6 Winter Microtrends That'll Make Your Outfits Look 10/10

Winter trends can be somewhat predictable. You can practically guarantee that dark florals will make a comeback, as will luxe textures including velvet and satin. Heritage checks always show up in either tartan or Prince of Wales form, and corduroy swiftly takes over everything from dresses and blazers to trousers and accessories.

Not that we're complaining. These are looks that are proven to stand the test of time, making investing in them a sound idea. That said, we too believe in the power of the microtrend to help us breathe a new lease of life into our winter wardrobes. 

Microtrends are often an offshoot of defining looks from the runways. After a few months of percolating and being adopted early by fashion enthusiasts, the eagle-eyed can start to see key buys emerging. And thus, a microtrend is born. 

Notably easier to weave into our daily looks than the full-on regalia of the runway, microtrends will work in tandem with your existing wardrobe to bestow it some 2019 flare. From the It print inspired from the Dior catwalk to the new bag shape everyone seems to be toting, keep scrolling to discover and shop the winter microtrends dominating 2019. 

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1. LUMBERCHECKS
(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: As we've already noted, checks are a winter style mainstay, however, for 2019, instead of the usual tweed iterations, we're instead seeing lumberjack-style grids make a comeback. This is in no small part thanks to Dior, which used this motif heavily in its autumn/winter 2019 collection. 

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2. THE SWEATER VEST
(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Style Notes: Chandler Bing might be your typical style muse, but it seems his collection of sweater vests has sparked a movement on both the high street and designer retail circuits. Be bold like Ada and pair yours with bright separates for a fashionable take. 

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3. TWO-TONE ANKLE BOOTS
(Image credit: @tamumcpherson)

Style Notes: For a season that has already given us so many excellent boots, we thought we'd already seen all the variations on offer. That was until two-tone boots started to gain momentum. Wandler's pair (as seen on Tamu) may have kicked things off, but now they're cropping up everywhere—from Ganni to Nasty Gal. 

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4. FAUX-FUR TRIM COATS
(Image credit: @lottaliinalove)

Style Notes: Saks Potts' fur-trimmed coats were one of 2018's most in-demand buys. Now, for 2019, brands like House of Sunny, Kate Spade and Charlotte Simone are taking the vegan approach with their faux-fur options. 

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5. SEMI-CIRCLE BAGS
(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Style Notes: Bag trends don't tend to move on as swiftly as, say, shoe or clothing, which makes them the ideal seasonal investment. Right now, bags with statement handles and semi-circle bodies are proving to be all the rage. 

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Commonly associated with summer, tie-dye has since been given a wintry overhaul in heavy-duty fabrics like velvet and corduroy and has been painted in a palette of darker hues. Just add your favourite boots to complete the transition. 

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.