What to wear on a cold night out, according to the RUSSH editors

The chill of Australian winter has made sure to raise its hand high at roll call this month, but the cold hasn't stopped the RUSSH team from our evening commitments. We have been busier than ever, heading out after dark for work dinners, premieres, media viewings and the occasional girls' night out.

We thought we'd open up our group chat discussions here to share our favourite pieces that don't let us down when we need to pull something together quickly. Here are the eveningwear wardrobe staples we're loving this chilly season.

Emily Algar

Beauty Editor

I hate being cold and would sacrifice glamour for warmth any day of the week. With that being said, I love great jeans (these are perfect as they’re tight and super long – ‘going out’ jeans for sure) with boots. I have a pair by The Row that I adore… the style isn’t made any more but these are very similar. Plus a fun knit (have my eye on this one) and a warm coat. I like anything that’s slightly dramatic (this is my dream coat, also really into this one by Róhe).

Samantha Corry

Social Media Coordinator & Writer

Dressing for a night out in winter is really tricky – you don’t know if it will be hot inside the restaurant or bar, or freezing if you're sat outside. The best solution I've found is a great coat or jacket. I love a black long leather coat like this one from P.Johnson. These coats will last you across seasons. And because I usually dress pretty basic from head to toe, I like my bags or shoes to give me some funk. I am utterly obsessed with these origami pumps from Loewe. Truly self explanatory.

I will also have my L’Occitane shea butter lip balm with me at all times and my Fedua hand cream in the scent Melograno. Life changing And Flore Flore’s basic long sleeve cotton tees are heaven, great quality and breathable. And because the wind can pick up, I love having my COS cashmere scarf on me at all times, whether it be a neck or headscarf.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

I’m a creature of comfort these days and knits are all I want to wear. I’ve been dreaming of the day I own something from Frisson Knits and now there’s a Frisson Knits hand-knit capsule collection with Lee Mathews that feels like it’s calling my name (will keep you updated – it really is perfect for wearing out with a cute pair of jeans to a wine bar). I’m otherwise transfixed with Lee Mathews’ Cashmere Black Turtleneck (so sleek with my black mini skirt and boots).

When it comes to going out, I only trust a Coach bag to keep pace. I love the Chelsea Shoulder Bag 36 – I’m a sucker for brown suede, always. And finally, a good jean is a must. Usually something that has a little something unexpected. These Pleat-Front Jeans from BASSIKE have caught my eye at the moment. Soooo good with a chunky knit or a trench.

Stacey Gaskin

Consumer Revenue Manager

As a Kiwi, I can deal with the cold pretty well, but I love to layer. Rebecca Vallance has some great knitwear and outerwear. This Verity Top in black is a staple – such a flattering neckline. I also have my eye on this wool Lemuel Coat. It's the perfect length for warmth without hiding my favourite jeans. And this St. Agni Fine Merino Wool Long Sleeve is a cold weather essential. The Nala Furry Pullover from CAMILLA AND MARC is on my wishlist, as is this gorgeous Hidden Tiger Jacket from Unreal Fur.

When it comes to winter evenings, a good lip balm is a non-negotiable. A couple of my go-tos are the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and Lanolips 101 Ointment. A great winter boot that'll never let me down is the Tony Bianco Mango Venice. And for extra chilly nights, I love a chic pair of gloves. The Gucci Leather gloves are a dream. Lastly, I need to up my scarf game. I've heard wonderful things about JIL SANDER's scarves.

Jaime Carmody

Digital Marketing Specialist

I’m a dress girl through and through, so winter always has me finding new ways to style them. Lately, I’ve been layering dresses over jeans, particularly this polka dot dress from Sister Studios with my beloved blue Agolde denim and a worn-in leather jacket. It feels effortless while adding just enough warmth. When I’m heading out in the cooler months, it’s usually to a cosy restaurant or tucked-away wine bar, so my trusty Margiela Tabi heels and mini Balenciaga city bag are still very much on rotation.

