieces with me that I don’t get to wear in day-to-day life. For this outfit I chose the Samantha Wills Eastern Dream Grand Cuff as my statement piece because it is a great way to finish off a long or 3/4 sleeve and has lots of movement, along with my dress.
Wearing Magali Pascal dress, Samantha Wills jewellery and Decjuba boots.
[Shop individual items at end of post]
WEEKEND GETAWAY OUTFITS WITH A SENSE OF HISTORY
My second look sees elements of the Edwardian Era reemerge in high collars and billowing sleeves. The black and white palette is also reminiscent of Parisian style, befitting of designer Magali Pascal’s French heritage. Trips to the countryside are often set amongst a historic backdrop, making this kind of outfit all the more at home. We stayed at Fitzroy Inn which was first opened in 1836 and continued to inspire this photoshoot with its enchanting gardens timeworn floorboards.
For this look I paired the Bow Shirt (coming soon) with a slimline Hudson Skirt to create shape around the waistline. I really like the length of this skirt too because it balances out a full-coverage shirt. I have to say that this is by far the most comfortable skirt I’ve ever worn. The faux-suede kept me really warm and it wasn’t restrictive with all of my moving around (including some very awkward puddle jumping). It’s safe to say my thighs were grateful after years of being squashed in to uncomfortable skirts :) The detailed stitching on the waistband and its closure at the back was another favourite thing about this skirt. It made for a great fit around the waist and polished off the overall look.
When wearing a high neckline I usually tie my hair up so that it doesn’t cover any of the garment details. Doing this made ear cuffs a perfect choice for jewellery. They don’t hang down and interrupt the collar but allow you to add a bit of embellishment. I chose the Twilight Wish Cuff from Samantha Wills which is more delicate than the cuff in look 1. It comes with a beautiful tiny stud for the other ear, a must for lovers of minimalist style.
Wearing Magali Pascal shirt and skirt, Samantha Wills jewellery and Decjuba Boots.
If you’re worried that your prettiest pieces won’t hold up in the cold here are some ways to warm up your winter getaway outfits:
- Swap the ankle boots for over-the-knee boots. Suede in particular will keep you warm.
- Add a long woolen coat in a neutral colour so that you can throw it over any outfit.
- Take a felt fedora to keep the heat in when you would normally wear a beanie.
- Leather gloves will keep your fingers warm, just be carefull not to snag them on your rings.
SHOP MY WINTER GETAWAY OUTFITS
What are your favourite pieces to take on a weekend away? With the warm autumn and late winter we’ve had in Sydney I’ve been embracing styles that would normally be reserved for spring. For someone like me who dreads the cold, being able to find new-season pieces that are less suffocating and restrictive makes me excited about winter styling. For all of the fellow sun-lovers out there I hope this post has helped you rethink how your summer favourites can transition in to winter.
Happy travels,
All images by ShootBlogLife for Escape Button.
