According to runways and, yes, TikTok.
Winter is one of the hardest seasons to dress for. The ever-changing weather just doesn’t pair well with the types of commitments you have this time of year, like Valentine’s Day dates, commutes to and from the office, ski trips, and coffee dates in the cold.
Wool sweaters are cozy and warm, but they can leave you sweaty at any sudden movement. Tights only do so much against brisk winds. And don’t get us started on trying to balance fashion and function on a suspiciously temperate January day.
To help, we plucked the best looks recently sent down the runway from designers like Miu Miu and Bottega Veneta that will soon become wardrobe staples. To give a wide spectrum of sartorial sources, we also scoured TikTok to see what influencers are proclaiming as 2024’s hottest trends.
From a new twist on prep to roomy shoulder bags, here are the 2024 winter trends we’re embracing.
Most Wearable Winter 2024 Fashion Trends
Outerwear as the Outfit
In 2024, coats can’t ruin an outfit, they are the outfit. Instead of reaching for that tried-and-true black peacoat you already own, consider investing in a colorful, patterned, or uniquely shaped coat this year. You don’t have to find something as intricate as this toile print coat by Jason Wu, but even a plaid peacoat or burnt orange trench (similar to a blazer Katie wore to SXSW) will be more impactful than a neutral topper. Ready to take the plunge? Try one of these:
Oversized Bags
What came first, Succession or the ludicrously capacious bag? We’ll let you decide. The fashion pendulum seems to swing uncontrollably between clutches that barely fit a tube of lipstick to totes large enough to function as suitcases, and this season, the bigger the better. You can break out any roomy bags you may have stored from when this trend was huge back in 2008, but if you prefer something more modern, opt for a luxurious woven shoulder bag, similar to the leather ones worn by models in the Bottega Veneta show.
Coquette Style
After “The Year of the Girl,” it seems natural to see hyper-feminine looks on TikTok, Instagram, and the runway. This trend, dubbed the Coquette aesthetic, is an excuse to embrace and own femininity without shame. Leaning into over-the-top, frilly outfits has become a way to showcase the strength and resilience of womanhood through feminine facets. Try it out yourself by leaning into ruffles and satin, pairing a flouncy blouse with a midi skirt, or adding bows to your hair or shoes for an unexpected flirty touch.
Prep School
School is officially in session, whether you graduated years ago or not. Akin to the Coastal Grandma aesthetic of early 2023, this twist on classic prep incorporates crisp polos, bright whites, and loose trousers, albeit with a grungy twist. Oversized Rugby shirts were seen falling off models’ shoulders at Dries Van Noten, often juxtaposed with structured skirts and pointed-toe heels, creating a perfectly undone look. You could also take inspiration from Miu Miu’s runway, where models strutted in classic pinstripe shirts under sweaters (albeit pantsless). The key to nailing this look is to add something unexpected to the otherwise classic trend, like pairing an oversized polo with a frilly skirt.
Winter Whites
What if we told you dressing like your favorite Nancy Meyers movie character was one of the hottest trends this year? Whether you’re more of an Erica Barry or Jane Adler, both sport all-white ensembles in their respective movies Something’s Gotta Give and It’s Complicated. Leading into this year, designers sent models down the runway in everything from gauzy white gowns to a literal puffball, and celebrities at the Golden Globes leaned into the trend, too, wearing crisp white dresses and suits on the red carpet. Thankfully everyone has something white in their wardrobe, but if you want to try something new, opt for a bright white pair of boots or an all-white jumpsuit to carry you through the snowy season.
