From Balaclavas to Furry Hats, There's No Escaping These 7 Winter Accessories

I don't know about you, but I'm definitely feeling the winter blues right now, and the dreary weather hardly helps. But with any new season comes a brand-new round of trends, and I'll be taking this opportunity as a bit of sartorial escapism and reporting on the latest among them. As always, I've got you covered with everything from coat trends to boot trends, and this winter, the accessories are especially exciting. I'm delighted to introduce seven items that are emerging as the It pieces to see and be seen in right now. Don't worry. They're functional, too.

If you live in a colder climate, you know that winter accessories are a category all their own. During the rest of the year, our hats, scarves, and sunglasses are simply the stylish choices that enhance our outfits, but during the winter, they're nonnegotiables that can make or break a case of frostbite. The good news: The winter accessory trends on deck in 2022 are as cool as they are practical, with items like arm warmers and balaclavas taking center stage. 

To discover the seven trendy accessories that are inundating our streets and feeds right now, just keep scrolling. I can't escape these items—nor do I want to.

The power of social media is no joke. Once the oversize and checkered scarves from ACNE Studios began to appear in various outfit-styling and haul videos on TikTok, the internet snapped them up in no time. While the exact ones are an investment at $300, plenty of oversize and extra-long statement scarves have popped up in every color, print, and price tag under the sun. Swooping yours effortlessly over one shoulder is the key to wearing this trend.

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If there's one trend I'm most excited about, it's these soft and furry hats that have appeared in plenty of collections this season, from Fendi to Marni. Despite the high-fashion endorsement, it's not a requirement to drop hundreds on a designer one—trust me. I've found so many cute and fun shearling and faux-fur hats for $100 or less. 

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I hate to say it, but we told you so. Who What Wear reported on the uptick in sporty cycling-inspired sunglasses several months ago, and even though 2022 has only just begun, they've already made their mark. Say what you will about the polarizing shades, but designers such as Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga have been pioneering the look for a minute, and now, emerging labels such as Lexxola and Raie are putting their stamp on it, too.

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Berets had been suspiciously out of the fashion news cycle for a while up until now, so it makes sense that this winter marks their return onto our radars. Certainly, the quintessential Parisian toppers have never been "out," but this winter, they're reemerging in all manner of bright hues, bold prints, and quirky crochet textures.

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Rumblings of the oversize bag's return to style have been bubbling in the fashion world lately, and if my Instagram feed is any indication, this season marks the noteworthy shift from small and structured to large and slouchy. Look for shoulder bags in rich textures like woven leather or faux fur.

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The phrase "gorgeous, gorgeous girls wear balaclavas; gorgeous, gorgeous girls avoid the drama" lives in my head rent-free, and that's how I know I need to spend less time on TikTok. If you understand the reference, great. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, all you need to know is that knit balaclavas are spiking on social media right now. Considering that a nor'easter is heading my way as I type this, fashion people may be onto something with this one.

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Speaking of functional trends, I've noticed that arm warmers are having a moment right now, and I'm so into it. Practically speaking, they're a tech-friendly alternative to gloves, and sartorially, they're an easy way to layer and add a pop of color and dimension to your winter ensembles.

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Up next, The Best Affordable Coats I Tried On at Zara, H&M, and Mango