The Big Winter Trend: Textures

Winter fashion is the best fashion. There I said it. Away with the casual tank tops and sandals and in with polished layers and thick fabrics. When you walk outside and feel the cool air on your cheeks, the second thing you should think about after “Is the Uber worth the cost to stay warm?” is “Damn, I look good” after catching a glimpse of yourself in the car window.

Researching this year’s winter trends has me ready to brace the season’s bitter winds in style because I am a texture enthusiast. Although bold patterns are also high on the lists of runway experts, they aren’t necessarily my preference. Instead, textures are an alternate way to express my unique tastes, and I can’t wait to use this time to stock up on my favorites! Now, enough about me. Let’s discuss three most effective ways to incorporate textures into your winter wardrobe this year!

Corduroy

This is the trend I am most excited about: corduroy is back on the scene! Corduroy is such an easy way to add a bit of interest to your outfit without even trying, especially when you are a solid-colors-only-because-patterns-are-scary kind of gal (*points to self*).

When planning out my Autumn/Winter Rent the Runway hauls, I noticed a plethora of corduroy options to choose from including trousers, jackets, and blazers. My 90s heart skipped a beat and with NSYNC blaring in the background, I added what I could to my cart. After diving deeper into this much appreciated phenomenon, here are some of the key styling takeaways I noticed for this winter:

• Opt for rich, warm colors: Anything that reminds you of diving into a mug of cocoa is on the table. I’m talking chocolate browns, earthy reds, burnt umbers. The cold won’t be able to catch you if you’re supplying this kind of warmth.
• Flared trousers are the best trousers: A flared leg is quintessentially corduroy. Pair it with a solid, ribbed turtleneck and a heeled bootie and you will have elongated yourself into goddess proportions.
• Blazers are fitted: Bigger is better this day in age…except for corduroy. Because of its thicker nature, it is less forgiving and a bit more structured which can make the oversized look a bit frumpy. A tailored blazer that accentuates the waist will be sure not to overpower your figure and maintain that feeling of powerful femininity.

Links to pictured items:

• Urban Outfitters – Levi’s® ‘90s Piled Fleece Lined Corduroy Trucker Jacket
• Levi – Women’s Original Sherpa-Trim Corduroy Trucker Jacket
• Amazon – Melliflo Women’s Vintage Corduroy Blazer
• Amazon – Levi’s Women’s 725 High Rise Bootcut Jeans
• Altar’d State – Lara Corduroy Flare Pants
• Lucky – High Rise Seamed Corduroy Stevie Flare

Fur & Suede

In my heart of hearts, I wished I enjoyed animal print more. Animal prints are difficult for me in the sense that finding ways to incorporate it without feeling like I’m trying too hard is almost impossible. Of course, this is simply my experience, and I know I am in the minority feeling like I should be clandestinely housing 101 puppies when I attempt to embrace this trend. Needless to say, the rising popularity of the leopard and python prints this season are just not for me.

Thankfully, there are ways to tangentially embrace the love of animal textures without feeling like you could break out in maniacal laughter at any moment. This can be done through fur and suede pieces that are classically stunning. Here are some Looking West-approved ways to celebrate this latest trend in a way that won’t come to haunt your closet in a couple of years:

• Cropped Fur Coats: What I assume to be inspired by the “mob wife” aesthetic, fluffy fur jackets are incredibly popular this winter. The traditional long coat will always be in style; however, this season wearers are also reaching for a cropped look to exude sophistication.
• Shearling & Sherpa: Whether donned from head to toe or simply lined in a chic bomber, shearling and sherpa textures are stars this winter. I have even seen it paired with corduroy–double whammy!
• Suede: From outerwear to bags to shoes, you can’t go wrong adding a bit of suede to your rotation this season. As for color, lean into both light and dark browns, but in contrast to the corduroy, here is where you can play with those cooler tones.

Links to pictured items:

• Fur
  • Anthropolgie – Maeve Cropped Faux-Fur Coat
  • Forever 21 – Plush Cropped Coat
  • White House Black Market – Faux Fur Coat
• Shearling
  • Banana Republic Factory – Vegan Leather Shearling Bomber Jacket
  • Ralph Lauren – Faux-Shearling & Faux-Suede Coat
  • J.Crew – Collection Limited-Edition Cropped Shearling Jacket
• Suede 
  • Abercrombie – Faux Suede Jacket
  • Michael Kors – Nolita Large Nubuck Hobo Shoulder Bag
  • J.Crew Factory – Suede Heeled Booties

Quilted Outerwear

When I was in Paris last September I remember specifically leaning over to my husband in between bites of a divine croque monsieur to tell him I had been seeing quilted jackets everywhere. I made a mental note to be on the lookout when I got back home to see if this trend permeated into the U.S. and what do you know? It has!

This is my second favorite trend because it gives cottage-core an elevated makeover. Quilted jackets radiate a royal-like quality, and I believe it is because they remind me of 18th century petticoats such as this garment displayed at The Met. Here are some tips if you’re looking to dive into this very special trend:

• Power Neutrals: Blues and blacks are your friend with the quilted jacket. Because there is a subtle pattern in the stitching itself, there is no need to add a bold print on top of it. Let the piece speak for itself!
• Non-Existent Length Requirement: This fabric can be rocked short or long, so you have a bit of freedom here. Whether you prefer a bomber or a trench, there is something that will highlight your unique style.
• Pick Your Weight: Quilted coats can be found in both light- and heavy-weighted options. Depending on where you live or how often you find yourself outdoors, the necessary weight of your coat will not hold you back from partaking in this trend.

Links to pictured items:

• Ralph Lauren – Corduroy-Trim Diamond-Quilted Jacket
• J.Crew – Stowe puffer jacket with PrimaLoft®
• Everlane – The Quilted Liner

Here’s A Toast

Whether you are crazy about corduroy or excited to finally invest in that luxury fur coat you’ve been eyeing, this winter is full of untapped opportunities to expand your wardrobe with these modernized classics. Now, I am not saying to deplete your savings on a new closet, but if you keep your eyes on Amazon and Factory labels, there are sure to be exciting finds that will shake up your daily wear.

Autumn was the season to experiment with your style. Winter is the time to refine it. You never know what is destined to become a signature piece.

Cheers!

For Further Reading

• Vogue – From Classic to Cool Girl-Approved, Corduroy Is Having A Moment (October 2024)
• Vogue – 15 Winter Trends Vogue Editors Are Adding to Their Carts, ASAP (November 2024)
• Who What Wear – It Won’t Be Long Before Fashion People Are All Over This Winter Coat Style (November 2024)
• Vogue – Leopard Print! Scarf Wraps! Leather! The 8 Winter Coat Trends to Know in 2024 (October 2024)
• Town & Country – 9 Best Winter 2024 Coat Trends to Try This Season (November 2024)

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