Winter is here in Australia and although the weather has cooled down, it doesn't mean that your style needs to follow suit! I've always talked about adapting your wardrobe and updating it with just a handful of key pieces every season.

So for those of you battling the winter blues, here's my five key winter essentials that will not only keep you warm and cozy, but inject some new life and style in to your wardrobe this season.

Don't worry my friends in the Northern Hemisphere - we're picking up top Spring / Summer picks in a blog post coming soon!)

(I've also included screenshots below from a recent TV segment I did for Channel 9's Today Extra, with style ideas on how to dress each item up or down)

1. The compact coat

Compact Wool Coat from Jigsaw

A single-breasted coat or jacket in a more compact size and length, is perfect as it's not too bulky and the single-breasted silhouette creates a slimming effect.

Given our relatively mild winters in Australia, a shorter more compact style jacket provides maximum versatility as you can wear it as an outer coat or incorporate it as part of your outfit.

Styling ideas: Dress it up by pairing it with a skirt and a heeled bootie, or dress it down by pairing it with casual pants and boots.

TIP: Burgundy is a hot colour this winter and adds a dash of colour without overwhelming.

2. The minimal leather jacket

Simple, minimalist leather jacket from Jigsaw

A leather jacket is another key essential that will take you from day to night. This season, a cropped version that is minimalist in details is the hot pick.

Look for a clean, simple jacket with minimal details like buttons and zips. If you already own a black jacket, try a lighter colour that will add a lightness and freshness to the other darker pieces in your wardrobe.

Styling ideas: Dress it up by pairing it with a dress and a pair of nude booties, or dress it down by pairing it with jeans and a pair of boots.

3. Black Knit Dress

Polo Neck Long Knit Dress from Jigsaw

The black dress is a perennial classic. This winter it's taken a new life in the form of a knit style dress!

This versatility means you can make it work for a night out, the office or dress it down with some flats for the weekend.

Look for a really tight knit that is quite structured in terms of fabric because it really helps to give you shape and helps hide some lumps and bumps.

Styling idea: Change the look with pops of colour, by adding a coloured scarf, belt, necklace or a statement jacket / coat!

4. Oversized Knit

Jumper from Jigsaw

The oversized knit is the perfect piece to keep you snuggly, cozy and warm during the cold winter days. Light grey is a lovely contrast for other dark winter colours, yet matches beautifully with black, navy, charcoals, white and cream.

Styling ideas: Dress it up by pairing it with a pair of black pants and sneakers, or dress it down by wearing it to the side like a cardigan and pairing it with a skirt and sneakers.

TIP: Oversized feeling just too baggy for you? Use a belt around the waist to give it more shape.

5. Leather Skirt

Leather Wrap Mini Skirt from Jigsaw

Another piece of clothing that we're loving this season is the leather skirt.

This particular skirt from Jigsaw is perfect because it has a bit of flare and a slightly more A-line shape which means it won't sit too snugly or tight across the hips and thigh area.

Styling ideas: Dress it up by pairing it with something fitted, or dress it down by wearing it with a chunky knit.

Remember to adapt or adjust these pieces for your body shape and budget and enjoy cozying up this season in these winter essentials.

5 Key Winter Essentials