My Winter Style Guide
I’m a winter baby who doesn’t actually love winter. Crazy, I know.
What I do appreciate, though, much like everyone else, is the fashion and the excuse to always have a hot drink in hand.
My style has evolved so much over the years. In varsity and during my first few years working, I leaned heavily into femininity. Then I found my way back to the tomboy style I loved as a teenager. From there came a phase of mixing feminine and masculine pieces, then my street-style cool kid era.
Now, I think I’m finally at a place where all those versions of me coexist. Classic and timeless silhouettes, masculine and feminine contrasts, and my own interpretation of street style all woven together.
For Winter 2026, I revisited some of my old Pinterest boards to figure out what I want my style guide to feel like this season.
Layering
I’ve been a fan of layering ever since I discovered spaghetti strap tops over baby tees in high school. Winter layering is always on another level, when done right - it’s almost not overstimulating having all those layers of clothes.
One of my favourite fashion creators who does layering beautifully is @dahanadcr. The way she pairs textures, structure, and colour always makes her outfits so visually interesting. Definitely check her out.
My personal formula for layering is creating three focal points. Usually that looks like:
• three colours working together,
• two colours with one textured statement piece, or
• two basic pieces paired with one item that has an interesting structure or silhouette.
Knitwear
The best part about winter fashion will always be knitwear for me. Fun coloured sweaters, cardigans, knit dresses, sweater vests — I genuinely could keep going.
My winter wardrobe this year is definitely going to feature knitwear in all its forms. Right now, I’m especially obsessed with this burgundy sweater I picked up from Ackermans.
I plan to use knitwear to layer with jeans, skirts, over dresses, and with trousers. I love a good knit.
Leather (or pleather) Footwear
I’ve been wearing fewer sneakers lately — I know, I know. But as my style has returned to being minimal, elevated, and a little more grown-up, I’ve naturally found myself gravitating back towards loafers, pumps, and boots.
There’s something about leather footwear that instantly makes an outfit feel more put-together. Even the simplest look feels polished with the right pair of loafers or a structured boot.
I’m currently in the process of replacing some of my old favourites after wearing them absolutely into the ground over the years. A true sign of a well-loved shoe, honestly.
My current rotation includes knee-high boots from Dunns, my burgundy loafers from Foschini, burgundy pumps from Style and clogs from Legit.
Fun Socks
I can’t even begin to tell you how I feel when my outfit includes fun socks.
I have never really been a colour person when it comes to my style, until I discovered bold coloured socks.
Something about them adds so much joy and personality to an outfit without feeling overwhelming. A tiny pop of colour peeking through beneath loafers or boots can completely change the feel of a look.
I’m currently building my collection, but it’s been surprisingly difficult. Namibian stores only seem to stock either random patterns, polka dots, or those socks that look like they belong to dads working in fancy corporate offices.
What I’m really looking for are rich, bold colours. Socks with personality.
Right now, I’m on a very serious mission to find the perfect red socks, along with different shades of brown.
Interesting Outerwear
Sometimes all an outfit needs is a jacket or coat with personality. Again, if not by colour, by form or texture.
I have been searching for a black coat for years, and I recently thrifted this black coat. This is still not as long as I would want it (tall girl problems), but we are on the right path. It is perfect for now.
Other outerwear staples this winter are my blazers, the leather jackets I thrifted, and these utility windbreakers.
Winter may not be my favourite season, but I plan to have a good time with my style; it is my birthday season after all.
What is in your winter style guide?