9 minutes
Winter is here, and that means it’s time to cozy up in style. This season, fashion takes a playful turn with a mix of classic patterns, chunky sweaters, and a new way to denim. (Yes, denim deserves to be a verb considering all it does for us.) We’re here for the winter trends of 2024.
I know a thing or two about winter from growing up in Fargo, North Dakota. Although I’ve always loved fashion, I’d lose my flair by the New Year after countless dark, short, cold days. Every ensemble had to work with big clunky snow boots, yet fit under the thickest puffer coat you could find. And don’t forget the mandatory stocking cap.
I’ve since moved to the desert, but I often think about how clothing rental would have made winter much more bearable. A different coat every week? Yes please! A much-needed shot of dopamine every time a new case lands on my doorstep? SIgn. Me. Up. Let’s call it a winter survival kit.
I’m especially pleased with the winter trends of 2024 because they all work whether you live in Fargo or Florida. They can be adapted for your climate based on your implementation. Spoiler alert: we’re mad about plaid! Read on for this season’s winter trends, where comfort meets chic and style meets warmth. I’ll share some different ways to catch the trend so you can stay fashion-forward no matter your climate.
Plaids, Checks, and Houndstooth
Let’s kick things off with the timeless charm of plaids, checks, and houndstooth. These classic patterns are making a bold statement this winter. And yes, you can wear plaid after the holidays. Whether it’s a plaid skirt, a checkered coat, or houndstooth trousers, these patterns are here for the season.
Pro Tip: Experiment with pattern combinations, like mixing plaids with checks for a daring fashion-forward look.
Styling patterned fabrics for winter is not only chic but also a fantastic way to embrace the cozy vibes of the season. Want in on this trend? Here are some ways to play with patterns:
- Coats and Jackets: Opt for a tailored silhouette for a polished look. Choose neutral or muted tones for a classic and versatile piece that can be paired with various outfits. Style it with solid-colored basics like a turtleneck sweater, skinny jeans, and boots for a timeless ensemble.
- Skirts: Choose a wool or tweed fabric for warmth. Tuck in a chunky sweater or a fitted turtleneck and finish the look with tights and knee-high boots. Play with contrasting textures by pairing a plaid skirt with a faux leather jacket.
- Dresses: Opt for dresses in darker hues for a winter-appropriate look. Long-sleeved or three-quarter sleeve dresses are ideal for the colder months. Layer the dress with a tailored blazer or a stylish cardigan. Add tights and boots to complete the ensemble. Consider accessorizing with a wide belt to define your waist.
- Pants: Choose a well-fitted pair in warm fabrics like wool. Style patterned pants with a solid-colored sweater or a crisp white shirt. Tuck in the top for a polished finish. Complete the look with ankle boots or loafers (depending on climate), and add a long coat for extra warmth and style.
- Mix & Match: When mixing different patterns, keep the color palette cohesive to avoid a clash. For example, pair a large plaid coat with a smaller plaid scarf in complementary tones. Balance the look by keeping the rest of your outfit neutral and understated.
Remember, the key to styling patterned fabrics is to experiment, have fun, and let your personal style shine through. Whether you’re going for a classic or bold look, plaids, checks, and houndstooth will add warmth and flair to your winter wardrobe.
Textured and Heavy Sweaters
When the temperature drops, it’s time to break out the textured and heavy sweaters. How heavy depends, of course, on your climate. Chunky knits, cable patterns, and ribbed textures are all in vogue this season. Opt for oversized sweaters for a laid-back vibe or choose fitted options to accentuate your silhouette.
Pro Tip: Experiment with texture mixing by combining your chunky sweater with different fabrics, such as a leather skirt, corduroy pants, or velvet trousers. Mixing textures adds depth and visual interest.
Let’s dive into some ways you can tap into one of our favorite winter trends:
- Pair with Skinny Jeans or Leggings: Balance the volume of a chunky sweater by pairing it with fitted bottoms like skinny jeans or leggings. Tuck in the front of the sweater slightly to define the waist and create a more polished silhouette. Complete the look with ankle boots or knee-high boots for a chic and comfortable ensemble.
- Layer Over a Dress: Choose a fitted dress to avoid adding unnecessary bulk. A sweater dress or a simple shift dress works well for this look, depending how warm you need to go. Style with tights and boots.
- Tuck into Wide-Leg Pants: For a trendy and fashion-forward look, choose high-waisted pants to elongate your legs and create a flattering silhouette. Finish the look with heeled boots if it’s not icy where you live.
- Half-Tuck with Jeans or Trousers: Create a casual and laid-back vibe by doing a half-tuck with your chunky sweater. Pair with your favorite jeans or trousers for an effortless and relaxed look. Add a belt to define the waist and add a touch of polish to the outfit.
