For many collegiettes, icy winter weather means cold walks to class – which means the swapping of your favorite ankle booties for snow boots and light trench coats for heavy parks. But the winter blues don’t have to result in the fashion blues, too! In fact, many of winter 2014’s biggest trends will keep you just as toasty as your snow gear. We rounded up the biggest trends for this winter and got advice from the experts about how to style them while still staying warm and snuggly in the most brutal of winter weather.
1. Knockout Knits
Knits and sweaters are staples of every winter, but this winter is going to be knit madness like we’ve never seen it before. The major shape of the season? Chunky, oversize and statement-making. “Knits are huge this fall, literally!” says Elizabeth Kamm, a Boston-based stylist. The Row (pictured above) showed plenty of turtleneck and cowl-neck shapes, and even some pieces that aren’t traditionally knitted, such as skirts and pants. We love the way this trend allows us to walk around feeling like we’re wearing our favorite fuzzy blanket, especially on cold winter mornings when it’s nearly a superhuman feat to get out of bed.
The key to pulling off this trend is to go oversize but still fitted with your sweaters—this means the shoulder seams should still match up with your shoulders, so try on your size and the size above yours. You want to be stylish in your sweater, not swimming in it! Feeling adventurous and want to give the sweater skirt a try? We recommend a simple, loose-fitting shape that lets the fabric do the talking. To style these snuggly knits, Kamm says, “All these styles look great with skinny jeans and ankle boots, or with opaque tights and an A-line mini skirt with a mid-calf-length boot.” Just add a peppermint mocha and you’ll be cozy and comfortable!
2. Warm and Fuzzy
Think fur is reserved for Cruella De Vil and the inside of UGG boots? This winter, designers say to think again. The runways were filled with fur, but not your grandmother’s mink coat. Designers, like in this look from Sacai, used fur as a statement-making accent on the runways this season. Many looks included fur coats with long, shaggy fur in both neutrals and bright pops of color – a refreshing, modern take on the classic textile. For collegiettes who may not want to wear the real thing, there are plenty of faux-fur options in stores this season, too, which are also much more budget-friendly than real fur.
Fur can be one of the more intimidating winter 2014/2015 trends to pull off because it makes such a big statement, but don’t stress, collegiettes! The trick to pulling off any trend is to ease into it. For the fur-phobic, your best bet is to try it in small doses. Denise Caldwell, fashion expert and contributing style editor at Seventeen, says, “I am a huge fan of the faux-fur vest (try belting it to cinch your waist creating a slimming silhouette) or cropped jacket in faux fur. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of drama and warmth.” Still wary? Try one of the many fuzzy-textured cardigans that are everywhere this season, which add a touch of fur that isn’t overwhelming. Ready to go all out with the fur trend? Try a shaggy fur jacket in a cool gray color for a chic, model-off-duty look. An added plus of the fur trend: polar vortex repeat? No problem.
3. Clean and Simple
Even with all the shaggy furs and oversize knits, designers still showed a lot of love to the minimalist look this season. This minimalism is anything but plain or boring. Yes, there was a lot of simple black and white, but designers used other neutral colors (like gray and camel) as well as unusual lines and shapes to keep things interesting. Menswear shapes, like blazers and tailored pants, were especially popular.
Simplicity definitely doesn’t have to be boring! The trick to this trend is to think outside the box when it comes to proportions and shapes. Instead of a basic black blazer, try an extra-long, boxy shape paired with a graphic tee and black cigarette pants. Minimalism doesn’t mean anti-prints, either. We’re loving the simple black-and-white grid print lately. Try it in a pair of pants or a skirt paired with your favorite sweater. Minimalism this season is all in the details.
4. It’s a Long Story
Midi skirts (skirts that hit anywhere from below the knee to just above the ankle) ) were all over the runways, like in this look from Rebecca Minkoff, replacing the shorter shapes of previous seasons.
A big misconception about this trend is that midi skirts have to be worn with heels, but this shape looks great with flat ankle boots, which are very on trend for winter and will keep you much warmer in snowy weather. Try it with your favorite sweater and a knit beanie and you’ll be ready to brave the cold in, yes, a skirt!
5. All Laced Up
One of winter’s biggest trends is underwear – but it’s not what you think! Many designers sent looks down the runway that were clearly lingerie-inspired – think sheer fabrics, black lace trim and soft, feminine shapes. We love the way this look from Elie Saab uses lace. The sheer fabric and lace makes it sexy, even though it’s a covered-up, long-sleeved maxi dress.
Lace and sheer fabrics can be tricky to pull off for winter because they aren’t warm. Therefore, it’s important to layer, layer, layer. “A lace cami or even peek-a-boo bra moment can always glam up a casual boyfriend cardigan or cocoon blazer,” Kamm says. Even a lingerie-inspired cami can work for winter’s freezing temperatures if paired with a cardigan and a coat or leather jacket on top. Another trick is to look for pieces with lace trim and accents, which are warmer than the all-lace pieces you might pick for warm weather. Try a skirt with a lace hem paired with your favorite sweater, black tights and ankle booties, and voila—instant winter date outfit with a chic, feminine touch.
If there were ever a time to break your winter style rut, winter 2014 is the season to do it! These effortless trends have you covered so you can stay cozy and warm without sacrificing style. Which of these winter fashion trends do you plan to try this season? Tell us in the comments!