I swear it was only yesterday that we were throwing on flimsy dresses and prancing around the streets in nothing but our silly little summer outfits. How times have changed. We can no longer delay the inevitable: winter is well and truly here.

The good thing about living in the Southern Hemisphere is we get to watch those up North venture out, experiment and a season later, we get to learn from their sartorial wins.

Like most years, there are some winter trends that will forever stand the test of time, while other pieces are simply too good to ignore. Below, the winter fashion trends we're dabbling in for 2024.

1. Rugby shirts

Images: one, two.

Our affinity for rugby shirts is well-documented, and you don't have to barrack for a particular (or any) team to take part in this trend. Oversized, a little preppy, and somehow able to effortlessly straddle the line between sporty and chic, there's a myriad ways to wear the rugby shirt this winter. Lean into the prep of it all with wide-legged denim or perhaps some Bermuda shorts. Or, offset the style with a sheer maxi skirt or micro mini skirt. Miu Miu won us over with their simple striped Cotton Jersey Polo Shirt, as did Venroy, with the slightly more slim-fitting Striped Long Sleeve Jersey Polo. If bright colours are your thing, look to Sporty & Rich's Serif Rugby Polo Shirt, or follow the lead of Lorde and benny Drama in Balenciaga's Laurel Classic Fitted Polo.

2. Knee-high boots

Images: one, two.

Rachel Green first made a case for the mini-skirt-and-knee-high-boot combo, and we're so glad that the trend is back all these years later. It's not just mini skirts we're pairing our knee high boots with. Maxi styles and short-shorts with sheer tights also make the perfect base for this much-loved winter footwear style. Tony Bianco's Ripley Black Vintage boots have long lived high on our wishlist, and for those who prefer a slightly slimmer heel, Alias Mae's Crawford style is just as coveted. The Row is responsible le for some of our favourite styles in recent years, including (but not limited to) their Western Boot. Or, if it's a little bit of edge you're after, we can't go past Stuart Weitzman's Bella Buckled Leather Knee Boots

3. Brown suede everything

Images: one, two.

Much to the RUSSH team's delight, brown suede is punctuating our entire wardrobe this winter, from slouchy shoulder bags and Western-inspired boots, to jackets and mini skirts. Rich and warm, it brings a softness to classic winter silhouettes, and a unique ability to make simple styles feel interesting again. Top of our list? Nour Hammour's Dalma Suede Bomber Jacket, Camilla and Marc's Remi Suede Mini Bag, Reformation's Layla Low-Waist Suede Skirt, and P Johnson's Isabella Suede Trench Coat in Bitter Chocolate.

4. Wrapped up in cardigans

Images: one, two.

The humble cardigan isn't exactly a new winter trend, but that doesn't diminish it's impact. Slouchy and soft, slim-fitting or oversized, they're just as effective (and chic) worn buttoned up, or draped over bare shoulders when the weather permits. If tactile textures take your fancy, Minima Esencials are nailing the brief with their Harriet Alpaca Wool Blend Cardigan (which comes in a range of colourways). Then there's La Ligne, with their simple Ben Silk, Wool and Cashmere Blend Style — so reminiscent of the '90s.  A little slouchier in size, we love Marle's Cait Cardigan, or for those who prefer colour, why not try Acne Studios Grey Layered Mohair style?

5. Belts on belts (on belts)

Images: one, two.

More is more when it comes to this season's belt trend. Double belts add interest to even the simplest of outfits. And with a trend this adventurous, there's no point playing it safe. Mix and match texture and colour with the likes of Khaite's Benny Studded Leather Belt, Camilla and Marc's Emersyn Leather Belt, Loewe's Dark Brown Leather Belt, and Paloma Wool's Grey Finito Belt.

6. Cow print

Images: one, two.

Not a resurgence we saw coming, but one we're certainly not mad about. This winter, cow print is steadily shedding any kitschy connotations to be a favourite of fashion's insiders. Rendered in some of our favourite silhouettes, from cropped jackets to sleek bags, it offers a graphic and welcome contrast to winter's classic neutrals. Pair it with tonal knits or oversized denim for balance, or let a single statement piece do the talking. Dip your toes into the trend with adidas' Taekwondo Mei shoes and Understated Leather's Liar Clutch, or really lean in with Maiosn Essentiele's Mini Leather Skirt, and Acne Studios Double-Breasted Trench Coat.

7. Barn jackets

Images: one, two.

Once the uniform of farmers and horse people, this countryside classic has found a new legion of fans this winter. In waxed canvas, faded denim or corduroy trims, the barn jacket lends a grounded, utilitarian edge to winter dressing. It layers effortlessly over slouchy knits, works with wide-leg trousers or a wool mini, and looks best slightly oversized and lived in. We're coveting JW Anderson's Curved Hem Workwear Jacket, Toteme's Oversized Corduroy-Trimmed Waxed Cotton Jacket, and Cotton On's Tyler Barn Jacket.

8. Lots of leather

Images: one, two.

No, leather jackets for winter aren't exactly groundbreaking, but that doesn't mean we're not championing them. Whether it's a classic biker, a vintage bomber or something more tailored, leather jackets literally never go out of style, making them an investment you'll certainly get a good return on. Currently in our carts are Khaite's Jameson Leather Jacket and Lover's Elysia Leather Jacket, which are both minimalist and utterly irresisistable. For something a little more relaxed, look to Ena Pelly's bomber-style Arizona Leather Jacket, and Paloma Wool's Brown Mini Lora Leather Jacket.