Elevate Your Style this Season with Expert Fashion Tips from Stuart Walford

Highpoint Shopping Centre has partnered with Stuart Walford, one of Melbourne’s most renowned stylists, as their in-house fashion expert for the Autumn/Winter season. We asked the talented stylist how to tackle the many trends we're all seeing on our feeds to find out what is in and what is out, making shopping for a wardrobe refresh that much easier.

Stylist Stuart Walford

What are they key pieces we should have in our winter wardrobe?

A functional wardrobe can't truly work hard for us if it lacks the fundamental building blocks we need to dress day in and day out. Often, it's the quiet and unassuming items that are the real key pieces we should be investing in. They unlock combinations and allow us to stretch our statement pieces even further. When a new season rolls in, I like to reassess where I'm at and take stock of my current items. For AW25, key pieces that I’d recommend right now are of course a statement long coat, a knee high leather boot, anything suede or corduroy, utility style workwear jackets, argyle knits or cashmere sweaters, oh and warm socks!

What colour scheme should we work with?

There are several colours that are pitched as trending for AW25. Mocha Mousse was forecasted as the "colour of the year" so it should come as no surprise that we are seeing a multitude of brown hues coming through in all categories and fabrications. Another dominating colour taking over the season is burgundy. Some are calling it oxblood, others are calling it bordeaux or just simply red. I often consider animal print its own colour and it’s having a resurgence lately. Regardless of trending colours, it's important to consider what shades and hues compliment your complexion and also your existing wardrobes. There is no use buying into a colour trend if it won't serve you well into the future.

What new pieces can easily work into our existing wardrobes?

Everyone can benefit from investing in a well-tailored jacket or blazer and there are some beautifully crafted options coming through for autumn/winter in both male and female collections. A sneaker is another essential that most wardrobes rely on, for AW25, consider a brown or taupe suede or if you want a little extra punch, try opting for an animal print. The Puma Speedcat has been reimagined and is now available as a ballet flat hybrid for those who are more daring. And don’t sleep on good quality denim, everyone needs a well working jean in the closet.

Dua Lupa wearing a pair of Puma Speedcat sneakers

What should everyone's staple pieces include?

Carefully curated basics are the building blocks to any long lasting wardrobe. These staples include a crisp shirt, a tailored trouser, a great sneaker in a colour that will work back with multiple pant options, a t-shirt that will last many wash cycles (generally neutral tones will provide the most versatility), knitwear that’s light enough to layer. I’d recommend a cashmere or wool blend for adequate warmth. A pair of jeans that fit well and make you feel great and of course a jacket or a coat that works well when thrown over almost any outfit combination. This could be a trench coat, or a longline duster coat in a neutral shade.

If someone is on a budget where in Highpoint would you direct them to shop?

One of the things I love most about Highpoint is the variety of retailers. If you are on a restricted budget, I’d recommend stopping past Zara as they have a huge range of options and keep their finger on the pulse when it comes to current silhouettes and trends. The Highpoint Cotton On store is gigantic and bursting with great pieces at affordable prices. Glassons is another great destination for the younger shopper, along with Colette and Billini for shoes and accessories.

If someone is looking to update their work wardrobe what would be your recommendations?

A work wardrobe should be filled with pieces that can easily mix and match, taking some of the daily guess work away each morning when deciding what to wear. This is where a capsule wardrobe can be a beneficial solution. Great destinations at Highpoint for finding elevated pieces perfect for a work wardrobe are Unison, Witchery, Calibre, Portmans, Uniqlo, MJ Bale and Cue.

What are your personal favourite pieces emerging from this season's trends?

Calibre have dropped a very limited-edition coat in a grey faux fur. It’s an absolute standout piece that feels fresh and exciting for menswear. The leather pieces coming through at Cue are also really special. They are well crafted and will last beyond the current season which is the true meaning of an investment piece.

Your favourite dupe vs boujee shopping finds in Highpoint?

The Prada and Miu Miu aesthetic is still booming and it comes as no surprise that their IT bags have been coveted by many. The Tony Bianco Soho bags are a great dupe, offering the same aesthetic but with a more digestible price tag. My boujee find is the Cue leather stitched maxi trench coming in at $1,499.

Cue leather stitched maxi trench

When looking for a gift for a fashion-loving person who has everything what would your gift recommendation be?

I always stop at Mecca when purchasing gifts as I find perfume and candles are often fashion adjacent. The Martin Margiela scents are both nostalgic and tantalising and make for a really special gift. Or the ultimate present is the gift of choice, a Highpoint gift card is a safe but fool proof option.