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Stylist Emma Kalfus’ Guide To Chic Winter Dressing
Bold shoulders, rich textures and statement sunglasses — stylist Emma Kalfus shares the pieces, trends and wardrobe heroes defining this season.
Fresh off styling Karrinyup’s Autumn/Winter 2026 campaign, “New Horizons”, Sydney-based stylist and creative Emma Kalfus has once again proven her knack for making timeless dressing feel fresh, modern and endlessly wearable.
Best known for her work with ELLE Australia, Vogue and InStyle, as well as co-founding independent magazine SIDE-NOTE, Emma’s refined eye was the perfect fit for the campaign’s mood of renewal and reinvention.
We caught up with her to chat bold shoulders, winter wardrobe heroes and the pieces we should be investing in this season.
“New Horizons” is about renewal and movement — how did you translate that feeling into the actual pieces and styling choices for the shoot?
We had a lot of 70’s silhouettes and drapery and textures in pieces that felt a little unexpected in the Karrinyup AW26 campaign. Things such as the lace cropped trench from Aje paired with a camel coloured Zara kimono wrap pant, a Scanlan Theodore broderie anglaise a-line dress in a heavier fabric and then dark paisley prints that still felt seasonally appropriate when pared with boots and layered with jewels.
You’re known for championing timeless, classic dressing. How do you balance that sensibility with keeping things feeling fresh each season?
Fabrications are always evolving and improving and slight tweaks in silhouettes, like as the addition of a bold shoulder in blazers and coats make the classics feel fresh.
What’s the biggest shift you’re seeing in how women are actually dressing for autumn/winter this year?
Everyone is still loving the minimalist look, however women are experimenting more with textures and bold shapes to make an outfit more interesting.
What are three pieces you think women should invest in for AW26 — and are there any specific brands or items you’re particularly excited about right now?
A structured bold shoulder jacket or coat – It’s the piece you can throw on each day but also take with you into the night. My new Viktoria and Woods cream coat gets me excited for the colder weather. It goes with everything and elevates every outfit, whilst keeping me warm. Witchery also have some great options!
An oversized leather clutch (Scanlan Theodore has a great textured leather option with a removable strap that I loved tucked under the arm).
A good cashmere or merino knit – investing in a good quality knit is always necessary going into the colder months. A comfortable and chic staple you always reach for. They are great for layering and can add an element of interest with some texture or a fun colour. I’m really loving the classic Polo Ralph Lauren cable knits in jewel tones at the moment. They always have good classic silhouettes that you can rely on for season after season.
One of the most difficult styling scenarios in winter has to be the dressed up but not too dressy occasions (a work event, dinner date or birthday) — any advice for looking stylish and still cosy on nights out?
A slim knee-high leather stiletto boot from Scanlan Theodore. Great with both pants and skirts and they really help to complete a polished look.
Any Australian brands or designers you think deserve more attention this season?
Viktoria & Woods is getting stronger each season and the Nude Lucy AW collection also looks so elevated.
The one accessory that’s been elevating everything in your wardrobe lately and why?
A pair of statement sunglasses. The hottest style this season is the oversized Saint Laurent pair we used in the Karrinyup AW26 campaign. They add a bit of edge to every outfit.
The one wardrobe workhorse you couldn’t live without and why?
A great pair of black pleat front tailored trousers. It’s the perfect piece that looks polished yet effortless, whilst also being comfortable for day to day and can stay on high rotation.
The one item topping your wishlist right now and why?
Gosh – I think I would say a Cartier Tank Mini as I’ve been. Eyeing off a watch for years and currently this micro style is on my mind.
Chasing more fashion inspo? Scope out our guide to the season’s must-have jackets and the cool-girl shoes elevating every fit.
