Time to wrap on your scarf and button up, the chill is setting in. INFORMER fashion correspondent TESS CURRAN takes a look at the best places in Brisbane to shop for stylish retro cold-weather wear.

This season, pallor never looked so good...

Ahh, winter. That blissful time of year when the winds are cold, the coffee’s hot, and suddenly everyone gets about ten times more attractive thanks to fashion’s secret weapon: layering.

For gents, this means instant transformation to ‘cultured babe’ with the addition of the right scarf and jacket – or nice little mardigan*, depending on the weather. Boots can also be added to the mix, though unfortunately on the much more plain-and-demure side of things compared to the fun girls get to have in this department. (Although don’t assume man heels are necessarily ruled out. One friend of mine, who I won’t name, though he is a member of The Rational Academy, looks well dapper in his vintage Bob Dylan-esque cowboy style ‘lifts’).

For girls, winter is essentially about one word: tights! (Or stockings as they are otherwise known). Unlike our British or even Melbournian cousins, we are not blessed with this fashion opportunity year round, so we really do have to make the most of the few small months in which we are able to comfortably deck ourselves out in this most revered of leg wear. Colours, patterns, intricate stitching: you name it. Whatever you choose almost always looks good with the right winter ensemble. (And remember the golden rule: as long as you’re wearing stockings, it doesn’t matter how short the skirt is!)

But forget boring black and Myer-catalogue-monotony, and colour things up this winter with some authentic vintage flair. There are plenty of great places to check out, with new season stock definitely worth getting excited about. So put down your cup-a-soup, stop worrying about swine flu, and heat up (!) your winter wardrobe with some of Brisbane’s best vintage.

The southside’s favourite dress up box. This place never disappoints with its colourful offering of local and imported wares. For winter, says owner Nick, things are only getting better. "We have heaps of wonderful winter things in store: leather, suede, knitwear, blazers, long sleeve dresses, wool skirts, trench coats and boots.

"Bright ‘80s knitwear is also getting a lot of attention," he adds, "as is fur and faux fur" (not that everyone agrees with the former, but the ethical choice is ultimately yours). "Ladies long sleeve blouses are also very popular" – and I don’t think anyone can disagree with that. Add a sweet brooch to your lapel or collar and you’re set.

Visit the ever-friendly world of Box Vintage seven days a week at 29 Vulture Street, West End.

Paddington’s little vintage haven, which now exists in two separate locations/store types! Original Retro Metro: a crowded and colourful delight of vintage clothing, accessories, shoes, stockings, kitsch and collectables (all nestled underneath owners Erin and Colin’s house on Given Terrace). And now ‘classy’ Retro Metro: an exclusive, chic boutique of one-off dresses and vintage wares for both men and women (from as far back as the 1920s), all set in a stately, perfectly-polished Queenslander shop setting, just up the hill on Latrobe Terrace. So start rummaging for some wintry loveliness at: 297 Given Terrace and 34 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington.

La Bella Donna is Morningside’s hidden treasure chest. It offers the classier wares of yesteryear: perfect for those of us who appreciate a good ‘Church Sunday’ hat and glove combo, or any girls (or guys) looking for one-of-a-kind formal wear. This shop is definitely worth a visit on its aesthetics alone, reminiscent of decades past with its antique furniture, soft lamp lighting and ‘vintage parlour’ feel. And the coat racks are bursting ready for winter too! Go say hi at La Bella Donna, 643 Wynnum Rd Morningside.

RETRO STOP

Unfamiliar to me, but a favourite among northsiders, Retro Stop is the creation of two lovely ladies who have been in the vintage business for almost 20 years. This is authentic local vintage, sourced from straight from the hands of owners and collectors, including a great range of party wear – with many outfits even available for hire! Regular vintage street wear also abounds. From trench coats to sheepskin quilted parkas and corduroy bomber jackets and blazers, men will be set for those brutal 15(!) degree days; while ladies can delight in a variety of crimplene dresses and jackets – "a revolutionary fabric for ladies," says co-owner Judy. Find out more at Retro Stop, 491a Lutwyche Rd, Lutwyche.

To coincide with Informer’s WINTER VINTAGE feature, Nick at BOX VINTAGE has supplied Rave with two $50 ‘vintage makover’ vouchers for use at the store.

[* Cardigan worn by chaps. Spiffing stuff – Ed]