CHASING THE CHILL
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
The temperature dips a few degrees and suddenly we’re reaching for knits, layering like we live in Melbourne, and calling it winter. In the Northern Rivers and on the Gold Coast, the chill may be fleeting but the fashion moment is real.
This is our cue to play. Texture, layers, a little attitude. An extra jacket we probably won’t need but absolutely want. Local labels understand the assignment, serving up cosy pieces designed for our kind of winter. Short-lived, style-heavy, and always worth the effort.
BRIMMING WITH ATTITUDE
Every great winter look starts somewhere. Ours starts at the top. Literally.
If Byron had a uniform, fallenBROKENstreet would be at the centre of it. Effortless, self-assured and iconically Northern Rivers, this is the label that finishes a look without overthinking it.
Seen on musicians, artists and festival crowds worldwide, and shaped through collaborations with names like Angus Stone, Elsa Pataky and David Bromley, it carries an easy credibility that can’t be manufactured. It just exists, and that’s exactly the point.
For winter, the focus turns to texture and timeless form. Signature felt hats, crafted from Australian wool, are designed for structure and made to wear in beautifully over time. Wide brims, vintage silhouettes and clean, modern shapes strike that perfect balance between statement and staple, equally at home at a wedding, a day around town or a weekend spent in a dusty festival field.
The supporting cast is just as considered. Corduroy caps bring a nostalgic edge, while ribbed wool-blend beanies deliver warmth without bulk, ideal for an early surf check. Add the latest Dope Lemon sunglasses collaboration and you have an accessories line-up that feels laid-back, considered and very, very cool.
WINTER, UNFILTERED
Mindful? Definitely. Demure? Never! Sabbi doesn’t whisper, it shows up. Loud, playful and impossible to ignore, this cult Gold Coast label turns even the mildest cold snap into a full expression of personality. Built on feel-good energy and an unfiltered, tongue-in-cheek presence, it’s fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers.
Their latest drop leans into that sweet spot between streetwear and statement, where bold graphics, playful slogans and punchy colour collide with considered, functional design. Layering leads the way. Padded jackets are thrown over hoodies and sweats, grounded in soft cotton comfort but elevated with structure. Deep pockets, zip details and those small but satisfying extras (thumbholes included) add a practical edge while still feeling fashion-forward.
The mesh range is where it really clicks for our climate. Lightweight, breathable and designed to be styled your way, these pieces add edge without the bulk. Thrown over a tank or layered under a jacket, they shift easily from day to night. It’s expressive, effortless and just the right amount of extra.
COOLER DAYS, BETTER LAYERS
OTTWAY is more than clothing. It is a way of moving through the world. Inspired by travel and grounded in community, the brand creates pieces for everyday adventure, near or far. Clothes for slow mornings, open roads and all the moments in between.
This season leans into texture, comfort and a sense of nostalgia. Corduroy, flannel and weightier knits sit alongside timeless staples that feel relaxed, easy and full of character. And with every purchase, OTTWAY helps support the installation of solar power through community-led projects across Australia.
Leading the collection is the signature Rarebird Jacket. Crafted from vegan suede with hand woven embroidery, it is oversized, tactile and full of personality. The kind of jacket that makes a look on its own and becomes an easy favourite the moment you throw it on.
Across the collection, premium fabrics and thoughtful details bring a refined feel without trying too hard. Unisex silhouettes, made in small batches and restocked on demand, reflect a slower and more conscious approach to getting dressed. These are pieces made to last, designed with intention and created for the road ahead.
ottwaythelabel.com | Byron Bay
HONESTLY UNCOMPLICATED
At Bolt + Buckle, great style starts exactly where it should — with classic, well-made pieces that let the quality do the talking. Take the leather jacket: timeless, hard-wearing and carrying just the right amount of attitude. The kind of staple that earns its place and only gets better with wear, especially when thrown over new-season merino wool and possum jumpers that bring serious warmth without the weight.
From there, it's a winning formula. Bugatti Jeans, worn-in leather boots and a wool scarf pull the whole look together with easy confidence. This is gear for blokes who don't overthink it yet still nail it every time.
The philosophy is simple: earthy, honest and uncomplicated. It’s how Bolt + Buckle and Indepal Leather approach everything, from design to curation. What began with leather has evolved into a broader edit of men’s style, stocking labels like Industrie, Mr. Simple, Wild Rhino and Will & Bear, alongside local names such as Mennie Socks and Milkan.
No fuss. No fast fashion. Just genuine materials, considered design, and pieces built to go the distance.
boltandbuckle.com.au | Murwillumbah + Alstonville
UNHURRIED BY DESIGN
Some labels talk about slow fashion. Sahana lives it. Founded in Byron Bay with roots in Sri Lanka and India, this is clothing built on a philosophy as much as design – peaceful living, honest materials and craftsmanship that honours time.
In a climate like ours, where warm days soften into cooler evenings, Sahana’s natural cotton and linen pieces feel instinctively right. Breathable, lightweight and effortlessly layerable, they move with the rhythm of everyday life. No synthetics, no shortcuts — just thoughtfully sourced fibres, handwoven fabrics and plant-based dyes drawn from turmeric, indigo and clay.
Each piece is brought to life by skilled artisans in West Bengal, where traditional weaving and intricate hand-stitching techniques are preserved with care. Each garment can take up to nine months to complete, a reflection of precision and respect for craft.
The result is a wardrobe that transcends seasons and trends. Silhouettes designed to flatter and made to last, these are pieces to be worn often, lived in fully and returned to season after season.
MINIMAL OUTSIDE, MAXIMAL WITHIN
Art of M brings a quiet kind of confidence to winter dressing, and somehow, that restraint is what makes it land. Their unisex hoodies are refined everyday staples, intentionally understated and anchored by the signature logo, letting silhouette, fabric and fit do exactly what they're meant to.
Crafted from soft fleece blends, they’re built for comfort, warmth and durability, making them an easy go-to for through the cooler months. Designed with layering in mind, they slip effortlessly into the winter rotation without ever feeling like you're repeating yourself.
The magic is in the styling. Worn alone, they hit that perfect pared-back, off-duty note. Layered over Art of M’s artwork-led tees, they take on a more expressive edge, revealing flashes of bold print beneath a clean outer shell: minimal meets maximal, restraint collides with expression. It's a simple move with a big payoff.
The result? Versatile, grounded pieces that move easily between moods and moments, all while keeping the brand's broader artistic identity front and centre. Winter, sorted.
WHERE THE EDIT FEELS LIKE A FIND
There's a certain kind of store you walk into and immediately feel immersed in something different. Island Luxe in Bangalow and its moodier twin, Island Luxe Tribe in Byron, are exactly that. Two stores, two personalities, both guided by the same unhurried philosophy. Neutral palettes, luxurious textures, woody scents and a curation so considered it feels less like shopping and more like discovery.
The aesthetic is rooted in travel and a deep appreciation for the imperfect, the time-worn and the pieces that carry a story. Italian leather that softens with wear. International designer labels chosen for character over clout. Fabrics that feel extraordinary against the skin. Objects with a connection to nature.
For winter, that translates into an edit that's rich in textures, timeless silhouettes and the kind of quality that makes getting dressed feel a little luxurious.
High-end without the attitude. Deeply sensuous. Island Luxe sits in a category of its own — but the welcome is warm, and the experience is for anyone who loves beautiful things.
islandluxe.com.au | Bangalow + Byron Bay
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