Fashion trends are constantly evolving and tend to shift between seasons. Each season has some distinct styles with certain materials, cuts and types of clothing being more popular in one season compared to another.
For instance, in the summer fashion trends tend to evolve around lighter fabrics and more vibrant colors. Whereas in the winter, heavy layers and more muted tones seem to gain popularity. While winter fashion has a focus on warmth and practicality, it is also about style and creating comfortable but fashionable looks.
In this post, we take a look at the fashion trend style, what influences winter fashion and how new trends come about:
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The trend lifecycle
Trends can seem like fleeting concepts that come and go. You invest in one piece and then discover it is no longer considered to be ‘in fashion’ for next season. However, there is in reality a pattern behind the evolution of trends.
The trend lifecycle looks at the lifespan of a particular style, from its emergence to the height of its popularity and eventual decline. There are some staple items in winter fashion, including knitwear, boots and overcoats that continue to be on trend every year. However, you might find that the materials, colors and features of these items change in terms of trendiness from one winter to the next.
What is popular in the winter months?
Fashion designers focus on combining functionality with interesting aesthetics when creating winter pieces. Winter clothing tends to be bulkier and more insulated than styles seen in the summer or fall.
Staple items include boots, coat, scarves and gloves. These are re-invented every year with new patterns, color palettes and cuts,
While functional, winter fashion can still be luxurious and appear high end. For example, recently more luxurious textures and materials like faux fur and shearling have been rising in popularity. These pieces can add a touch of elegance to an everyday winter outfit.
For example, a shearling style jacket could be paired with ripped skinny jeans and white sneakers. Or a fur trim hooded parka could be worn with an outfit consisting of cargo pants, sneakers and a knit sweater.
How do you stay on top of ever-evolving trends?
There are certain platforms that are focused on predicting future trends and sharing new trends that are emerging. Fashion magazines have been doing this for decades, and in the digital era brands such as Vogue and Elle publish these on their sites too.
Certain social media platforms play an integral role, particularly visually focused ones like Pinterest and Instagram. Influencers on these socials help to bring attention to new styles and often enter into paid deals with brands. In recent times, TikTok has emerged as the go-to platform for younger generations to learn about style news and fashion.
For those with a keen interest in fashion, runway shows are another source of inspiration. The pieces featured here are more avant-garde, however they set the tone for what will dominate in both designer outlets and mainstream fashion stores in the season ahead.
Recent trends
Maximalist layering appears in winter fashion year and after. This style involves some thought as the wearer needs to focus on adding multiple layers in a way that creates interesting textures and depth, rather than throwing on an oversized coat over underlayers.
A chunky scarf could be paired with a long coat and some Chelsea boots for example.
Also, bold outerwear pieces are a common look. Naturally, as jackets and coats become the focal point of an outfit during winter, people may opt for attention-grabbing pieces. These include oversized puffer coats in vibrant colors or graphic prints.
Darker tones like deep burgundy, forest green, and black tend to be more dominant in the winter. But softer pastels and earthy tones are gaining popularity as they create a warmer, more joyful palette to work with.
What will be the first trend to influence you this winter?
