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While I’m a summer baby through and through, winter is my favourite season when it comes to fashion. You can have more fun with layering, experimenting with different textures (hellooo faux fur) and rugging up.

Hey, most days I walk around in a glorified quilt and call it fashion.

The glorified quilt in question. (Image: @alyssa.forato)

The main issue when it comes to winter — especially Melbourne — is that it’s bloody freezing. It becomes very tempting to hole up at home and hibernate with my cat on the couch.

Unfortunately, I can’t do that. There’s places to be, people to see, and a bag to be made. So, I’ve learned to arm myself with trusty winter essentials that won’t let me down. And one of my favourite small Melbourne brands, Paire, has come out with an autumn and winter collection that might just be one of the most impressive ones I’ve ever come across.

What Makes Paire’s A/W26 Collection So Special?

Like many, I was first introduced to Paire when I discovered their socks. Soft, temperature-regulating and breathable, I never thought I’d be so besotted with an accessory I would never typically give a second glance. (They also have some incredible ‘lipstick undies’ which are great for throwing in your bag for emergencies — AKA getting your period when you’re out).

The brand has since expanded from its socks and undergarment origins into clothing, and have kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of its pieces. Paire’s A/W26 collection, ‘The Future Feels Natural’, is built off the idea that winter clothing should feel lighter, move easier, and solve the quiet frustrations people have long accepted from natural fibres.

Very sleek. (Image: Paire)

Rather than engineering new, synthetic materials, its focus has been on making natural fibres more comfortable. Think cashmere, Tencel, merino wool and organic cotton, plus the brand’s signature Supreme CoolBlend™ and BioFlex™ blends. So if your mind went straight to scratchy wool, you’ll be relieved to hear that there’s none of that.

Inside The Future Feels Natural Collection

The Future Feels Natural poses a solution to the standard ‘throw on a million layers to not get frostbite’ approach we all take to winter dressing. Instead, each piece has a blend of natural fibres that provides a level of warmth that means this won’t be an issue.

There’s a mix of loungewear, and elevated basics that comprise Paire’s A/W26 collection. The women’s Supreme CoolBlend™ Collared Jacket and Trousers are laidback yet polished; great for a casual workplace. On the more cosy end of the spectrum are the unisex 100 per cent cotton hoodies, crews, and track pants.

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Activewear is also part of the collection, including the women’s BioFlex™ Form Jacket and Wide Leg Pants.

I was lucky enough to attend a styling suite when the collection launched, so allow me to introduce you to my favourites from Paire A/W26.

Paire Cashmere-Blend Boat Long Sleeve

I was toasty warm. (Image: @alyssa.forato)

First on the agenda is the Cashmere-Blend Boat Long Sleeve ($129). It also comes in a crew neck and turtleneck, but I prefer how this style sits on me the most. I really like how it can be worn as a base layer under other clothing or on its own, especially since sheer fashion is trending.

I know what you’re thinking: Alyssa, how on earth am I meant to wear a sheer top in the middle of winter?

Let me tell you, this thing is WARM. So much so, that I wore it on a 25 degree day and majorly overheated. So I’d definitely keep it in your back pocket for those chilly June and July days.

It also comes in black. (Image: @alyssa.forato)

The only downside I found with this cashmere top is the size range. It only spans an S to an XL, and while I do fit the S, I would have preferred the top to be a little tighter.

Women’s CoolBlend™ Collared Jacket

The other standout (and my favourite) from The A/W26 collection is Paire’s CoolBlend™ Collared Jacket ($249). I get overstimulated very easily, so I struggle to find wool pieces that don’t irritate me or make me want to jump out of my skin That definitely isn’t the case with this jacket.

The perfect winter grey. (Image: @alyssa.forato)

It has a tie to cinch in the waist. (Image: @alyssa.forato)

It’s a merino wool blend, so it has the warmth of wool with the softness of cotton. The fit is quite boxy and oversized, so don’t size up, otherwise you’ll be swimming in it. Available in navy, black and grey, I have a feeling this will be the jacket I gravitate towards the most in winter when I don’t want something heavy but still need warmth.

If you’re planning on investing in quality winter pieces that are going to last you beyond one season, I suggest taking a look at Paire’s winter range. The pieces are well-priced, innovative in design and a joy to wear. Just don’t pull out your cashmere top on a warm day unless you want to sweat profusely…

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