I’m also having a bit of a purple obsession at the moment, and this beautiful dress from DŽO has been living rent-free in my mind. Beauty-wise, I tend to keep things minimal when I head out. Merit’s Flush Balm and this YSL lip liner has been high on my beauty rotation lately.

Alys Hale

Music Editor and Creative Producer

Winter is the perfect excuse for a dramatic coat, and a dramatic hat, both of which I have a penchant for. I love to have fun with texture in winter, as my colour palette is usually quite dark and neutral. I am very much enamoured with Ppeached, and feel the texture of the Dolly jacket in chocolate adds frivolity to a very simple outfit making it nighttime appropriate. I’m also seeking to normalise wearing impactful hats – how could you not have fun in this cream fluffy vision from Jaqemus? A slightly better option for displaying earrings could be the Natasha from Unreal fur or this softer grey version from Anna Sui. The ears being visible is key for me as often a statement pair of earrings can make a very cosy day outfit night time ready, and I adore these from Dries. Why choose gold or silver when you can have both?

I also pine after these black jet beauties from Simone Rocha for a more gothic sparkle. Wolford tights are worth every penny and can make the dress you thought was summer only winter ready, especially if you throw a lovely cashmere jumper over the top. Naturally, one needs the perfect knee high boot for a cold evening on the town, and I challenge you to find a more delicious pair than these Francoise 95 suede boots from Saint Laurent. They are utterly dreamy.

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

I stick to two outfit formulas when the weather starts to bite. My dinner and drinks formula is a long-line denim, a semi-sheer top or knit that I layer either a bra or a singlet under (depending just how cold it is), a big coat, and boots of course. My denim of the minute is the Henne Valentina Jeans in dark indigo. I love the length of the leg, it makes me feel tall even though I am far from it. My favourite sheer knit I got from Bayse a few years ago, and I layer it with my All For Mimi tanks. But if I was going for something lighter I would love this Sir top. My current big jacket is this Ena Pelly suede number, but I also have a sleek brown suede piece I bought on Depop coming in the mail. As for boots, I have a pair of Tony Bianco heeled boots that have served me for 10 years, and now I am eyeing these Khaite boots as a replacement.

Outfit formula number two (which is what I wear for a bigger night or when I’m going dancing) is a long sleeve top, either turtleneck knit or tee, and paired with a fun mini skirt with tights. My favourite fun skirt is an Auteur Studio piece I bought a few years ago, it’s black and sequinned. I also have a grey suede skirt and a very fun glossy leather piece that I bought on The Outnet, this is similar. As for tops, I am still wearing a merino wool black turtleneck I bought on eBay for less than $10 in 2014, I still recommend resale for finding good quality wool. If it’s not as cold, and I’m going for a long sleeve tee, I like the pieces from Marvell Lane and Kookai. Marvell Lane is specifically for big busts and Kookai cotton tees are quite thick so the support is more substantial. I of course will again top this with boots (usually my Brunello ones) and a big coat, but something longer like this black one that covers my legs if I’m walking between bars. The finishing touches? My Natasha Schweitzer hoops and a bold, coloured bag like this green one.

Sophia Serafin

Implementation Manager

Winter nights are always the hardest to dress for. I’m not into layering, so I either rely on a really warm coat, or hope I’m only ever a few steps between the car and venue.

Minima Esenciales and Beare Park are my go-to’s for elevated base layers, while a fur jacket from Unreal Fur or Charlotte Simone brings the fun.

If I’m wearing a dress or skirt, I’ll almost always pair it with a knee-high boot like these. Whilst plain, this Rotate dress has such a beautiful silhouette, and this Zero Meaning skirt has a detachable option - wear it long through the winter, then mini when the weather switches.

Otherwise, my default is a tee, cropped leather jacket and pants - either denim, wool, or corduroy. Whilst it’s a minimal look, I pair it with a fun mule like these from Khaite, or a colourful bag like this from Fendi, giving my often all-black outfits life.