There's always excitement when it's time to ring in a brand new year. The holidays are over, and it's officially time to turn over a new leaf. 'Tis the season to start dreaming about the changes and aspirations you have for the year ahead. It's also the perfect time to inject new life into your go-to winter wardrobe.
We're happy to report that 2017 will be bringing a wealth of exciting new trends your way. These aren't styles that look great on the runway but don't really translate into real life either. This year, it's all about very wearable items that look fantastic on everyone and that crafted with real life in mind. Keep an eye out for the following items and make them your own this year.
Leggings
When it comes to winter staples that deserve a place in everyone's closet, it doesn't get much more essential than leggings. Leggings are super comfortable - just right for a wealth of winter activities from curling up by the fire with a mug of cocoa to enjoying a brisk winter hike on a whim. They're also incredibly versatile. Layer them under chunky cable knit fisherman sweaters and tall boots. Reach for them instead of stockings or tights on super cold days for a little extra added warmth.
However, it's not just about the standard black knit leggings you might be used to this winter. Fun new fabrics, cuts, and prints are taking these cold weather classics to the next level and beyond.
Faux Leather: Fresh finds like this flirty offering from Wishlist are redefining the way people think about leggings. Slim, streamlined fit combined with comfortable features strike the perfect balance between style and comfort.
Metallics: Metallic tones have been dominating the fashion scene since fall and have been showing up on everything from purses, shoes, and scarves. This winter, add metallic leggings in shades like pewter and rose gold to your wardrobe and shimmer your way into 2017.
Capes and Ponchos
Although the heavy duty jackets and coats we rely on every winter certainly aren't going anywhere this season, you will be seeing a lot of alternative top layers hitting the fashion scene as well. Winter so far has been all about elegant, flowing options like capes, stoles, and ponchos. We can expect that trend to continue as we make our way into 2017.
Watch for neutral tones like taupe, ebony, chocolate, and dove that go well with any color scheme from classic head-to-toe black to refreshingly vibrant jewel tones. Fabrics are super luxurious, made to keep you cozy and make you look fashion forward at the same time.
Faux Fur: Treat yourself to an ultra-cozy option in faux fur or shearling. Watch for flattering square cut designs that look fantastic on any body type. Fashionable cowl necks scarves keeps you warm and comfortable while adding a touch of class to the mix.
Stripes: Looking for the comfort and grace of a poncho, but still want to participate in a fun trend? Try a casually cool option like a striped poncho instead. Pair it with everything from skirts and dresses to skinny jeans and leggings.
Bohemian Vests
This past fall saw the return of effortlessly cool bohemian style in a big way. As a result, we spotted skinny jeans and knee-high boots paired with romantic poet shirts and retro chokers. That bohemian revival certainly didn't go anywhere as temperature dropped and winter set in. It will continue to stay with us as we head into the 2017 portion of winter as well.
This time it's all about vests and with good reason. Not only do vests pair well with so many of this season's classic layered looks, but they're a great way to add an extra touch of warmth without adding bulk.
Ruffles: Some of our favorite vests feature long, ankle-skimming lengths and pretty touches like ruffles. Layer them over your favorite winter dresses or jean for a contemporary look. Add a long, funky necklace for the perfect finishing touch.
Fluffy Styles: We're also loving some of the fluffy neutral options hitting the scene when it comes to vests. For instance, this luxurious faux shearling vest from Noelle is just the thing for pairing with jeans, skirts, leggings, and more.
Quilted Jackets
By the time January and February roll around, it's not just chilly. Some days, it's downright cold. This is especially the case if you live in a region that sees a lot of heavy snowfall or biting winds capable of chilling you to the bone. However, people in some temperate regions still to bundle up a little more often throughout the later winter months.
Nothing helps you beat the cold quite like a quilted jacket. However, this year's offerings are bidding adieu to the trademark Michelin man look and offer coats with contoured lines that flatter the figure. You'll also be seeing the following.
Stand-Up Collars: Look fantastic while you keep the winter chill at bay with elegant stand-up collar styles from noted winter wear brands like North Face. Look for additional offerings in shades like rabbit, dove, or lilac.
Vest Alternatives: Not quite sure you want the coverage of a full jacket? You'll be happy to know that vest versions in bright colors like teal, scarlet, and fuchsia will also very much be in style.
Bona Fide Work Clothes
Clothes that mimic the rugged, cold weather looks associated with good, old-fashioned hard work have been all the rage for decades. Just think about the popularity of plaid flannels and combat boots. This winter, people will be stepping up their game and expecting more from looks like those.
Work clothes offer dependable form and function. Look for work shirts, boots, and cold weather jackets from big names like Carhartt - brands that wrote the book on hardy, tough cold weather clothing that performs as well as it looks.
