'The 10 plus-size pieces I'm shopping for the colder months.'

It's starting to cool down after a very hot summer and I couldn't be more ready. 

Autumn/winter fashion is so fun because it can be such a curated process if you want it to be, with lots of layers and fabric combos (a thick knit with satin is a personal favourite for example). In saying that, I've been considering every piece of clothing in my wardrobe and I've been feeling a little bored with all of it.

As someone who rarely shops — which has been widely documented thanks to my desire to shout out every single thought that passes through my head — I've been thinking about what I could invest in next to feel confident, fashionable and warm this winter.

Watch: How to improve your daughter's body image. Post continues below.

After much deliberation, I've concluded that I will be expanding my wardrobe slightly with these nine new pieces that I've been eyeing for weeks — including maxi dresses and linen shirts that are transitional for warm days, too.

Eloquii Wide Sleeve Maxi Sweater Dress — Blue Heron, $175.

Eloquii Wide Sleeve Maxi Sweater Dress. Image: Eloquii.

I've been in a love affair with the US size-inclusive fashion brand Eloquii for the past few years and I've been eyeing this maxi sweater dress for weeks.

I think everyone needs at least one knit dress in their wardrobe because it can be dressed up or down with a pair of sneakers, boots or heels. I'll wear it to work or a nice dinner with friends.

(P.S. The brand constantly has sales going that offer up to 50 per cent off of your favourite items, so keep an eye out if you're thinking of purchasing from there.)

Kmart Curve Pleated Knit Midi Skirt — Lapis Blue, $15.

Kmart Curve Pleated Knit Midi Skirt. Image: Kmart.

Do you know how there's an item that every girl seems to have in their wardrobe? Knitted skirts are it for me. I'll be wearing this affordable banger every chance I get when it gets colder with my favourite sweater and pair of sneakers.

ASOS Curve Belted Longline Wool Mix Coat — Cream, $137.

ASOS Belted Longline Wool Mix Coat. Image: ASOS.

ASOS has its finger on the pulse when it comes to size-inclusive coats that are affordable and have a high-quality feel.

I own about three from the ASOS Curve range and, having bought all of them more than three years ago, I can gladly confirm that they don't lose their feel, fit or colour after many (many) wears. They've all gone the distance, so I'll be investing in this beautiful wool mix coat very soon.

Yours Clothing Beige Brown Trench Coat, $125.

Yours Clothing Curve Beige Brown Trench Coat. Image: Yours Clothing.

Everyone seems to have a trench coat (including Mamamia fashion gods Leigh Campbell and Charlotte Begg) so I was ecstatic to find one from an Aussie brand for bigger bodies.

I'm not convinced yet that it will suit me, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about this one from Yours Clothing, so I might have to make the purchase just in time for the cooler months ahead.

Proud Poppy Venus Plus Denim Look Dress, $79.95.

Proud Poppy Venus Blue Denim Look Dress. Image: Proud Poppy.

Proud Poppy is a lovely Australian-owned fashion label with some incredible stuff on offer at very reasonable prices.

I have the Venus dress in Blue Denim in my cart as we speak, but I'm just waiting for it to come back in my size. It's got a slouchy, comfortable look to it and I can see myself pairing this with a sweater or coat as the colder months approach.

What I love most about this dress is I can wear it on its own with a pair of sunnies and big earrings and viola: I have a perfect 'fit.

Friday Flamingo Harlow Shirt — White, $119.99 (NZD)

Friday Flamingo Harlow Shirt in White. Image: Friday Flamingo.

I have a few gorgeous dresses from Friday Flamingo that I've been obsessed with for the summer, but as we move into autumn and, soon, winter, I'm looking to the brand for some essentials.

This classic shirt is in my cart because it's a linen/rayon blend and good to wear on its own or as a layer (which, if you ask me, is exactly what a shirt should be doing in the cooler months because, duh! It's cold!).

ASOS Dobby Top — Forest Green, $59.

ASOS Dobby Top. Image: ASOS.

ASOS is also really good at making tops for the big-chested gals, and this green spotty one is a beauty. I like that it's a deeper tone, as opposed to a bright green that people sometimes like to associate with summer (not me though! Put me in bright orange every single day of the year!), but is still a fun colour to play around with. Thus, I'll be checking out my cart with this top in it immediately.

H&M Rib Knit Sweater — White, $44.99. 

H&M Rib Knit Sweater. Image: H&M.

I think I might have been the only plus-size girl who wasn't aware of how incredible H&M was at creating stylish and timeless clothes for fat people.

I have been looking for a white sweater for months and I could not believe my eyes when someone recommended H&M's curve range to me, and there it was. The perfect sweater.

Essentially, I love it, I can't wait to own it, and I will be wearing it every day and everywhere.

H&M Loose Fit Sweater — Dark Grey, $49.99. 

H&M Loose Fit Sweater. Image: H&M.

I just had to have another sweater from H&M in here because my goodness, everything is just so bloody beautiful. But seriously, this loose-fit sweater is stunning and it is offered in up to a size 32, which is pretty magnificent considering not many brands can be that inclusive (or, frankly, want to be).

If you want a slouchy, non-fitted sweater vibe that still gives the clean girl aesthetic, look no further.

Sabre Linen V-Neck Dress — Camel, $229.

Adrift Sabre Linen V-Neck Dress. Image: Adrift.

I'm always on the hunt for a winter dress, mostly because I believe they are the most versatile pieces of clothing in a wardrobe. They're just so easy to chuck on and look good in. It can be a bit tricky when you want your legs to be warm in the winter so I've opted for this linen v-neck dress that stops a little under the knee.

It's really pretty and I know I keep banging on about versatility, but it really is wearable for almost every season!

Alas, my cart isn't filled to the brim because I want to continue to make more thoughtful purchases this year. The truth is, you don't need to go and get a new wardrobe every single season. I prefer to find a few good-quality items that resonate with me and then to sit on them for a while to decide if I like them or not.

This is just one thing I learned when I gave up shopping for an entire year, which you can read all about here. 

For more from Shannen Findlay, follow her on Instagram here.

Feature Image: Supplied.

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