8 Elegant Winter Trends That Were Practically Made for Holiday Travel

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(Image credit: @anoukyve@tylynnnguyen)

Given the inherent craziness this time of year, what to wear for holiday travel is usually a massive afterthought—for me at least. And the idea of packing days before the holidays, approximately December 20, is stressful in every sense of the word. So I'm doing things differently this year (or at least helping anyone who's in the same boat do things differently, as I'm staying in town).

This year, I'm planning ahead when it comes to holiday season outfits and have come across quite a few ideas on my Instagram feed that would be perfect for in-transit and for wearing upon arrival at your destination. And as far as your holiday travel aesthetic goes, I think that elegance is the best plan of action. Many of this winter's trends are timeless, chic, and sophisticated—everything that makes for a great travel outfit. I pinpointed eight especially elegant trends I highly recommend packing this season. Scroll to shop them before holiday chaos ensues.

The Trend: Long Coats

Long coats are inherently elegant, and they'll make whatever you're wearing underneath look that much chicer—trust me.

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

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The Trend: Red Sweaters

Winter 2023 has quickly become the season of the red sweater. I'd suggest ordering early, as they're selling out left and right.

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

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The Trend: Kitten Heels

When traveling, it's important to pack heels that you can walk in. Luckily, kitten heels are the biggest shoe trend of the season.

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

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The Trend: Barrel-Leg Jeans

As far as denim trends go, all of the chic European women on my feed are wearing barrel-leg jeans. They look chic with kitten heels and flats alike.

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(Image credit: @erinoffduty)

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The Trend: Sweaters Draped Over the Shoulders

As far as styling trends go, wearing a sweater draped over your shoulders is the most elegant one there is.

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

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The Trend: Black Maxi Skirts

I love a black miniskirt, but I think we can all agree (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley seems to) that a maxi skirt is more elegant and winter-appropriate.

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(Image credit: @rosiehw)

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The Trend: Simple Cardigans

Miu Miu made simple, preppy cardigans the coolest cardigan style to own this season. I love it layered like it is here.

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

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The Trend: Bucket Shoulder Totes

When traveling, packing the right type of handbag is key. I'm loving the minimalist bucket totes that you wear over your shoulder right now. They hold a ton and can work for both day and night.

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

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This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.