The Top 7 Winter Fashion Trends to Know Going Into 2022

If you want to give your wardrobe a stylish boost, here are the only seven winter fashion trends you need to know.

1. BOLD COLORS

Most winters we find ourselves stuck in a bit of a drab color rut, but not this time.

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Both Pinterest and Lyst saw major increases in searches for cold weather looks that pack a punch in bold colors like hot pink, violet, lime green or red.

You don’t need to wear them from head-to-toe if that’s not you jam, but try adding a touch of something attention-grabbing, like a bright yellow sweater atop your go-to jeans, to switch things up.

2. SHACKETS

We’ve been loving the shacket (a shirt/jacket combo) for a few years now, but things are really picking up heading into 2022.

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While we’ll always have a soft spot for the classic wool plaid designs, other styles are also trending, including leather and shearling, so you can be sure there is a shacket out there that will fit seamlessly into your existing wardrobe.

3. LEATHER PANTS

Wear them with posh classics, like a slim-fit crewneck sweater or button-up shirt, to tamper the natural rockstar vibes of the leather.

Photo: EDWARD BERTHELOT/GETTY IMAGES

Faux-leather leggings have long been a staple in our winter rotation, but this year is all about faux-leather pants instead.

The most popular versions are cut with a straight leg and are either black or some wonderfully bold color, like red or olive green.

4. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

Wear them with skinny jeans or leggings and a tailored blazer or with skirts or dresses that hit at least two inches above the top of your boots.

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Knee-high boots will never really be out of style, but this winter they’re at the very top of our shopping list as a must-have item, rather than just a basic staple.

The best options truly are basic, featuring structured leather or suede (no slouching here) in black or brown with minimal detailing (embossed croc scales or a riding boot strap at the ankle are great, fringe down the sides or gold cape toes are not).

5. RETRO SKIWEAR

Waist-cinching belts, neon color blocking and high-collared puffers aren’t just for ‘80s theme parties anymore.

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Yup, throwback ski gear is back for another round, both on and off the slopes.

Be sure to pair your belted puff with more modern separates—like straight-leg snow pants over super-slim styles or wide-leg jeans instead of stirrup leggings—to avoid looking like you’re wearing a costume.

6. SWEATER DRESSES

The trick to making them look chic instead of dowdy? Add a thin belt at the waist and keep your accessories sleek and minimal.

Photo: RAIMONDA KULIKAUSKIENE/GETTY IMAGES

Sweater dresses will forever be one of our absolute favorite ways to combine comfort and style, but they’re having a particular flash of popularity as we navigate between venturing out into the world again while still spending a lot of time at home.

This time around, looser, flowier silhouettes are the most-wanted over curve-hugging styles.

7. FEATHERS, SHEARLING AND OTHER TEXTURES

This winter is less about prints and patterns and more about adding depth to your look with textures.

Photo: CLAUDIO LAVENIA/GETTY IMAGES

Feathers, shearling, embellishments and chunky knitting are all fun options, but so are croc embossed scales or raised woodgrain effects.

This is a particularly great trend for those who prefer neutral hues or monochrome dressing as a way to spice things up without going too far outside your wheelhouse.

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