Although we’re currently lingering in the post-holiday half of the season, we still have quite a few winter trends to look forward to — a welcomed relief after the hectic December festivities. The thing about winter trends is that there are those as reliable fall-backs, the traditional staples year after year that only have to be pulled out of the closet and slipped back into for a familiar look. And then there are seasonal trends dictated by fashion week street style; as winter starts amidst fashion month, our street style inspo is imperative to helping build our cooler-weather wardrobes.
The Oversized Sweater
Perhaps the coziest of winter trends, we love the oversized sweater for just that reason: it is cozy. What better to slip into on those frigid mornings when you can’t get out of bed because your bedroom’s air is filled with that unbearable chill? An oversized sweater, especially in a great chunky knit, is the closest thing to a big, fuzzy blanket you can actually leave your house wearing.
We can’t hide the fact that our favorite oversized sweater will be any with a chunky, cable knit, but don’t feel limited to just that style. Oversized sweatshirts are a great way to stay strong with the athleisure trend in the winter time.
This look pairs perfectly with a pair of thermal leggings when the cold temperatures put you in need of a lazy-casual day. But do keep in mind that the oversized sweater trend isn’t limited to that. Wear yours with a pair of cropped jeans and ankle boots for an impeccable every day look, or pair your oversized sweater with more sweaters. Another easy trick? Wear a denim jacket over it.
The Classic Trench
Since its inception into fashion history in the late 19th century, Thomas Burberry’s iconic design has become an essential for colder months. We talked about how much we loved the trench for spring, but the real trick of the trade is to use your trench year-round (or maybe semi-annually, depending on how Mother Nature decides to play her cards each year). The trench coat is as pertinent leading up to cold weather as it is leading away from it. The lighter material with the long coat style makes it like a training wheel—training your body to adjust back into your winter woolens as each month grows cooler.
Classic, transitional, necessary, the trench is a thing of the future, and the past. Wear your winter overcoat with jeans, flats, and a sweater, and just like that, your ensemble is complete.
The Booties-And-Socks Duo
A seasonal go-to of yesteryear (and ever year), the socks with booties look is an easy fan favorite. The benefits of the socks and booties look is multi-layered. On the top-most layer, we’ve got the most obvious benefit: warmth. As the temps get cooler, a taller sock tucked into an ankle boot is an easy fix to goosebump-laden legs. Opt for a wooly sock on the chilliest winter days.
The next layer is the aesthetic contrast. Pairing a black boot with a gray sock is playing it safe. Bring a real sense of sartorial smarts into play when you shake things up a bit, pairing beige socks with a brown boot, or even a black sock with a white boot. There is no limit to bringing in a little color contrast to your outfit when you bring the booties-and-socks duo into the mix.
Layers
Winter 101: layers. Not only does adding layers keep you warm as you adjust to rapidly falling temps, but layers are a fast trick to adding dimension to your look. Also, when you’re torn between multiple pieces, this quick trick allows you to wear them all. It’s an easy way to show off your pairing capabilities while keeping warm.
Have fun with your layering options; play around with a boxy-shouldered blazer and a flowy top. Keep it classic with a collared shirt under a sweater, or get funky with it and tie in jeans and longer pieces at the top.
The Sweater Dress
The sweater dress is an instant classic that will take you right into spring. What can be cozier than the feeling of a long, warm knit as days get increasingly colder? The best part about a sweater dress is that it is hassle free—just throw on a chunky knitted number and no other styling necessary. In the dead of winter you’re going to have to consider insulated tights and durable boots, but once we transition into warmer months you can go bare-legged with a wider selection on footwear. Team your go-to sweater dress with booties , or if the weather is tolerable enough, try a block-heeled pump.
The Accent Sweater
If you were into the monochromed look throughout summer and spring, there is no reason why you can’t bring that style into your winter trends. Go for a single-color palette for most of your look, but do try to keep things fresh for the season with a single accent color. Opt for a white-on-white base, and throw on a deep colored cardigan for a touch of character. We love a style with a bit of vintage inspiration to really play up the trend.
Plaid
If you were a fan of the staple pattern during the fall, then there’s no reason to ditch it this season. The timeless pattern is here to stay year-round, but it’s ready for a refreshing take. While we had been styling our plaid as an accent pattern throughout understated looks or experimenting with plaid-on-plaid outfits, for winter try some even more bold. We’re all about cleverly done colorful looks, so mix your plaid with a different pattern. Experiment with clashing patterns with one or two similar colors. Fuse layering and this trend together by trying clunky long sleeves on oversized tops and wrap-around maxi skirts, then add a dad sneaker to keep that chunky feel throughout.
The Mom Jean
We’re still not ready to part with the mom jean this season. This trend is perfect for winter because it has all of the stylistic elements we’re crushing on at the moment: the oversized feel, a touch of dimensionality to a look, and vintage denim washes. When selecting your mom jean, make sure it’s a slightly high waist, falling just below your belly button. The goal is to select a top that highlights the accentuated waist of the jean, so a cropped sweater is going to be your best bet. Then finish the look with sneakers or ankle boots.
The Jumpsuit
An effortless winter trick, the jumpsuit is perfect for both chillier days and those random bursts of warmth. Tou can even bring in some layering to the look; go for a chunky-knit sweater or cardigan, or perhaps a denim jacket, and throw on a pair of booties. When the weather gives you a bit more flexibility, team a kitten heel and a cute bag and you’re complete.
