Chic and Cheerful Winter Fashion!

Winter comes and brings with it wild weather and woolly clothing – unless, of course, you happen to love the little lambs as much as us peta2 peeps, in which case you'll know that you don't get wool without having innocent sheep suffer. So, what to wear as the nights draw in and the air gets nippy? Well, we have investigated a little on your behalf and come up with some of the top wool-free winter warmers on the high street alongside the choicest of cruelty-free seasonal fashions. All style and no suffering? Sounds like the perfect recipe for holiday cheer!

This season, the looks to look out for are various; military chic is still on the menu, but so are '60s-inspired minimalist threads and a whole world of darkly romantic Victoriana. And with all the great animal-friendly fabrics in stores, it's easy to be creative while remaining cruelty-free!

First then? Think Brigitte Bardot, 1963. Not everybody can be a legendary beauty, but thanks to skinny pencil jeans and Gallic-style striped tops (both pictured) provided by the good folk at As Seen on Screen, anyone can have the great BB's effortless, elegant style. Close fits and cool colours bring out the beatnik in us all and hint at jazz clubs and the birth of rock 'n' roll, and teaming drainpipe trews with a cut-off acrylic cable sweater (like the one from Warehouse, pictured) screams sexy self-control. Don't bother with belts or too much in the way of visual garnish – simplicity is key. Wear instead with Bardot-style kohl eye make-up, and you've got a look that'll keep you piping hot all the way until spring. Oh, and did we mention that the divine Ms Bardot is a crusader for animal rights as well as a style icon?

Next thing to do is turn back the clock 150 years and get right in at the start of what looks to be the biggest trend of the winter: Victoriana. Stella McCartney's range for H&M features some fancy stylings in this vein, and Top Shop have the look nailed for those on a budget (pictured). Restrained colours and touches of gothic charm make for the perfect balance of eye-catching and elegant, and black jeans, trousers or cut-off tights can lend cheesecloth skirts and lacy cotton tops a more practical, modern edge. Try adding a string of fake pearls or a wooden heart necklace, and finish it off with this season's must – a waistcoat fit for a Dickensian urchin. As Seen on Screen do a great hooded one (pictured) and make a very nice corduroy bag to match (pictured).

Last stop: your tootsies. How better to keep the rain out than with super-fun heeled wellies from Office (pictured)? Ever since the Glastonbury wash-out in June, when celebs like veggie-goddess Stella McCartney donned their Wellingtons and braved the mud-bath, the classic rubber boot has been enjoying a fashion renaissance. Everyone will be wearing these by January, so get in there now and you'll be hot to trot. We might also recommend checking out Office's American-style canvas print lumberjack boots (pictured), to add a touch of Bruce Springsteen (another veggie!) style on drier days. Remember: Every step taken in a leather-free shoe is a step towards a better world for animals – and if you tell that to the shop staff, you might find that next season's synthetic range is even bigger!

Men's fashion has taken a turn towards rock 'n' roll cool this season with retailers cottoning on to the booming Brit music scene and finally deciding to offer lads more of a selection than usual. Our favourite pieces? Slim-fit, wool-free trousers from H&M in a variety of designs – from jet black to retro check – and a natty pink striped cotton sweater from Boxfresh at As Seen on Screen (pictured) to keep out the cold. Another exciting fact: Most of Levi Strauss' denim products are vegan, with that suspicious-looking papery patch on the back being totally leather-free – making it a whole lot easier to find those elusive rock star jeans!

Shoes fit for veggie fellas can be found at Moo Shoes, who stock the delicious Compton trainer (we like the blue and orange ones, pictured), or at Ethical Wares, where the really rather stylish Hans Blix shoe (pictured) is about as angular and rock 'n' roll as anything we've ever seen. Fashion with compassion? Sounds to us like a very happy holiday!