Stylist on the 5 Trends Defining This Winter
Translated from the runways to city street style, this year’s winter trends are cropping up everywhere. Loving a trend doesn’t always mean it’s easy to style or fit into your current wardrobe, however.
Whether you’re shopping for your own winter wardrobe or looking for gifting inspiration, we worked with the fashion team at NEXT and have shared this season’s “hero” items, the must-have wardrobe pieces that define the latest trends. NEXT has also paired up with fashion expert Ali Lees from Inspired Styling to share tips on how to incorporate this season’s trends into outfits.
1. Faux fur coats
UK Google searches for ‘faux fur coat’ have increased by 151% in the last 3 months, with over 213k searches this month. Those looking to invest in faux fur outerwear this season can style it in multiple ways according to Ali:
“Teddy, shaggy and borg style faux furs are hugely popular this season and come in several versatile neutral shades. Strut your stuff in a full-length Carrie Bradshaw number over a glam going-out dress or a pair a casual toggled teddy jacket with wide-leg jeans and a hoodie. To offset the bulky look, try wearing a shaggy faux fur coat with a fitted denim maxi skirt, waistcoat, simple ribbed T-shirt and Mary Jane flats.”
2. Draping
Elegant draped necklines cropped up on the A/W catwalks of Chloe, Stella McCartney and Saint Laurent and they’re proving to be perfect for dressing up this winter. Whether a draped cardigan or a cowl neck dress, this is a stunning trend to try this year.
“Satin pussy bow blouses are giving all the sophisticated, feminine feels. Wear with luxe velvet flares or a sequinned mini skirt for party vibes. Sling-back patent kitten heels complete the polished outfit. To dress the trend down, pair your blouse with cigarette-cut jeans or toughen it up with a faux leather pleated midi skirt.”
3. Burgundy
This deep red shade is universally flattering and a stunning tone to wear during the Winter season. Remaining as popular as it was at the end of last year the shade has racked up 363K UK searches in the last month, with many of us still obsessed with this trend.
“A tailored 70s-style trouser suit in the colour of the moment, burgundy, is sure to turn heads. Wear with a Peter Pan collared shirt and block-heeled crushed velvet shoes to finish off the retro look. When you fancy a change, ditch the trousers and pair the suit jacket with a burgundy midi slip dress for a layered tone-on-tone style. If burgundy isn’t your colour, nod to the trend with a cross-body bag, belt or scrunchie in the rich tone.”
4. Highland-core
Whether inspired by the glamour of the royals at Balmoral or Claudia Winkleman on The Traitors, Highland-core is set to be a huge trend in the coming months.
“Tap into the fashion Highlands with a tartan mini, luxurious fair isle knit, knitted cable tights and knee-high brown leather boots. For full-on countryside chic, pair the look with a faux fur-trimmed wool coat, tweed belted trench or classic green wax jacket. To shift this trend into a more urban territory, pair a Vivienne Westwood-inspired asymmetrical tartan maxi skirt with a rock band T-shirt, leather biker jacket and cowboy-style boots.”
5. Gilets
Layering gilets is popular every year in the UK but this year it is emerging as a versatile and stylish staple of our wardrobes. Not only functional and practical, pretty and patterned styles have become a bigger trend this year.
“Gilets are perfect for layering up on sunnier Winter days. A casual padded style looks great with a baseball cap, jersey sweatshirt, fitted cargo pants and fleece-lined suede clog mules. For a more elevated twist, wear a pastel faux fur gilet or knitted style with cute bow fastenings over a classic white shirt and girlfriend jeans.”
To shop Winter trends and staples, or for more inspiration, visit the Next website.