As a general rule, winter fashion is just more expensive.

Coats, knitwear, leather shoes — it all adds up.

But lucky for you, my secret superpower is sourcing stylish pieces that look way more expensive than their price tag. Honestly, nothing gives me more of a thrill.

So if your wardrobe is desperately in need of an upgrade, but you're low-key spiralling about the cost of petrol, scroll down to see the 14 budget finds on my winter wishlist (and some I already added to cart.)

Because we don't gatekeep the good stuff…

Speaking of great fashion finds, here's the 2-in-1 bomber that doubles your outfit options. Post continues below.

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The two-in-one bomber jacket | Nothing To Wear

Budget-friendly winter trends to shop now.

The polo knit.

Every winter there's a new It-knit — that fresh shape you'll see on all the stylish people and upfront at all the shops.

I've done my research and can say with absolute certainty that this year, it's the polo knit. More preppy than a cardi, it might have a zip or button collar.

Here's one I tried on in Uniqlo, and a zip-up style at Venroy. Images: Supplied.

When the latest Chanel Couture show opened with a model in this style of knit in beige, effortlessly teamed with blue jeans, I knew the shape would be a big deal.

Chanel taste on a high-street budget? Same. Don't worry, we've got options:

Uniqlo Smooth Cotton Polo Sweater, $59.90.

Image: Uniqlo.

ASOS Design Knitted Polo, $67.

Image: ASOS.

Cotton On Luxe Tuck Hem Bomber, $80.

Image: Cotton On.

NA-KD High Necked Zip-Knit Sweater, $59.95.

Image: NA-KD.

The cool-girl jacket.

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've probably noticed the funnel-neck jacket doing the rounds on social media. This versatile style is having a moment across different cuts and finishes, from sporty anoraks to sleek leather jackets.

The dramatic collar gives it a fashion-forward silhouette that can lift your whole look without doing much actual styling legwork — simply pop it on with slouchy pants, a midiskirt or jeans.

While luxe versions could set you back hundreds, Glassons and Target really come through with the goods. I'm eyeing off these finds.

Glassons Oversized Funnel Neck Jacket, $80.

Image: Glassons.

Target Lily Loves Funnel Neck Jacket, $80.

Image: Target.

Pretty Little Thing Peached PU Funnel Jacket, now $82.50.

Image: Pretty Little Thing.

The low-profile sneaker.

When it comes to cost-per-wear, sneakers are one of those accessories that really tend to rack up the mileage.

I'm all for spending what you can afford on a good-quality pair, but my jaw hit the floor when I saw these on-trend brown trainers in Target.

But of course I took them home. Image: Supplied.

They're real suede… and they cost just $45.

If you're loving the low-profile sneaker trend, ASOS also have some great "sneakerina" options that incorporate ballet-inspired satin panels.

Target Tianna Genuine Suede Sneakers, $45.

Image: Target.

ASOS Design Desire Slim Sole Lace Up Sneakers, $63.

Image: ASOS.

The chunky scarf.

On a recent episode of our fashion podcast Nothing To Wear, Leigh Campbell shared her trick to making every winter outfit look more considered: a giant chunky coloured scarf. It's her best school-run styling hack, and I'm borrowing it.

I've tracked down these luxe-looking options to layer up in.

Glassons Thick Knit Scarf, $20.

Image: Glassons.

Morgan & Stanley Isabella Scarf, $39.95.

Image: The Iconic.

The neutral jean.

These jeans are from COS. Image: Supplied.

Blue and black denim will always have their place, but lately I'm finding myself craving new neutrals to style back with basics.

Enter khaki and brown — the trending denim shades we're seeing across barrel and wide-leg cuts for winter. These earthy tones bring a new energy to your day-to-day fits.

Big W have updated their bestselling barrel jean in tan, and Zara's coloured denim is always on-point.

Big W The 1964 Denim Company Barrel Jeans, $30.

Image: Big W.

Zara ZW Collection High Waist Wide Leg Jeans, $69.95.

Image: Zara.

Just Jeans Originals Sofia High Rise Barrel Jean, $109.95.

Image: Just Jeans.

For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack , listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube .

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Feature image: Supplied.