An NYC Girl Walks Into Nordstrom—7 Winter Trends She'd Buy and 7 She'd Skip

Everyone loves Nordstrom, but perhaps none more than the fashion set in New York City. With the end of the year rapidly approaching (seriously, can we slow things down a bit?), there's no better time to hit up our favorite retailer. 

Here, I rounded up seven winter trends that editors, influencers, and It girls of NYC are all into currently and seven that they might pass on. With floor-sweeping coats, knee-length skirts, sporty sunglasses, and quietly cool sneakers, you'll find something to freshen up your outfits. If you're looking for some newer pieces to add to your cold-weather wardrobe, keep scrolling for some inspiration straight from the most stylish inhabitants of the Big Apple. 

Buy: Retro SneakersSkip: Chunky Sneakers

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(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Chunky sneakers are great to have for extra traction, but if you're in need of a new pair, do what the New Yorkers do and opt for a sleeker retro style instead.

Buy: Sporty SunglassesSkip: Micro Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @indyabrown)

Sport-inspired sunglasses are having more of a moment. It's totally fine if you want to give your micro sunglasses a spin, but NYC girls are gravitating more toward shield sunnies now, and it's easy to see why with these cool protective styles that have wraparound lenses. 

Buy: Dramatic Duster CoatsSkip: Leather Blazers

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

The next time you have the urge to add yet another leather blazer to your closet, get yourself a dramatically long coat instead. They are the outfit, and you'll be much more bundled up when the temperatures start dropping. 

Buy: Carpenter JeansSkip: Skinny Jeans

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(Image credit: @meccajw)

You might have long abandoned your skinnies, but if you're still holding on to yours, consider trying a pair of roomy carpenter jeans. The contrast stitching, hammer loops, and extra pockets give a utilitarian feel to your look and add extra details to your denim. 

Buy: Metallic HeelsSkip: Sky-High Platforms

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(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

This was the year for platforms, but if you're looking for an equally striking shoe trend that gives you height, get yourself metallic heels. They're still a neutral and go with any outfit you put together. Plus, they have a bit more pizzazz than brown or black ones and would be great for any holiday parties you have coming up.

Buy: Knee-Length SkirtsSkip: Miniskirts

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Miu Miu made the pleated mini the ultimate trend this year. If you've stocked up on enough of the shorter skirts and are looking for something that feels a little more new, midi skirts are something I've seen pop up in the NYC street style scene—column styles are dominating, or try pleats over pants if you're more daring. 

Buy: Snoods and BalaclavasSkip: Berets

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(Image credit: @dylanasuarez)

For winter headwear, NYC girls are all about snoods to keep their noggins warm. You might still see berets appear while you're out, but rest assured, snoods and balaclavas will only continue to rise in popularity. You better get in on them now. 

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

Lauren Adhav
Freelance Fashion Editor

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town & Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.

After five years in NYC, she moved to the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and now Who What Wear. She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.