Some people love the cold; others would prefer to live in perpetual heat. Me? I’m somewhere in the middle in that I like dressing for the cold, but as for being cold? I hate it. That’s why I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to reinvent my wardrobe during the dreary winter months. With a few months of the season still ahead of us, I thought a fresh dose of winter outfit inspiration was something we could all do with right about now (and I can't be the only one getting tired of 500 layers of wool). So I set off on a quest to find some elevated examples of the best ways to dress this winter, but what I didn’t expect was to stumble across six trends that just keep cropping up.
Digging deep into an Instagram hole and scouring the platforms of the most stylish dressers I know, when I did come up for air, a handful of very specific winter outfit trends were undeniable in their popularity. From the coats that fashion insiders are wearing on repeat to the colourful pieces brightening up a grey January, these six trends are just too in-demand to ignore. Scroll on to see the key pieces you (and your wardrobe) will love and where you can shop them now.
1. SALT & PEPPER LONG COATS
Style Notes: When it comes to choosing a winter coat, if you're looking to change things up a bit, turn your attention to herringbone. Black and white in a tiny chevron print, this traditional weave is as everlasting as checks but will give your outerwear collection a point of difference—the sort Instagram dressers can’t get enough of at the moment.
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Easy elegance in a coat.
One of the most expensive-looking coats on the high street.
A sharp silhouette with a nod to masculine tailoring.
2. VANILLA-GIRL AESTHETIC
Style Notes: Working out colour combinations can be time consuming, but it seems those in the know are stripping things back to basics. On the one hand, autumn gave us 50 shades of brown that we're still wearing now, but according to TikTok, if you're going to colour-block anything, it's more cream-and-white outfits than I can possibly count—enter the "vanilla girl" aesthetic. But when it looks this chic, I can totally see the appeal.
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The kind of classic knit you'll wear year after year after year…
Corduroy trousers good enough to rival your everyday jeans.
A practical winter coat that you can style with polish? Sign me up.
3. LEATHER TROUSERS
Style Notes: I don’t know about you, but I’m getting somewhat fatigued of wearing my jeans on loop, and I have a feeling influencers are too. Instead, more and more of them are reaching for leather trousers, which, although just as versatile as demin, are so much more "fashion.”
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I can confirm Good American denim is some of the best fitting you can find, so if the leather is anywhere near as good, you're on to a winner.
Straight leg with a drawstring waist so you needn't worry about a restricting fit.
Black leather is a classic, but brown vegan leather is an understated alternative.
4. BRIGHT KNITS
Style Notes: It might be the antithesis of the vanilla-girl aesthetic, but if you're an expressive dresser, this season, the style set is also embracing bold and bright jumpers and cardigans in an attempt to lift their winter ensembles, and even the most minimalist dressers must appreciate it's impossible not to feel just a little bit happier when cosied up in these joyous styles.
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If you thought Fair Isle prints were only good for Christmas, this should change your mind.
Proof that cardigans are anything but boring.
The perfect piece for colour-blocking brights.
5. SQUARE-TOE SHOES
Style Notes: Of all the boot trends out there, square-toe versions are proving to be a firm favourite in fashion circles. Why? They have the power to give any outfit a cool overhaul, but they’re still versatile enough not to overpower your look. (PS: You'll score extra points if you manage to combine them with winter's biggest boot trend: the knee-high.)
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Discounted price, full size range and 100% leather? I'll race you to checkout.
The classic black ankle boot, upgraded.
Dressing up doesn't get cooler than these.
6. MIDAXI SKIRTS
Style Notes: Skirts of any length will always make a comeback in the warmer months, but for winter, longline skirts are reigning supreme and most commonly found in woollen, pleated, satin and midi-meets-maxi styles. I’ve seen them styled with everything from trainers to heels, knee-high boots to loafers, and they will be a key buy for the year ahead.
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Wear with the matching knit for a cosy, casual co-ord.
Satin skirts are just as versatile as a simple slip dress, so there's no excuse not to wear this with everything.
Prada knows good skirts, and this intricately embellished piece is simply exquisite.
Next Up: The Surefire Way to Make Your Winter Outfits Look More Expensive
