Ten To Buy: Winter Accessories To Hug Your Extremities

Winter’s in full swing, and there’s still a long stretch ahead before we’ll be slipping into our swimmers. So if you’re feeling the extra chill this year, there’s a bunch of timeless winter accessories on the market that’ll keep you snug now and still look as good when you pull them out again next year. There are cool Australiana beanies and socks, classic wintry caps, chic, locally made leather belts and statement scarves (some of them on sale). And the best part is they’re all made by Australian brands.

Classic cotton corduroy caps
Shield your eyes and keep long locks out of your face with a trans-seasonal cap from Assembly Label. The minimalist Aussie brand has unisex corduroy caps in dark olive, stone and washed black for a reasonable $40. They’re made in China from 100 per cent cotton cord and if you get caught in a storm you can throw them in the washing machine.

Woolly scarf – but make it extra wide and extra long
Wrap yourself up in a luxuriously lengthy scarf from Kloke made from a blend of premium wool, spandex and nylon. It comes in three colours – bottle green, rust and smoke – which are striking and minimalist in equal measure. They’re $210 each, but once you’re cocooned inside its warm embrace you won’t want to take it off.

Pure cashmere balaclavas
For a true investment in your winter headgear, tailor and atelier P Johnson has a 100 per cent cashmere balaclava that’ll make you the chicest clandestine commuter in the city. Yes, you’ll be shielding your neck and cheeks with beautiful, soft Nepalese cashmere. And, yes, everyone will be jealous. Available in navy, off-white, camel and black for $295.

Cinch at the waist with a statement leather belt
On Anna Wintour’s trip to Australia in 2019, the Vogue editor-in-chief chose to visit Melbourne label White Story. It’s a local label that eschews the hasty fickleness of fashion cycles and chooses instead to focus on making timeless items that transcend generations. Its double buckle belt is handmade by equestrian saddle-makers and fastens with polished gold-tone buckles. The smooth leather accessory is $420 and sits beautifully over winter coats and wool dresses. It might not keep you warm, but you’ll bring it out season after season to wear with blazers and denim.

May Gibbs bush baby socks
Wide-eyed, rosy-cheeked and wearing their cute little gumnut hats – May Gibbs’s bush babies are treasured images of the Australian bush and childhood story times. Now you can wear your nostalgia with pride by donning a pair of knitted ribbed socks from Romance Was Born. The Aussie designer brand sells these for $30 and a percentage of its profits go towards the Northcott Society and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. They’re 90 per cent cotton, unisex and come in black and blush pink.

Colour therapy merino beanies
Victorian brand McIntyre has an assortment of vivid beanies made from Australian merino wool. Founders Raquel Boedo and Ned Scholfield set up the company after living and working on Scholfield’s family’s sheep farm for a year. They didn’t take to farm life, but they did create a vibrant collection of merino sweaters, tees, beanies, socks, scarves, dresses and vests for men and women. Its merino beanies are $79.95 to $99.95 depending on their thickness. We love the sharp green, bright pink and deep red styles.

Red chequered scarf (at a third off)
Alpha60 is taking 30 to 50 per cent off its winter collection, which means it’s a good time to invest in a style you’ll treasure. Its Lilah Scarf, currently $69, is available in an eye-catching red, plum, apricot and black pattern. It’s made from 100 per cent wool and the soft, long scarf has traditional fringing that won’t date or go out of style.

Mix and match chequered socks and beanies
Skater brand Butter Goods, from Western Australia, has striking chequered socks in navy and slate, orange and peach and cream and brown, all for $24.95 a pair. They’re acrylic and come in a ribbed style with an embroidered Butter logo. You can complete the look with a matching or clashing chequered beanie too.

Wombat patch merino wool beanies
Cover your ears and your bed hair with a soft 100 per cent merino wool beanie from Melbourne casualwear label Best Jumpers. They come in three colours: navy, camel and pink, all with a wild-eyed wombat patch that matches the hat’s tone. They’re $89 and if you want to double down on repping our favourite stocky marsupial, there’s a whole wombat patch range to explore.

Fingerless gloves made in Melbourne
When you want maximum warmth but limitless dexterity, a pair of fingerless gloves is the way to go. Uimi’s merino wool Alice Glove comes in green, raisin and rosewood patterns for $69. They’re designed and manufactured in the company’s factory in Thornbury, Melbourne. And everything Uimi makes is done in a slow fashion way using local yarn.