19 Dec

5 Runway-Ready Winter Trends & How to Wear Them Now

When it comes to dressing for the winter months, it’s easy to feel a little uninspired. Finding fashion motivation can be a challenge during the season of puffy down coats, snow boots and scarves; you might just be tempted to stay home in your PJs until spring rolls back around. But this year’s runways have offered up a wealth of ideas for looks that will keep you both warm and stylish all winter long. So settle in with a mug of cocoa—today we’re tackling five of our favorite trends for winter dressing.

Leopard Love: Animal prints made a major impression on the runways for Fall 2018 (including show-stopping appearances at Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana), and this trend shows no signs of cooling off, even as winter gets underway. Many designers took a walk on the wild side with exotic patterns like zebra and snakeskin, but our perennial favorite is a classic leopard print. When incorporating this trend into your winter wardrobe, don’t be afraid to go bold! A leopard trench coat or dress is a standout statement piece that will carry you through colder months with serious style cred. For an outfit that really pops, pair your leopard picks with solid pieces in other statement shades; we love the look of animal prints when matched with luxe jewel tones or an unexpected neon hue.

Voluminous Layers: In the realm of outerwear for Winter 2018, many top designers showed a major affinity for layers. We’re talking lots of chunky knits, long sweaters, midi dresses, and colorful parkas—all piled together for a single, high volume look! This trend, which the editors at Harper’s Bazaar have called “modesty dressing,” has unquestionable appeal for those of us who live in colder climates. Who wouldn’t love to discover that their bundled-up look is now designer-approved? However, getting this trend just right can be a challenge; you want to look like a street style celeb, not your grandma doing errands during a snowstorm. Stick to a simple palette—all neutrals or shades of a single color, for example—and let the layers do the talking. Try pairing a midi skirt, bulky sweater, and oversized coat in similar hues for your first foray into the layered look.

Cozy Headwear: When the weather gets windy and snowy, nothing keeps you warm quite like a super-snuggly hat. But winter headwear isn’t always the height of style. Luckily, beanies and berets got a style upgrade on many winter runways. Gucci, Dior, and Calvin Klein showcased plenty of cozy headwear in their winter collections, so don’t shy away from playful knit pieces like a pom-pom topped hat or a cashmere beanie in a vibrant hue.

Bold Shoulders: In recent seasons, many designers have looked to the 80s for silhouette inspiration. This year, we spotted lots of top names drawing on the decade’s love for a structured shoulder in their creations. For a winter work wear look that goes beyond the basic sweater, consider incorporating statement shoulders and sleeves into your collection of tops. A blouse with a few extra ruffles, a high-volume sleeve, or a cold shoulder silhouette can add some much-needed interest to your midwinter apparel. Keep your look from straying into 80s kitsch by opting for understated pieces to accompany a bold shoulder—think sleek black pants and a pair of high-quality leather boots.

Faux Fur: Last but not least is a winter trend that graced the runway at Givenchy, Stella McCartney, and Ralph Lauren: faux fur. More and more designers are taking an eco-friendly approach to fur, skipping the real deal in favor of environmentally sound options that keep our furry friends safe. Much like animal print, don’t be shy when it comes to embracing this favorite winter fabric. Go big with a cozy faux fur coat that will keep you feeling warm and looking stylish on even the coldest days. If you’d prefer a more subtle approach to this super-soft trend, try out a vest or a hat with fur accents. One final tip: don’t be afraid to experiment with color! While we love the classic look of black or brown fur, many designers have showcased furry outerwear in exotic shades, from pastel pink to deep burgundy. Even though the fur is faux, the fun is very real.

What’s new in your closet this season? Share your favorite winter wardrobe picks in the comments!

No Comments

Leave a reply