Each season, clothing trends ebb and flow as fashion enthusiasts desperately try to stay in style. We can confidently say that this winter is the season of comebacks. With the influx of Mary Janes, leather jackets, corduroys, and other vintage pieces, it’s time to dig through your parent’s closet for a perfect winter wardrobe.
If you’ve scrolled through Pinterest or walked downtown, you may have noticed many people sporting Mary Janes. You may associate these with your childhood or your grandma, but make no mistake, these are the shoes of the season. Pair them with a simple dress for a sophisticated classic or with jeans for a casual elegance–regardless of the outfit, Mary Janes will add an element of retro fun.
Breaking away from the femininity of the Mary Jane, leather jackets bring an element of street style with a nod to 50s greasers. While leather jackets never necessarily went away, they are certainly dominating this winter season. You can see them worn with parachute pants for an edgy look or a tulle dress for a funky cross between feminine chic and masculine bold. Add this to a winter outfit to keep warm and stay on trend.
Corduroys give off that cozy, comfy vibe that contrasts with the edge of a leather jacket. They work well with a knit sweater and a chunky scarf to embrace a homey granola style. The best part of this trend is that cords will actually keep you warm. Unlike many fashion trends, they are practical for the bitter Minnesota winter.
The corduroy pairs fabulously with the tailored vest for the ultimate academic aesthetic. They look like something straight off the hanger of a three-piece suit, creating a hint of professionalism for even casual outfits. Pair these vests with a classic loafer or a trending Mary Jane to channel the best modern yet vintage look.
The color red is an amazing fashion statement. It is going to be the dominating color of winter. Red is a great color that you can pair easily with white or black clothing or accessories. Whether it is a red dress, scarf, shoe, earring, lip, or skirt, red elevates your look. It is the perfect color to play on femininity and power.
Bows have been incredibly popular in the fall and will continue into winter fashion. This playful young accessory adds a nice touch to a cute casual or more elevated outfit. Bows are easily accessible and you don’t have to spend a fortune on them as you can find ribbon in your local craft store that makes the best hair accessory. The bow trend is not only limited to the hair as it has been an added touch to many clothing items such as sweaters, dresses, and even jewelry. This accessory allows you to embrace your inner child while looking in trend.
A comeback staple boot that we all know and love is riding/knee-high boots. To make the ideal winter outfit pair the boots with black tights, a mini skirt or dress, and a sweater with a trench coat layered on top. These boots will automatically make any winter outfit look elevated and stylish.
Another comeback making its way into this winter’s fashion trends is off-the-shoulder tops. Although these tops may seem simple, they add a cute flare to any outfit. You can style them with a pair of jeans or with a mini skirt, tights and riding boots. These tops are very versatile and you might even have one lying around from the 90’s. So dust that shirt off, and strut your stuff because off-the-shoulder tops are back!
What doesn’t belong in the sea of vintage fashion? The baggy or oversized trend. While loose-fitting jeans and chunky sweaters will always be a staple, we are seeing a shift away from oversized blazers, dress shirts, and shackets. Regardless of how they are styled, they will never look put together. This opposes the professional, retro theme of this season and is definitely on the way out of the fashion scene.
Contrary to what one would assume with the re-emergence of leather jackets, the edgy combat boots that were all the rage in past seasons are on the decline. Instead, more feminine shoes like Mary Janes and knee-high boots are taking their place for a sleeker look.
The best part of the trends: they’re accessible. Every single one of these pieces can be found in the back of your mom’s closet or on the racks at thrift stores. While fashion tends to be exclusive because of the high price tag, this winter it is much more affordable–something that all style-enthusiasts can celebrate.