Winter dressing can feel more like a test of temperature control than a fashionable expression. At best, you layer a stylish coat to hide whatever you’ve got going on underneath, and at worst, you’re prioritizing survival with an ill-fitting but practical puffer that can withstand arctic temperatures. And while an ensemble consisting of leggings and a turtleneck under a bold coat is pretty chic, it can feel limiting.
That’s why we turn to the runways for inspiration when we’re stuck in a winter clothing rut. We might not regularly splurge on designer items, but there are ways to incorporate the latest trends directly from the catwalk into your wardrobe without spending thousands of dollars.
Few do chic wool coats better than Max Mara or modernize rich textures quite like Miuccia Prada, but that doesn’t mean we have that kind of budget this season. From multi-purpose outerwear to rich layering options, we analyzed high-fashion themes and translated them into looks you can actually wear this season. Brave the cold in style with wallet-friendly fashion starting at just $30.
How To Wear the Biggest Winter Fashion Trends of the Year
Statement Outerwear
At the Fall/Winter 2024 shows, barn jackets, shearling trenches, and bold peacoats flooded the catwalks for Chloé, Toteme, and Gucci, proving coats can be utilitarian and stylish. Designers like Ulla Johnson let outerwear take center stage, while others, like Miu Miu, showcased how a great coat can elevate any layered look. Styling is a breeze: Button it up to make the coat the focal point, or leave it open to show off what’s underneath.
Smooth Textures
Heavy, textured textiles like suede, corduroy, and velvet are ruling the season, adding both warmth and visual interest. These rich materials keep outfits from looking “flat,” with their contrasting sheens and tactile feel, bringing depth into even monochrome looks. To style them, embrace contrast: Pair a sleek silk skirt with a suede jacket, a crisp cotton shirt under a corduroy vest, or a chunky knit with velvet trousers.
Minimal Accessories
On the heels of the quiet luxury craze, minimal accessories are making their mark. Think subtle, understated pieces that elevate your look without overpowering it. At Max Mara, models kept it simple with black sunglasses, handbags, and sometimes a belt to complement their tonal outfits. At Valentino, models wore all-black ensembles with plain leather shoulder bags featuring a chain strap as the standout detail.
Burgundy
Move over, tomato red — its deeper, chicer sister is the color of the season. Burgundy dominated the runways at Tommy Hilfiger, Bottega Veneta, and Khaite, while Gucci dove headfirst into the hue. Despite its richness, burgundy functions almost like a neutral because of its dark undertones. Go for bold burgundy in a dress, ease in with accessories like handbags, or try Katie’s combo: flowy pants with a cozy neutral sweater, which she wore to a holiday party.
Moto Boots
In direct contrast to the delicate kitten heel made popular in spring, chunky moto boots were the footwear of choice at Loewe and Prada‘s Fall/Winter 2024 shows. These boots aren’t just stylish — they’re practical for icy, slushy winter days, thanks to their thick, grippy soles. We love styling them with sweater dresses and tights for a feminine twist or letting them peek out from wide-leg pants paired with a cozy sweater.
Drapey Clothing
Drapey pieces always look effortlessly cool. At Bottega Veneta, leather jackets flowed over models like liquid, while The Row manipulated jersey to create soft, pleated silhouettes for skirts and dresses. To incorporate this trend, look for cowl necklines and flowy fabrics. You could even drape yourself in an oversized scarf for a similar effect.
