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U Mass Amherst | Style > Fashion

The Winter Wardrobe Edit: How To Recreate This Season’s Trends on a Budget

Ashita Sane Student Contributor, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Winter is the season to get experimental with fashion. It’s the time when you can play around with layers, mix different textures, and test out bold silhouettes without feeling overdone. The best part is that you don’t need a huge shopping spree to look stylish. You already have to build an outfit that feels trendy while keeping you warm. Once you understand how to work with your basics, add smart accessories, and pick a few budget-friendly updates, you can recreate this season’s biggest trends without spending too much.

Start with the Basics You Already Own

Before you feel like you need to fill up your closet with new pieces, take a look at what you already own. You will see that you already have the basics that make up the foundation of your outfit. A black turtleneck, a simple sweater, straight-leg jeans, a neutral coat, a scarf, and boots are pieces many people already have without even realizing how useful they are. These items might seem plain at first, but they are exactly what make winter outfits easy to build and experiment with. Even a basic long-sleeve top or an old button-down shirt can turn into a stylish layering piece once you start mixing textures and adding warm layers.

This Season’s Key Trends

Once you know what you already have, you can start thinking about this season’s top trends. This season focuses on mixing structure with softness, bringing back rich textures, and layering unexpected pieces.

A trend this season is short or copped trench coats. When they are buttoned up all the way, they add structure and instantly pull the whole outfit together. The look is minimal and elegant, which is why it is so popular. You can dress them down with a pair of slouchy jeans for a relaxed everyday look. Or pair them with a fitted mini skirt, fleece-lined tights, and knee-high boots for the perfect girls’ night out. This trend works with a lot of pieces you might already have, and it makes simple outfits look more put-together without much effort.

Another thing that seems to be everywhere this season is chunky scarves. They instantly make an outfit look cozy and well put together. Simple colors like cream, navy, or black work very well, but chunky scarves can also be a fun pop of color. They are a great way to add texture to your outfit, especially when the rest of your look is simple or monochrome. You can choose scarves with soft patterns or bold shades if you want something more playful. Even pairing a chunky scarf with a basic sweater and jeans can look trendy without buying anything new.

Another winter-approved trend is leather. If you own anything in brown or faux leather, such as an old jacket or a small bag, this is the perfect time to use it. Brown leather, specifically, looks good with simple or monochrome outfits and adds a warm tone to your look. It can make an outfit look chic or be dressed down for a more street style look.

Lastly, layering slip dresses over jeans is one of the more playful trends this season. It may sound bold, but it is a fun and practical way to wear lighter dresses during winter. If you have a satin slip dress from summer and a pair of straight or slightly flared jeans, you already have what you need. Slip dresses can also add a fun pop of color, and if they have lace detailing, they can look very feminine and chic. To make the outfit winter-friendly, add a chunky knit cardigan or an oversized coat on top.

Accessorize With affordable add ons

Accessories can make a big difference in winter outfits without costing much. Layered necklaces or small hoop earrings stand out nicely against thicker winter fabrics. Bags also help complete the outfit, and even a small shoulder bag or crossbody you already own can work with most winter looks.

Winter style does not depend on how much you spend. It depends on how you layer, mix textures, and make use of what you already own. With a little creativity, even simple basics can turn into trendy outfits. This season is a great time to experiment and build looks that feel stylish, warm, and true to your personal style while staying on a budget.

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Ashita Sane

U Mass Amherst '29

Ashita is a writer for Her Campus Media, contributing to the Lifestyle and Culture verticals on the site. She writes about personal experiences, campus life, and topics that explore self-growth, creativity, and travel.

Beyond Her Campus, Ashita is a Freshman at UMass Amherst, majoring in Sociology. She enjoys documenting her experiences through writing and photography, often capturing moments from her travels and campus adventures.

In her free time, she loves junk journaling, exploring new cultures, and experimenting with creative projects. She is always stopping to take pictures even if running late, listening to K-pop, and on the lookout for interesting items to add to her junk journal.