Earflap Caps: Toppers like classic earflap hats are everyone's favorite go-to way to keep their head warm and cozy this winter. Look for warm neutral shades like toast, stone, and sable.
Bombers: When it comes to jackets, it's all about bomber looks. Try a quilted flannel offering from a brand known for producing quality winter wear like Carhartt. Dark neutral tones that go well with everything are good choices. Hooded jackets are always fashionable during the colder months.
Clogs
Winter footwear options like boots and booties are pretty much a given when it comes to cold weather. However, this season will see the robust return of a classic shoe - the humble clog. Clogs are the perfectly practical way to keep your feet warm and comfortable no matter what the weather may decide to throw at you.
Even so, these clog are furthest thing from what your grandmother wore around the garden. This winter, people are going crazy over pretty clogs that feature unique decorative touches, graceful designs, and unusual material choices.
Pretty Detailing: Lots of this winter's shoes have made use of elegant detailing and embellishments as a way to dress up otherwise ho-hum neutrals, and clogs are no exception. Look for features like buckles, leather folds, studs, and filigree details.
Bright Colors: Also very popular are ultra-colorful clogs that take you back to the 60's and 70's with psychedelic patterns and cheerful hues. Add whimsy and fun to your favorite casual or work looks with ease.
Duck Boots
As touched on above, people now expect so much more from their winter wear. They're no longer willing to suffer for the sake of fashion. They want the best of both worlds - classic good looks that also guards them against the cold.
This is especially the case when it comes to footwear. Enter the mighty duck boot! Duck boots have been the darlings of the footwear fashion scene for a while now, but you'll be seeing even more of them as the crisp winter snow gives way to murky slush, damp conditions, and rainy afternoons.
Hardy Brands: As is the case with winter outerwear, people are opting for quality in their duck boots by turning to the big names in the industry. Exactly why we're seeing so many offerings like this tough duck boot from winter giant Sorel hitting the streets.
Shiny Bottoms: People are also loving duck boots in styles that emphasize the contrast between the upper and lower portions of the shoe. Try a black and brown duck boot that pairs a matte upper in brown or sable with black rubber bottoms finished to feature a high polish.
Booties with Flair
When it comes to attractive ways to get more out of your footwear, you just can't beat a solid pair of booties. Booties go well with just about every look, from layered looks, skinny jean ensembles, or work wear. We certainly won't see them going anywhere as winter winds its way into 2017.
This season, it's all about subtle flare that comes from unique touches, creative embellishments, and unusual designs. The colors themselves will stay comfortably neutral, which pairs well with the monochromatic ensembles that are all the rage right now.
Zippers and Buckles: Some of our favorite bootie styles this season combine elegant sky-high heels with details like zippers, buckles, and studs that are purely decorative in nature. Stop traffic with combos that feature quilting, zippers, and a platform sole for an ultra-hot look.
Ribbons and Ties: Decorative ties, ribbons, and bows are also popular right now. Pay special attention to looks that combine classic black block heels and Western style touches.
Avenue Totes
Of course, no look can really be considered complete without the right choice in handbags. This winter, the trend calling for functional and fashionable continues with trendy avenue totes. Fashion-wise, they're a perfect fit for anything you might have on the agenda for the day. Transition from the office to your evening plans without missing a beat.
These totes won't let you down when it comes to functionality either. Water resistant linings, spacious interiors, and multiple oversized pockets make it possible for you to carry everything from your favorite novel to the your laptop with ease and style.
Travel-Friendly Designs: Roomy tote purses are perfectly designed for living life on the go. Not only do they boast all the utility you'd expect from a good avenue tote, but they double as travel bags thanks to features like convertible back pockets that makes it easy to slide them over a suitcase handle.
Pretty Colors: This season's avenue totes also represent a fun way to add a splash of color to your winter wardrobe as well. Look for options in tones like scarlet, plum, bubble gum, and canary.
Scarves, Scarves, and More Scarves
If you're like many people, you swear by your extensive collection of scarves when it comes to getting through the winter. Not only are scarves warm, cozy ways to protect your neck and throat from the ravages of the cold, but they put the perfect finishing touch on your seasonal layered look.
This season's scarves are anything but ordinary though. Look for attractive designs that compliment a put-together silhouette as well as fun patterns that promise the return of an early spring.
Infinity Scarves: Pretty loop scarves that create a perfect drape are a great option this winter. Stick to basic neutrals like black infinity scarves or upgrade to a jewel tone like cranberry or plum to add a pop of color to a monochrome ensemble.
Animal Print: If you're looking for a chic way to add flare and appeal to your winter outfits without adding color, look no further than the classic animal print that are dominating the fashion scene right now. There's nothing like leopard print to perk up an outfit.
In 2017, the current fashion trends offer many exciting choices to keep the winter blues at bay. Which of these looks has your attention so far?
