The Only 7 Trends That Truly Matter This Winter

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While we’ve had winter fashion on our minds for some time now, the official start of the season is just about to be upon us, which means that it’s time to get serious about what we’re going to wear. After all, nothing makes cold-weather dressing a bit more bearable like an outfit you actually look forward to putting on (and showing off).

Whether you’re looking for the most eye-catching trend out there to help you make a statement on the holiday party circuit, simply want some everyday items for your arsenal that are as functional as they are forward, or, of course, like many of us, would ideally like to check both boxes, I’m pleased to say that today we’ve got you covered in all areas. From fashion puffers to embellished everything, the seven trends you’re about to see are the only ones you really need to know about for the coming months—and the ones you’ll want to shop immediately. Just keep scrolling to start.

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Getting Wilder

While the animal-print trend felt like a wardrobe supplement as we transitioned into fall, exotics of all kinds are beginning to serve as the new neutrals this winter. Whether that’s in the form of python boots, a leopard skirt, a zebra coat, or all the above, don’t think twice about your next animal-print purchase, because I have a feeling it won’t be your last.

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Going for Gloss

Calling it: High shine will be this season’s cure for the winter blues. If your ankle boots need an upgrade, your coat could be sleeker; if your night-out look is ready for some gloss, you can’t go wrong with an upgrade to patent leather (or faux patent leather) for the months ahead. Whether you plan to start subtly with the styling or go full-on Matrix, the trend forecast is saying you simply can’t go wrong.

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Chandelier Dressing

From ankles to earlobes, this winter, all things adorned are in. While this, conveniently, lends itself perfectly to holiday party dressing, don’t think the trend is exclusively meant for after dark. With the help of some of our favorite brands, you’ll find it just as easy (and appealing) to take on the day draped in crystals too.

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(Image credit: Acielle/Style du Monde)

Serious Sweaters

Just in time for holiday season, the statement sweater has made a serious comeback, and we couldn’t be more into it. From Fair Isle to embellished to cutout and more, there are endless options for taking your signature sweater, jeans, and boots uniform up quite a few notches for winter and, well, making a statement in the process.

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(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Praising Plaid

Blame it on this year’s royal fever, but there are few more highly revered prints at the moment than plaid—in all its many, many forms. Naturally, the most prevalent iteration for winter seems to be outerwear, but the fashion set is simultaneously buying into everything from skirts to boots to blouses in the classic print. If you’re looking for a trend to invest in and use for years to come, this one is it.

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(Image credit: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images)

Hikers at Heart

This season, the fashion set’s everyday footwear of choice is, without a doubt, hiker boots, and all we can say is finally, a shoe trend that’s as sensible as it is stylish. After all, what more could you ask for in boots during the dead of winter than lug soles and comfortable construction? Well, we’d hope they look as good as they feel, and luckily, this season’s hiking-inspired options definitely do.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Puffed Up

It’s official: The puffer jacket has gone from something we once (reluctantly) wore only when the weather required to a fashion favorite everyone is itching to get their hands on. Well, with heightened desirability comes a new wave of stylish options. Think everything from luxe materials such as velvet and leather to standout prints including of-the-moment plaid and leopard to updated silhouettes that just feel so modern and sleek. Prepare for a pretty puffy season ahead.

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Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.