It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Okay, maybe you are not a huge fan of Winter, especially if you live somewhere where the days are especially dark and cold. I have lived through a few particularly nasty Winters in especially freezing places like New York and Montana, but even then I tried to see the silver lining of the coldest season of the year: getting to wear MORE clothes. I am sure that sounds absolutely bizarre to some of you; who wants to have to put on more clothes? I try to see Winter as the time when I get to experiment with my wardrobe the most. After all, more layers equals more clothing combinations to try! If you want to try to put an exciting spin on Winter fashion for yourself this year, here are seven Winter fashion trends for 2021 that you should try!
Sleeveless Coats & Blazers
If am being completely honest here, I don’t think I realized that sleeveless coats are a thing until this year. Although this trend hasn’t been spotted much on the A/W 21/22 runways, it seems to have taken social media by a storm. A sleeveless coat is the perfect solution if you live somewhere that is too warm to wear typical winter coat silhouettes. It is also a fun way to feel like you get multiple coats in one. Technically, every time you wear something new under a sleeveless coat, you give it new sleeves!
All is not lost if you live somewhere cold, however. Sleeveless coats are also a great way to layer up, as if you get a slim fitting version you can fit it between a larger, outer layer and a layer underneath. Out of all of the winter fashion trends that I have seen this season, this one might just be my favorite.
Scarf Print
This is one of those trends that is hard to describe, but you know it when you see it. The Dior Resort 2022 collection has perfect examples of this trend, especially in the scarf on the far left. When I say “scarf print”, I am not talking about just any old pattern. I am referring specifically to muted Fall colors and typically floral patterns. The floral prints are not traditional either, they almost look like they are from an old European tapestry. I sincerely hope I am making sense here! To some, this is probably one of the most borderline ugly winter fashion trends from this season, but honestly it is growing on me! Put it under a sleeveless coat, and I think you have a very elegant look.
Colorful Leather
I almost feel guilty that this trend is on this list, because it was also featured heavily in my Fall 2021 trend list. In order to redeem myself, I would like to point out that the trend has shifted slightly over the last few months. In the Fall, we were seeing more bright leathers and leather pieces in non-neutral colors. See Camila Coelho’s outfit in the middle. Now, the “it” colors for leather items are leaning more into neutral territory. Think rich chocolate brown, caramels, and creams. Sounds delicious to me! As lovely as these pieces are, I will stick to my black leather, thank you. I do not see this trend lasting for longer than the next year, but I will be sure to correct myself if I end up being wrong.
Puffer Jackets
Will we ever escape the iron grip that the puffer jacket has had on us over the last few Winter seasons? Doubtful. I will be the first to admit that I have had my ups and downs with this particular winter piece. I completely understand that many people see puffer jackets as a cold-weather staple, and I would be wrong to disagree. Their ability to keep your body warm is unrivaled. But on someone who is a mere 5’4″ tall, I have never once put on a puffer jacket and thought to myself, “this is so flattering!”
So you might see the pictures and pieces linked above and think, shouldn’t a cropped puffer solve the issue of a short person drowning in an oversized puffer? Yes, yes it does. But really, do we think this style is a classic? Do we think it is elegant? Absolutely not. If you love this trend and think you will get wear out of a cropped puffer in a loud color or unique finish after this season, the Instagram cool girls are wearing Prada and The North Face (seriously). If you are like me and love a more elegant and feminine look that won’t date so easily, save your money.
Gloves
I know I am not the first person to draw the pandemic cleanliness = gloves on the runway parallel, but I am going to draw it anyways. Do you think it is a coincidence that gloves are back in fashion? I want to point out here, for the most part the gloves in question are doing the absolute MOST. We are talking bright colors that perfectly match your outfit. I think this is a really fun trend that I would totally wear if I knew I had a special event coming up. (Trip to Paris, anyone?) But alas, I do not, so I will leave this one to the experts. I am absolutely looking at you, Ariana Grande.
Platform Shoes
You might be thinking to yourself right now, “Caitlin, why are these ridiculous shoes on a Winter fashion trends list?” As someone who has absolutely embarrassed myself sliding across many an icy walkway, I couldn’t agree more. This trend is for sure geared towards those who do not actually have to deal with the elements this Winter.
All of that judgement and negativity aside, I actually like the look of this trend! Let me clarify: I like the look of this trend on others. I think there is something extremely flattering about a crazy high platform heel. It really does make most of the people that wear this style look like they have impossibly long, thin legs. That being said, I am fairly certain that I would either roll my ankle in shoes like these, and/or clop around like a horse. If this is right up your fashion alley, I am so happy for you! I will sit on the sidelines of this trend and cheer you on as you kill it.
Silver Sparkles
Sparkles, for the Holiday season? Groundbreaking. I am honestly not sure what else to say about this trend, because shouldn’t sparkles be a Winter classic? Regardless, if you are someone who follows fashion and fashion social media, you would have to be pretty oblivious to not notice the serious uptick of specifically SILVER sparkles everywhere this season. If you only have sparkly pieces in other colors, do not fret, I am sure they will be back on trend next winter.
