Winter Australia is here, and as I write this we're experiencing our coldest weather of the season. So with this cold weather upon us, shopping for fashionable clothing while being practical is a must do. While some fashions from previous season are still acceptable, any excuse to update your closet, with a few pieces that are being shown on runways around the world, will do.

This season cinched waists, belts and skirts are a great for the transition from summer into the colder months. Wearing narrow belts give off a feminine appearance, while the wide and structured belts define waists. There is a strong influence from the glamour of old Hollywood which is being seen in fashion shows, with the feminine style of pencil skirts and classical colours. There are also cropped jackets appearing paired with skirts, and fitted jackets matched with full skirts, and tailored suits are making a comeback.

When it comes to skirts and dresses, the hemlines are getting longer, resting below the knee or right on the knee. Don't forget that cropped trousers are a fashionable alternative to skirts, but avoid wearing flat shoes with them. Mid and high heels work best with the length of the cropped pant, making it more acceptable for office and casual wear.

Evening wear has also extended its hemline, falling to a floor length. Colours that are being shown on the runway are vibrant and impressive, so make sure you don't over accessorize. So when wearing these classic gowns, try keeping the décolletage free of jewelry and keep your makeup simple. Red lipstick and wavy hair can be a perfect tie in with the old Hollywood glamour style.

As with past years, the classic military style is making another appearance. Khaki colors are crisp and clean, especially when jazzed up with buttons or other hardware. The trench coat is another classic look, when used with casual clothing. Go for red and gold to accent it, then it can dress up the military look and also make it look more glamorous.

Along with these warm fashions, fresh makeup trends are a must to complete your look. This winter is no exception with emphasis on the eyes and lips being seen on the runways and on the streets.

The eyes gain more importance in winter with your face often being the only bit of skin showing. Some of the strongest trends again are "cat eyes" and the use of smoky, smoldering shades of eye shadow to create dramatic, deep set eyes. The "cat eyes" look is achieved by lining the entire eye with a dark shade of liner, most often black, dark brown, or grey. Your line is then extended beyond the outer corner of the eye in an upward direction giving a sultry and mysterious look. This look is probably best played out for evening wear since it may be too overdone for the day. Smoky, dark shades of eye shadow are also the rage to complement the current winter fashion colors.

The trend in eye brows is to get a fuller natural look. No more heavily plucked and pencil thin brows. Instead you want a fuller, thicker, and natural brows. To get this look, minimize the eyebrow plucking and allow previously plucked hairs to grow back in. If you have naturally thin brows, the use an eye pencil to subtly enhance them, just be sure not to go overboard as penciled in brows can look unnatural and fake. Lashes are fuller and longer than ever, complimented by multiple coats of dark mascara to emphasize the smoldering, sultry eyes look.

The days of lip gloss are behind us and lipstick has emerged as the new trend for well dressed lips with the hottest shade being red. However, if bright red is not your most flattering lipstick shade, hunt around because there's probably a shade of red lipstick that will make you look smokin'. Reds are varying from brick reds with brown undertones to plum reds with blue undertones. A bit of experimentation will determine which shade is right for you.

The metallic trend seen in make up and accessories this winter has extended to shoes. Though there are two main colour schemes: dark naturals and sporty whites and silvers.

This years trend is two toned shoes. This means while the boot or shoe is darkly coloured it is accented with light or bright coloured boot tops. These are eye catching and strongly contrast with stitching featuring stretch insets, elaborate zips and metallic buckles. Chilli red will be feature in piping for contrast looks, as will purple, ultramarine and green.

Boots are big this season! Ranging from high heeled ankle boots to high leg boots (my favourite!). For girly days, court shoes with tiny heel and delicate straps can be worn to great effect. Also ballerina flats can easily add that glam metallic look to your wardrobe. Wear platforms for the retro feel and strappy stilettos still own their place. To go with clothes and accessories this season, most shoes are available in a wide range of colours and styles.

What Australian doesn't or hasn't owned a pair of UGGS!? I have a dressed up pair with hard soles and lace p fronts with added fur for fun, and I adore them! They do however have their place, they don't belong in the office, but are a great comfort shoe to wear to the shops, coffee with friends or when visiting friends!

Bags are seeing the same fashion trend as boots: a classic shape with an extravagant twist! Animal print and crocodile skin is finding its way onto simple shapes and bold colours are adorning the classic cut and simple designs are finding themselves in the limelight having had a makeover.

Day bags.

This season sees the quirky twist of the oversize bag. Faux fur is also an alternative to the bulky bag whilst giving you that must have luxurious style. Bags are following the trends of the season, metallics, vivid colours especially purples are all represented on the catwalks.

The style

The contrast of simple and extravagant is big this season with casual styles being accented with luxurious detail. Chains are a big look this winter. With chain handles and chain just as decoration on the bag itself. Add glitzy cabochon beads to the corners of neutral coloured bags, old leather is being given new life with studs and fabrics being mixed with different textures. For the retro look bead bags with trailing fringes. If you are going for the bold colour look then stick to the block of colour with a bag matching the outfit.

Evening bags.

There is a renewed trend for the clutch bag, again in metallic and animal print. The minaudiere, or tiny bag is also a trend and is perfectly matched with metallic ballerina shoes.

So, winter is here! Find your unique, funky and stylish winter wardrobe and flaunt it!