- Layer Over a Button-Down Shirt: Achieve a preppy and polished look by allowing the collar and cuffs of the shirt to peek out. Pair with tailored pants or a skirt.
- Belted Chunky Sweater: Define your waist and add a dose of chic by belting an oversized chunky sweater. Choose a wide belt to align with the heft of the sweater. Balance with leggings or skinny jeans.
- Layer with a Long Coat: Choose a coat in a contrasting color to make the sweater stand out. Complete the look with a pair of boots or booties for a cozy winter vibe.
- Off-the-Shoulder Styling: Pair with distressed jeans or leggings for a laid-back and effortlessly cool ensemble. Showing that little bit of skin is especially eye-catching during the layer-up season. Add boots or even sneakers to complete the casual-chic look.
Remember to balance proportions and experiment with layering. When you feel cozy and comfortable, you’ve nailed the look.
Wide-Leg Pants and Jeans
I’m sorry, but you will have to pry my skinny jeans out of my cold, dead hands. I’m not giving them up. They were a winter staple for me in the frozen tundra because they worked so well with every kind of boot. So when I heard wide-leg pants and jeans are where it’s at this season, I did some research, and some soul-searching, to come to terms with how to pull off this look in the snow.
It’s all about the shoes. I love my wide-leg jeans with cute heels and flat sandals in the desert, but what am I going to wear when I travel home to the snow for the holidays?
Here’s the game plan for pairing wide-leg pants with winter-appropriate shoes:
- Ankle Boots: Opt for classic styles like Chelsea boots or heeled ankle boots for a polished look.
- Knee-High Boots: Doh! They can be worn under a flared leg. Now we’re talkin’! Not only is this a stylish look, but the tall boots will also provide additional warmth. When worn with wide-leg denim that grazes the top of the boot, you’ll have an elongated look
- Platform Shoes: Lift yourself up out of the snow with platform shoes, such as platform sneakers or platform ankle boots. These shoes will work well for a casual or street-style-inspired winter outfit.
- Combat Boots: For an edgy and cool vibe to your wide-leg denim ensemble, pair them with a tucked-in sweater or a chunky knit for a slightly rugged look. Choose combat boots with faux fur lining for extra warmth.
- Heeled Boots: Need to dress up your denim? A block-heeled boot can add sophistication while still being relatively safe on ice. In dryer climates, grab your stiletto boots.
- Loafers: You probably have a chunky pair of loafers in your closet by now. To wear them with wide-leg pants in the winter, all you need is a knee-high stocking for warmth. Choose a thin knee-high in the same color as your loafer so you don’t break up the elongated silhouette.
- Lace-Up Booties: These can add a touch of detail and interest to your wide-leg denim outfit. Whether flat or heeled, these booties create a slightly rugged appearance. Wear them with a chunky sweater and/or a long coat.
- Slip-On Shoes: Slip-on shoes seem to always look right with wide-leg denim, and they do have a place in winter styling. Think: changing out of snow boots at the office. Mules or slip-on sneakers can offer comfort and ease of wear in this situation.
Pro Tip: Cropped lengths look great with a wide variety of shoes and boots and will keep your hem dry when snow accumulates.
The best part of solving the shoe dilemma: wide-leg pants and jeans are not only on-trend but also incredibly flattering! Choose high-waisted options to elongate your legs, and pair them with tucked-in sweaters.
ICYMI: More Winter Trends for 2024
We’re on the case here at Armoire to keep you posted on what’s in and what’s out this season and the seasons to come. In case you missed it, here are some trends to catch up on:
Winter Trends Alert: Metallics & Sequins
Make a bold statement this winter with eye-catching statement pieces in metallics and sequins. They’ll bring a playful and festive element to your winter wardrobe. From sequined skirts to shimmering tops, let your personality shine through. I recently wrote about metallics and sequins, so I’ll refer you here for styling inspo.
Pro Tip: For the uninitiated, balance the extravagance of these finishes with neutral tones, style a monochromatic outfit, or add your flair to a simple dress.
Winter Trends Alert: Trench Coats
No winter wardrobe is complete without a classic trench coat. These timeless pieces not only keep you warm but also exude elegance. Read our outerwear guide here for more on styling trench coats and other trendy styles this season.
Pro Tip: Opt for neutral tones like camel, black, or gray for versatility, and choose a length that suits your style – whether it’s knee-length or ankle-grazing.
As the winter winds blow, it’s time to embrace the fashion trends that make this season truly magical. From classic patterns to cozy sweaters, wide-leg wonders, statement pieces, and timeless coats, these winter fashion trends are a perfect blend of style and comfort in any climate. So, bundle up, step out, and let your winter wardrobe shine.
