Well, it’s that time of year again! ‘Tis the season to turn in our cute fall cardigans in exchange for some puffy winter jackets, transition from pumpkin to peppermint, and prepare for the family to get together for the holidays.
December is here, and the warm weather is finally fading into a cool winter chill. As you’re preparing your new winter wardrobe, keep in mind these tips, trends, and the best winter fashion must-haves for 2021.
Bright and BOLD Clashing Colors
As we’re approaching a year and a half (almost two years come March) of this global pandemic, we’ve got to do something to brighten up our days. Adding bright, bold colors into your wardrobe this winter season is our equivalent to “painting the kitchen neon.”
Is there a color combination you’ve always been too afraid to try? Maybe orange and green, or brown and maroon? Neon on neon or deep and rich jewel tones you wouldn’t normally wear? The bolder the better! Who cares if yellow isn’t a color normally in your color palette?
You’ve been stuck inside for over a year! Challenge yourself.
Life is too short to worry about whether your red sweater matches your magenta purse. Confidence is key. The past year and a half has been dark enough, and if adding more color into your wardrobe could help bring you even an OUNCE of happiness, then you walk outside wearing the whole freaking rainbow.
Sparkles, Glitter, and Shine!!
On top of our bright colors, this year is all about adding some sparkle into your wardrobe. We want you to shimmer like a snowflake on Christmas morning, okay?
This year has been difficult, to say the least, but let’s try to end it on the best note.
This is perfect for those who love standing out and being the center of attention. But also, if you’re someone who generally avoids the spotlight, this could be a good way to push yourself out of your comfort zone a little bit.
Try something different. I’m not saying you have to get all decked out like a disco ball (although if that’s the route you want to take, be my guest!). Just add a little extra shine! Putting on a glittery scarf or sweater won’t heal the world, but maybe it’ll bring a smile to your face as you watch yourself sparkle in the sunlight on a cold winter morning.
Key Accessories!
Let’s talk about shoes. Knee-high platforms are coming back in style again, and we couldn’t be happier!
Nothing will make you feel more powerful than stomping down the street in these babies that are tall enough to crush a man. Plus, most of them are water-resistant, which is great because it won’t be long before good ol’ Jack Frost coats most of the country with a fresh blanket of snow. As much as we all love our fall suede boots, they won’t do you much good tromping through the winter slush.
Black seems to be the standard this year, but you could always spice it up with some brown, tan, or even white boots, if you’re feeling confident in your ability to keep them clean.
Patterned scarves are obviously a must. Not only are they a life-saver when it comes to protecting you from the bitter winds of the north, but they can also be a fun, simple way to incorporate a splash of color into your outfit.
This is the year of BOLD colors and sparkles, remember?
If you’re someone like me, whose wardrobe is basically entirely black, grey, and navy, scarves provide a great opportunity to add in a little versatility without breaking the bank. Not to mention all the fun, new, and creative ways you can tie them. You can stick with a simple knotted or infinity knitted scarf, or you can mix it up a little bit.
Try a long, thick plaid scarf tucked into a belt or a blanket scarf draped over your winter coat. If you’re willing to sacrifice warmth for the sake of a cute new look, try incorporating some silk or satin scarves into your ensembles. A traditional floral pattern can add some elegance to your basic sweater and jeans look, or you can add some funky designs and bold jewel tones to really make your outfit pop!
Knit Patterns
Knit patterns have always been a staple in winter fashion, along with beanies and cable-knit caps, and this year is no exception. You can’t think of winter without thinking about snuggling up in a cozy knit sweater with a mug of steaming hot chocolate, preferably at a ski lodge somewhere up north by a roaring fire.
Even if (like me) you can’t ski, or the only time you’ve seen snow in the past five years has been in the movies or an occasional (and very quick) trip home for the holidays, you can still embrace the classic winter aesthetic. Herein also lies another opportunity to branch from the norm by trying to incorporate more dynamic, colorful patterns beyond your traditional single-toned look. Maybe try a maroon and orange ombré sweater or an oversized chunky fit with multi-colored stripes.
If you’re really feeling like trying to embrace your inner prep-school student or stylish-yet-relatable history professor, you can add a sweater vest into your wardrobe! Trust me, I didn’t see them making a comeback, either. I think we can thank Harry Styles for this one.
However, we can’t deny that tucking a fitted sweater vest into some flared jeans or pairing an oversized vest with a longer shirt-dress has a very academic-chic look to it. Don’t knock it before you try it!
A brightly colored sweater vest could be just the statement piece you’ve been looking for that adds a modern twist to a classic look. Whether they’re baggy, fitted, vested, or cropped (for our friends in slightly warmer climates), knit sweaters will keep you comfortable and warm all season long.
Faux Leather
This year, we’re going all out with the leather. Faux, of course! (Let’s leave the real leather for the cows, who need it more than we do.)
Now is a great time to finally invest in that pair of leather pants you’ve always wanted to try, but didn’t think you’d be able to pull off. Or maybe you don’t want to be confined by pants. Grab a cute leather skirt with some tights, and don’t forget the jacket!
But we’re not looking for just your traditional leather jacket this season, although I myself am guilty of having at least three of different colors hanging in my closet at any given time. No, long leather dusters are all the rage!
Embrace your inner Matrix character or favorite badass detective. Maybe even pair it with some long, leather elbow gloves if you want to go for the “debutante who takes her Harley through the mountains on weekends” vibe.
Classy, chic, and shiny, these leather additions are perfect if you want to add a little edge into your wardrobe.
Wind-and-Rain-Proof Jacket
With the unpredictability of the past year and a half, you’re going to want a coat you can depend on for any occasion. Rain or shine, something that’s always going to keep you warm and dry.
If you’re like me and your puffy jacket is relegated to the ski slopes and mad toboggan races, then a longer fleece or wool-lined jacket or parka is the way to go. The insulation from the fleece keeps you warm, but it’s a much slimmer fit and perfect for layering.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, Peacoats are adorable, but they wouldn’t be my first choice if I were trapped in a snowstorm.
If you have more than one winter coat, I’d strongly encourage you to mix and match, depending on the day. I’m a sucker for a cute trench coat as much as the next gal! But, if you’re balling on a budget and have to stick with one, a wind-and-rain-proof jacket is going to be your saving grace.
I’d also recommend making sure your jacket has a hood because, let’s face it, every time your weather app says the rain is supposed to miss you, it’s almost guaranteed you’re going to end up stuck in a downpour.
Oversized Sweatshirts
For those of us still working remotely and are privileged enough to go to work in our pajamas, we might as well be as comfy as possible!
Like me, have you snagged a hoodie or two too many from your boyfriend? If so (or if you don’t have access to boyfriend hoodies) the Rogue Ramms store has got you covered.
All of our hoodies and pullovers are available in women’s, men’s, and kids’ sizes, so they’re perfect for the whole family.
Take a look at our shop for some fun, new, and festive designs. You can even pick between three different types of material to ensure our hoodies and sweatshirts are up to your standard of cozy!
