I was really trying to take a break from saying the q-word, but my break didn't last long, because there's a quiet luxury trend that I think needs to be classified as such. The trend I'm referring to is elegance. Sophisticated, polished pieces are dominating the fashion landscape right now, and I've been spotting inherently rich-looking trends on a daily basis as of late.
The popularity of elegant trends can be attributed to the fact that they're easy to style, versatile, and timeless. Refined, classic outfits have been en vogue for decades upon decades, with women such as Audrey Hepburn, Dorothy Dandridge, Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, and Jackie Kennedy continuing to provide plenty of modern-day inspiration.
There are certain chic styles that have really risen to the top of the trend popularity list this season, and I think they're very much worth shopping for your own wardrobe. Scroll to do just that with my curated roundup of elegant winter trends.
The Trend: Chocolate Brown
If someone told me that chocolate brown is the new black, I wouldn't argue with them. This once-unpopular color has suddenly become one of the most coveted neutrals on the market. I, for one, have noticed that chocolate-brown pieces have been flying out of stock, so don't delay adding it to your wardrobe this winter.
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The Trend: Kitten Heels
Kitten heels are the number one heel trend of the year, hands down, and they've been adding an elevated, vintage quality to chic outfits across the land this season.
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The Trend: Folded, Off-the-Shoulder Necklines
Off-the-shoulder tops had fallen out of favor after peaking in the early 2010s, but they're finally back. This time around, tops with a wide band of fabric that folds over the chest and shoulders is the way to go (thanks to Khaite and Saint Laurent). Long-sleeve versions are perfect for this winter.
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The Trend: Top-Handle Bags
Of all the bag trends, none gives an elegant feel quite as strongly as a top-handle one—hence the recent resurgence of the Hermès Kelly bag. Whether in the form of a satchel or a tote, top-handle is a go-to elegant style.
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The Trend: Pencil Skirts
Gone are the days of pencil skirts only being associated with office-wear. This winter, chic dressers are wearing them everywhere and with everything—from ballet flats during the day to heels at night.
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The Trend: Long Coats
Throwing on a long coat is the easiest way to make literally any outfit instantly elegant—even a sweatsuit and sneakers. For the most sophisticated winter look, opt for a wool coat.
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The Trend: Structured Peplum Tops
Structured peplum tops like this Tory Burch beauty have been a sleeper-hit trend this year. The frilly, cutesy peplum tops of seasons past these are not. The new class of peplum tops are structured and decidedly grown-up, and will carry you through winter right into spring.
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This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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