The Only 7 Trends That Truly Matter This Winter
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.
Photo:
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.
A favorite among the fashion set, M.i.h’s tiger turtleneck is a layering wonder but also makes a statement on its own.
Whether you wear it to work, a winter wedding, or both, you’ll love the flattering cut and compliments that come with this striking printed dress.
For a classic print that will also add a pop of color to your wardrobe, opt for this rose-tinted leopard from Hayward. This bag is also ideal for travel because it lies completely flat when empty!
When Reformation is on board, you know you can’t go wrong. Let this printed long-sleeve blouse be the subtly sexy going-out top you wear every weekend.
Give your go-to black ankle boots a much-needed break, and add this python-print pair to your rotation for the season ahead. They just might become your new favorites.
Photo:
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.
While you can’t really go wrong with black patent leather anything, this coat is an especially smart way to buy into the trend because you can wear it with whatever and in any weather.
By Far’s debut bag collection has been so popular among celebrities, influencers, and pretty much everyone else that it took us a while to find one that was even in stock. This cream mini bag is an easy choice that will stick with you for seasons to come.
One of my favorite ways to nail a trend without really trying is to swap in an updated basic for something you already wear. In the case of this piece by Alix, just let it take the place of your go-to bodysuits or tanks, and it’ll give all your outfits an updated feel.
As perfectly said in ASOS’s product description of these boots, “that low-maintenance life” is just an added bonus to how sleek these are.
Blush. Vinyl. Pantsuit. Can you think of an outfit idea that could possibly top that?
Photo:
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.
Crystal earrings are one of the easiest (and most accessible) ways to make this trend your own. They’ll pair well with anything from a simple sweater to an evening dress.
While your first instinct might be to save this statement top for a night out, we implore you to wear it before dark, with black jeans and ankle boots.
For the mini-yet-mighty approach, look no further than these adorable embellished barrettes. They’ll do more for an outfit than you’d think.
Arguably the most interesting—and Instagrammable—pants to ever exist, these Area trousers are also impossible to style wrong. Wear them with anything from a simple T-shirt to a metallic blouse.
Alchimia di Ballin’s statement heels are already a favorite among the fashion set, but the latest crystal-draped sandals are about to really put the brand on the map.
Photo:
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.
Cutouts on a sweater are always interesting, but as usual, the designers behind Monse have taken it one step further with this standout red sleeve. If you’re looking for an evening-ready option, this is it.
Fair Isle is one of few statement details that has stood—and will continue to stand—the test of time. This cardigan version is an easy-to-wear option you can layer, wear alone, or even throw over your shoulders.
Not too much but just enough. This feather-embellished sweater is exactly what I’d like to wear to holiday parties this year. Who’s with me?
As a proud owner of this cardigan, I can tell you that not only does it makes a statement, but it brings in more compliments than you’d believe were possible.
It makes a statement, is embellished, and has a plaid print. Call it a triple threat… and then buy it ASAP.
Photo:
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.
There’s probably no worthier fashion investment than a checked Burberry coat, but this patchwork version has a fashion-forward twist that’s especially eye-catching.
File these no-fuss trousers under “office-appropriate trend pieces.”
Like many of the other plaid pieces in this roundup, this Balenciaga shoulder bag perfectly combines classic elements with a trend-forward feel. If you buy it, never get rid of it, because you’ll find yourself wanting to wear it year after year.
If, like me, you’re feeling some love at first sight for this jacket right now, I highly suggest opting for the matching pants while you’re at it.
Not only will these be an eye-catching addition to all your go-to denim outfits, but they’ll also look amazing styled with dresses and skirts of all lengths, making them a worthy buy.
Photo:
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.
This under-$200 pair is a favorite among our own NYC-based editors for the chillier days ahead.
Regardless of whether or not you plan to actually hit the hiking trail, you will look nothing short of legit in this under-$100 pair.
Tackle two trends in one with this leopard pair by Diemme. It’s the perfect focal point of an all-black or otherwise simple outfit.
This waterproof style is the perfect alternative to your everyday sneakers once the winter weather hits.
This suede pair from H&M’s Premium Quality offering is not just a steal for the $80 price tag. It also has the ideal narrow shaft for wearing under your straight-leg jeans, no tuck required.
Photo:
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.
Not that you need a reason to endorse faux leather, but if you’re on the fence, I can vouch from experience for just how luxurious this brand’s vegan materials feel.
There’s a reason the Super Puff is all over Instagram this season, including our editors’ own pages. It’s the perfectly lightweight yet extremely warm jacket that comes in countless colors, so it can fit in any wardrobe.
We love how the cropped sleeves on this statement red puffer are met by long ribbed cuffs. It’s a little detail that makes it much more interesting than a basic style.
Act fast because the women of the Clique office are already all over this shockingly affordable and cool find.
Acid-yellow flowers against a black backdrop give this relaxed-fitting puffer an edgy feel.
