Each season begins with a feeling.
For Michelle Shepherd, Head of Design at Goondiwindi Cotton, that feeling often begins in the landscape around Goondiwindi. Early mornings across the paddocks, the quiet after harvest, and the steady rhythm of life in regional Australia all find their way into the clothes she designs.
The Autumn Winter 26 collection, Under the Country Skies, carries that same sense of place. Natural fibres, thoughtful layers and colours drawn from the land after rain. Pieces designed to move through the week, from busy mornings to slower weekends.
We asked Michelle to share five of her favourite looks from the collection and how she styles them in everyday life.
1. Work Ready on Transport
Red on Red
"This look is one of my favourites this season."
A strong colour can feel bold, but when it is worn simply it becomes incredibly wearable. Michelle pairs the Pearl Ruffle Linen Shirt with matching Poinsettia (red) denim in our signature 5 Pocket Jean to create a confident, put together look that works beautifully for a day at the office.
The softness of linen keeps it comfortable, while the tone-on-tone styling feels polished without feeling overdone. A dark coat or simple accessories balance the look and make it easy to wear from morning meetings to dinner in town. Styled with flats for moving easily through the train station and city streets.
"It's confident but still easy. I love that about it."
2. Office Meetings & School Drop Off
Structured Blouse and Dark Jeans
A good shirt is one of the hardest working pieces in any wardrobe.
For days filled with meetings and design reviews, Michelle keeps things simple with the Out West Cotton Blouse paired with the chocolate 5 Pocket Jean. The delicate detailing and heart embroidery add interest, while the clean silhouette keeps the look professional and relaxed at the same time.
"It’s a look that feels considered but still comfortable. That balance is really important to me."
It is an outfit that transitions easily from school drop off to the desk, lunch meetings or an afternoon catch up.
3. Rainy Workshop Runs
Skivvy and Work Pants
Winter mornings often begin with errands. A quick stop at the wholesale studio, a visit to a photographer, or a coffee on the way to work.
For those busy days, Michelle reaches for classic layers. The Traditional Cotton Skivvy and the Workday Ponte Pant creates a practical and polished look.
Our new trench coat (coming soon) adds structure to this look (thrown over arms), while comfortable and stretchy pants with sneakers keep Michelle ready for movement.
"It’s one of those outfits that works in any weather, especially in Melbourne when there are four seasons in one day."
4. Weekend Market
Jeans and Knit
Weekends often start slowly. A coffee, a walk through the market, and time to wander.
Michelle’s go-to weekend combination is simple. The Farmer Cotton Cashmere Jumper layered over the 5 Pocket Crop Wide Leg Jean in new denim blue. Comfortable, relaxed and easy to move in.
The knit offers warmth without feeling heavy, while the wide leg jeans keep the look modern and effortless. A cap and sneakers finish the outfit in a way that feels natural for a morning out.
"It's the kind of outfit you don't have to think about. You just put it on and go."
At Home Sundays
The Cosy Tracksuit
Some of Michelle’s favourite moments are the quiet ones at home.
Sunday afternoons are for slowing down, and the soft cotton tracksuit featuring the Rugged ½ Zip Cotton Sweater (coming soon) and Barkly Cotton Track Pant (coming soon) has become a favourite for those moments. Comfortable and soft, it is the kind of set you could almost sleep in.
Whether it is reading by the fire, walking her dog Maggie, or simply relaxing at home, these relaxed layers bring comfort without losing their shape. They are also polished enough to pop to the supermarket or pick the kids up from friends.
It is also Michelle’s go-to for late night flights and airport travel. Comfortable enough for long journeys, but still put together when you land.
"I love pieces that feel easy but still look good."
Designed for Real Life
For Michelle, designing a collection is always about how clothes fit into real moments.
From busy workdays to relaxed weekends, the pieces in Under the Country Skies are designed to layer easily, wear well and become part of everyday life. Pieces that work in cold Melbourne mornings and sunnier winter days in Queensland.
Natural fibres, timeless shapes and colours inspired by the Australian landscape create a wardrobe that feels effortless season after season.
"I always think about how women will actually wear these pieces. They need to feel comfortable, confident and like themselves."
Michelle
