Winter fashion trends can make the season a little less boring. From fabulous faux fur coats, seen at Saint Laurent and Gucci, to cargo denim inspired by Emilia Wickstead and Proenza Schouler, these pieces will add a fashionable twist to your winter wardrobe.
These fashion trends include leather dusters, the moto jacket’s cooler older sister, and feathers that can dress up casual outfits or enhance party attire.
1. Cargo Pants
Cargo pants have made the jump from military-inspired outerwear to everyday wardrobe staples. Think of them as a more relaxed version of the season’s It pants – they’re khaki, with plenty of pockets, and come in various shapes and silhouettes. This time, designers such as Miu Miu SS23 have added a new level of femininity to the trend by pairing the pants with a fitted top tucked into knee-high boots. It’s a look that channels Centre Stage ballerina and will keep your legs toasty warm as the mercury dips.
While neutrals reign supreme, winter 2023 fashion trends turn to colors for comfort and inspiration. Dark hues and subdued tones are a great way to add cheery color to your cold-weather wardrobe, particularly acid green and aquamarine shades. They’re also a good choice for neutral lovers as they bring warmth without veering into the dreaded pastel zone.
Florals are typically feminine, but this autumn/winter, they’re getting a grungy makeover. Erdem, Victoria Beckham, and McQueen embraced monochrome flower iterations on their catwalks. In contrast, the likes of Chanel and Jil Sander went for floral motifs with a slightly darker edge.
This is a great time to invest in a shearling coat. You’ll find modern takes on the classic style from brands such as Miu Miu and A.W.A.K.E Mode, while Norma Kamali offers belted and leather versions. Gudrun Sjoden has some gorgeous pointelle-knit ponchos that’ll be as cozy as cool if you want something casual.
2. Button-Down Shirts
Winter is a season for oversized silhouettes, and a button-down shirt will do wonders for your winter outfits. Whether worn with dark jeans or a skirt, this winter 2024 fashion trend will help you look chic and put together. You can also opt for a dress shirt with buttons down the front and wear it with a tie for a more formal look.
If you’re looking for something more casual, wear a shirt with buttons lined up the front and leave the collar unbuttoned to give your outfit a relaxed vibe. The best part about this trend is that it’s so versatile. You can pair it with jeans for a casual outing or dress it up with a skirt for an evening event.
The classic floral print is getting a grungy twist this season, and the best way to wear it is by combining it with other dark hues. Florals were everywhere on the runways, with Erdem, McQueen, and Balenciaga opting for monochrome flower iterations; in contrast, Chanel, Jil Sander, and Louis Vuitton opted for floral prints on midi-length dresses.
If you’re going all-out this winter, don’t be afraid to experiment with head-to-toe leather. This trend was all over the catwalks, from a robe coat from Givenchy to a shearling jacket from Coach and a bomber style from Loewe and Raf Simons. Add a touch of luxury to your outfit by trying a leather set or velvet pussy bow blouse from Alberta Ferretti.
3. Red
Red is an iconic fashion color, capturing attention and conveying passion and boldness. This season, fiery shades are front and center in the winter 2023 fashion trends. From the runways of New York and Paris, vibrant crimson appeared in everything from lipstick to dresses, tees, and coats. The shade also dominated the accessories game, appearing in everything from leather bags and shoes to jewelry and hats. The red trend is one of the easiest to incorporate into your existing wardrobe, whether you start small with a bright lip or opt for a red blazer instead of your typical neutral option.
A softer hue than classic scarlet, berry red appears in feminine fabrics this fall and winter. From the velvety, princess-like gowns of Dior and Valentino to tees and skirts in delicate candy pink, this fashion color is a great way to add a touch of romance to your look.
Green is another standout color for this season, evoking the natural world and embracing sustainability. The hue is making its mark on the runway, from the forest-green midi dress at Tibi to the khaki bomber jackets of 3.1 Phillip Lim and Gucci. Incorporate the chromatic trend into your closet with high-quality atoll red and sage green fabrics from New Tess.
Olive oil green, a natural, nourishing shade, is also emerging as a fashion trend for fall and winter. Pair it with neutrals such as beige or black to express elegance and sophistication, or try it with a touch of orange for a more striking effect.
4. Plunging Necklines
The sexy lingerie-inspired trend that swept the runways this season is easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. Whether you go full-out like a Gigi Hadid-approved silk maxi dress or ease into the look with a red velvet blazer, you’ll find the perfect balance between sexy and casual with this winter fashion trend.
The velvet trend is also being carried over into cold-weather outerwear, as seen on the coats of Loewe and Alberta Ferretti. Abby says that cuddly teddy-style coats in shades of pink and blue will add a touch of luxe to your winter wardrobe and are ideal if you want to add some texture this winter.
For a less luxe but equally cozy option, try a puffer jacket. The longer styles spotted at Gucci and Givenchy are great for those who love to channel their inner Kurt Cobain (whose wardrobes aren’t complete without the ripped jeans, teeny beanie hats, and plaid shirts beloved by Nirvana frontman).
Quilted shell coats are the season’s new cold-weather essential, as shown on the runways of Victoria Beckham and Erdem. These lightweight but warming jackets – known as ‘bomber’ coats – are the moto jacket’s cooler, more fashionable older sister. They can be worn with this season’s midi floral dresses for a chic and comfortable look.
5. Sweater Dresses
Adding puff sleeves is one of the easiest ways to make an oversized sweater dress feel completely new. Whether you wear yours with a denim jacket for a casual outfit or pair it with heels and a clutch for date night, this is one of the best winter 2023 fashion trends to try.
Another way to take your cozy knit dress to the next level is by opting for a bodycon silhouette. From Proenza Schouler’s wrap ribbed wool dress with shoulder-baring cut-outs to Jacquemus’ ribbed mini that fits like a glove, this trend is perfect for anyone who wants to enter their femme-fatale era.
Traditionally, feminine florals took on a dark, moody aesthetic on the FW2324 runways at Erdem, McQueen, and Chanel. You can incorporate this trend into your wardrobe by opting for a monochrome flower print or a darker base, such as navy, black, or deep purple.
You’ll probably wear your sweater dresses a lot this season since they are versatile and easy to dress up or down, depending on your mood and the weather. If you’re looking for something extra special, consider investing in a wool tuxedo-style coat from Raey, reminiscent of the classic menswear piece but with a hood and cinched waist. This is a great option for office wear as it’s a little more formal than just throwing on a coat and boots.
6. Pastel Outerwear
This season, pastel outerwear is a key trend. The soft hues of powder pink, mint green and even muted shades of blue can have an enlarging effect on your frame, making them particularly good for fall and winter outfits. You might want to avoid wearing too many contrasting colors, which could look more messy or chaotic than elegant.
As the cold weather approaches, oversized knitwear is an on-trend addition to your wardrobe. Look out for premium pieces that feature eye-catching details, like dropped shoulders and ruching, and pastel shades that add a delicate touch to your look. For example, a pastel pink wool mix boyfriend coat is available from Miss Selfridge and will set you back around $150. Wear black skinny jeans and tan lace-up shoes for an everyday look, or team it with leather-look pants and ankle boots for an edgier style.
Alternatively, you can try a shawl in a pastel shade, such as baby blue, which is also an on-trend choice for autumn 2023. The classic wardrobe staple can be worn in various ways, from buttoned up over a ladylike blouse and skinny trousers to open over a white t-shirt and distressed denim. Choosing a light patterned knit like this pointelle-knit design from Gudrun Sjoden might be best for maximum impact.