We're Picky Fashion Editors—6 Winter Trends We're Leaving in the Dust

As picky fashion editors, our closet clean-outs can end up leaving some of the greatest winter pieces in the dust (or the donation pile, in most cases). Fall is a great time to experiment, and now with the changing seasons as we head into winter, it’s time for our critical eyes to take a look through the items that failed to capture our hearts. Whenever I start to go through my winter fashion items, I take note of what I didn’t really wear that much the previous season and what I’m excited to throw on next.

I am quite nosy, so I had to ask my co-workers which winter fashion trends they’re not really into this season. From questionable color palettes to misguided layering choices, they’re squashing these winter trends to make room for what truly defines winter style sophistication.

Maybe it's the end-of-the-year nostalgia coming to bite me in the behind, but as the year wraps up and I turn another year older, I'm embracing the silhouettes of stylish Upper East Side ladies more and more. Long gone are the days of the printed kaleidoscopic puffer jackets and Moon Boots I've worn for years as a Gen Z editor. Instead, this season, I'm looking toward the fabulous old ladies adorning my mood boards and their appreciation of subdued, timeless silhouettes and basic (read: somewhat boring!) color palettes. Think gray sweaters, full-length skirts, pearl-button cardigans, flat footwear, and normal-size bags in which more than just a card holder and lip balm fits.

I've been loving shearling coats for a few years now, but this year, it feels like they're all that I want to buy. In the past, I juggled this purchase with a few practical coats, but now I'm all about the furry goodness that is this trend. Who doesn't want to look like a walking teddy bear all winter long?

This season, I'm skipping the massively oversize duvet coats of the past and opting for sleek and elegant ankle-grazing wool coats instead—a big outerwear trend we saw all over the F/W 23 runways from Khaite to The Row and Saint Laurent. Now, we're spotting the striking silhouette at all our favorite retailers. A versatile hue such as gray, cream, or black will last you for years to come and will make you look instantly polished with zero effort required.

Winter accessories can make the difference between a chic cold-weather outfit and a frumpy one. My goal every winter is to keep my ensembles as sleek and compact as possible, so instead of letting one scarf take over, as so many of the giant blanket scarves on the market tend to do, I'm investing in a different accessory that's still practical but doesn't take up so much space: elbow-length leather gloves. I've been heavily inspired by The Row's use of the cold-weather hand protection in recent lookbooks and runway shows and personally cannot wait to scrunch them up and pair them with floor-length wool coats. Plus, you don't even have to take them off once you get inside. They'll look equally chic with a sleeveless midi or maxi dress, trousers and a button-down shirt, and more.

Don't get me wrong. I will forever love my chunky beanies, so this is more of a "store for later" moment when it comes to the classic winter accessory. This season, I have found myself drawn to both knitted balaclavas and hooded scarves to keep warm without sacrificing style. I plan on wearing these with my current winter uniform, which includes an oversize maxi coat, an elevated sweater, straight-leg jeans, and boots. A major plus is that a balaclava or hooded scarf serves as an easy way to elevate any winter outfit with a cool, fashion-forward feel.

It seems like oxblood is at the top of every fashion person's mind lately, mine included. I'm really loving the color on tights as an alternative to the traditional black or sheer tights. It can take any LBD look from simple to super fashion forward. I'm definitely leaning into wearing this tights trend as holiday party invites come in. It's also the perfect way to bring in the holiday cheer without being too holiday.

from Who What Wear