The weather so far in 2023 has been odd. It hasn’t been bitterly cold, we’ve had some uncharacteristic warm bouts, but it’s definitely been dreary with lots of precipitation. I’m still advocating for human hibernation from January 2nd to March 16th; it’s not going great. In order to prepare for whatever winter has in store, whether you enjoy the weather or are just trying to get through it, you may want to consider adding some of the following seasonal trends to your outfit roster.
First up, a long wool overcoat for the occasional mild day. Think highs in the 40s, lows above freezing, and on the dry side. This kind of coat can have a blanket-like effect for some unexpected coziness and looks great with both jeans and boots or with a low heel, tights, and a dress. Plus, there’s nothing chicer than a long wool coat, which you can throw over just about anything to create an outfit. Even leggings, snow boots, and a sweater feel a bit more polished with a longer dress coat. Mango.com has some tailored wool coats on sale now that will elevate any casual outfit this season.
Another key piece of outerwear for winter is boots. This season, black knee-high boots appear to be on trend (again). Really this boot style never goes away; just some years, it’s more prevalent than others. Like a wool overcoat, black knee-high boots are chic as well as being versatile, working with practically every outfit. For evenings, wear them with tights and a skirt. For day, with leggings and a knit dress. However, this footwear isn’t just for dresses and skirts. With wider-leg trousers, knee-high boots can be worn underneath, providing an extra layer of coverage for warmth. With skinny and straight-leg pants and jeans, boots can go over them again, acting as another layer against the cold. DSW has hundreds of options for black knee-high boots. But what it really comes down to is heel height. For my money, I’d go with a treaded flat sole or block heel. With winter, you don’t want to be teetering around in a stiletto or platform-heeled boot, no matter how fabulous they may look.
Another practical trend to try on this winter are loose jeans. During much of the 2010s, skinny jeans were everywhere. Over the past few years, denim silhouettes have gotten more forgiving. And a forgiving jean may just be what you need most after a holiday season full of treats. Loose, wide-leg jeans can be part of your daily uniform here this winter. Style them with boots or sneakers and a chunky sweater. I also love the idea of pairing relaxed jeans with a blazer and button-down. The Gap and Levi’s are my denim go-to’s. Gap has a jean silhouette they are calling “90s Loose” in both mid and high-rises. Levi’s has flared and bootcut options for a bit more shape.
As suggested above, black, knee-high boots pair well with knit dresses, which also happen to be a winter trend this year! Knit or sweater dresses are not just a trend this season but also a winter staple. They come in a variety of silhouettes in thick and thicker knits. You can pair them with heavy socks and sneakers or heels and a blazer. There are cardigan sweater dresses for different layering options, as well as turtleneck knits for extra coverage. I’m liking the offerings at Target. They have maxi sweater dresses, along with oversized and flit n’ flare frocks in sleek knits. On especially frigid days, double down and layer a cardigan over a sweater dress and fleece-lined leggings.
With a coat, boots, jeans, and knits, you’ll be set to face the winter ahead. However, one cannot live on practicality alone. To indulge your style a bit here this season, consider throwing in some velvet pieces for the cold nights ahead. Velvet during the winter is not only warm, but it also adds a festive touch to your outfit, both for day and especially evening. A wide-leg velvet pant or miniskirt pairs well with a turtleneck, while a black velvet dress is timeless for nights out. So many velvet pieces are on markdown now in the new year. Nordstrom has a ton of velvet frocks on sale. Boden has a whole collection, “The Velvet Edit,” discounted up to 60%.
What excites me about these trends is that they can all be worn interchangeably, are practical to the season, and are functional for everyday life. True, you won’t be sporting velvet tops Monday through Friday, but having a fun fancy piece thrown in the mix is one way to help you survive the season.
