6 Older Winter Trends I Just Purged From My Closet and What I Want Instead

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Now that we're deep into winter, I'm examining my winter wardrobe and doing a good bit of editing. Over the last few years, I've tried my hand at a fair share of trends, so my lineup of boots, sweaters, and coats is currently a mishmash of clashing aesthetics, a lot of which no longer align with my personal style. Not only has this made it harder to get dressed during the cooler season, but it's also maxed out my closet space and made it that much trickier to squeeze in any new buys. With that, I sat down for a much-needed assessment and, after taking stock of my winter pieces, decided to remove six outdated winter fashion trends that no longer feel fresh. Items like lug-sole boots and printed tights that I hoarded for years are getting the boot while I set my sights on a few 2024 updates that will make all my 'fits feel more aligned with where my style is today.

Keep reading to see which staples I'm cutting out for good and which I'll rely on to get me through the next few months. 

Phasing Out: Polo-Neck Sweaters

Reaching For: Red Sweaters

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Let's talk about sweaters because mine could definitely use a refresh. I've never been much of a preppy dresser, so I'm feeling ready to part with my polo-neck knits since they always felt a bit too collegiate for my personal style. Instead, I'm excited about the addition of a bright cherry-red sweater to add a pop of color to my cold-weather outfits.

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Phasing Out: Heavy Lug-Sole Boots

Reaching For: Stiletto Boots

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

I pretty much live in the same one or two pairs of boots all fall and winter, so I pick a style that I can wear with everything. This season, that's stiletto knee-high boots that I'm wearing with all my skirts, dresses, and jeans. I'm parting ways with lug-sole styles that no longer feel like the sleekest or most elegant option in comparison.

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Phasing Out: Statement Puffers

Reaching For: Maxi Coats

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

When it comes to coats, I'm exclusively committed to sleek maxi ones this winter. In seasons past, I tried my hand at more outgoing styles like statement puffers, but in 2024, I'm keeping things ultra classic for my own wardrobe. That means coats that are structured and tailored and come in a wool or wool-blend fabric. I just picked up this incredible maxi coat from COS and just know I'll be wearing it on repeat from now until March.

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Phasing Out: Logo-Printed Tights

Reaching For: Sheer and Fishnet Tights

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(Image credit: @VICTORIABECKHAM)

I'll admit that I hadn't owned fishnets in years, but after spotting their major comeback on the fall runways, notably at Tory Burch, and the cool styling ideas they came with, I'm excited to experiment with them again. Classic black fishnets and simple sheer tights like the ones at Miu Miu are what I'm prioritizing the most, and I swapped out any logos and loud prints I had in my tight drawer.

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Phasing Out: Pearl Earrings

Reaching For: '80s Earrings

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(Image credit: @haileybieber)

If I'm wearing jewelry right now, it's going to be bold and '80s inspired. I'm deeply obsessed with the chunky-earring trend right now, and I love the way the bold earrings make even a plain white tee look downright glamorous. The pearl earrings I have are, sadly, being placed on the back burner in the meantime.

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Phasing Out: Colored-Lens Sunglasses

Reaching For: Oval Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @clairerose)

Classic oval sunglasses that look like they could have time-traveled from the '90s are all I want to wear. They're ultimately a timeless silhouette, but with the rise of styles like Prada's popular 55mm Irregular Sunglasses, sleek oval shapes are once again having a moment. For me, they're eclipsing those retro colored lenses that I bought into a few years ago.

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

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.