Quiet luxury (aka understated, elegant pieces) and muted colors have been among the hottest fashion trends for a while now, but winter 2025/2026 is bringing a welcome change. “We’ll see a perfect blend of warmth, opulence, and self-expression, which is very different from the period of ultra-minimalist quiet luxury. Coming into its place is a new appreciation for uniqueness, bold colors, patterns, and textures,” Cynthia Kennedy, personal stylist, image consultant, and creator of Your Style Transformation Academy, exclusively tells Women. “Women are now seeking garments that not only make them feel cozy, but speak to their personality,” she adds.
We can also expect nods to decades gone by. While fall 2025’s color trends (including chocolate mousse brown and powder pink) will still be around, expect to look back even further for returning fashion movements. Kennedy predicts a nod to once-popular fashion trends from the 1970s, also sharing, “’80s power dressing and the late ’90s, early 2000s are still here but with a more polished, sophisticated spin [too].”
But let’s get more specific about the pieces to stock up on. There are several trends we can expect as 2025 draws to a close and 2026 begins, and there’s truly something for every aesthetic. You’re especially in luck if you love polka dots, pops of color, and/or sultry, satin pumps.
Oversized outerwear
When it comes to outerwear this winter, think big. “Maxi coats, wraps, and roomy outerwear are dominating this year, because of how easy they combine warmth, comfort and elegance,” Cynthia Kennedy tells us exclusively, sharing that oversized, faux leather jackets will be particularly big (pun indented) because of their versatility. “[They] work perfectly well in both casual streetwear and streamlined midi dresses, boots and skirts,” she says. Prettygarden’s Faux Leather Jacket in Brown looks super modern, while the AUTOMET Oversized Leather Jacket is ideal for layering over a chunky knit or hoodie.
Combining textures
It’s all about texture this winter, but the 2025/2026 upgrade involves mixing and matching textured garments rather than letting one piece do all the work. “Suede, faux fur, silk, wool, velvet, chunky knits, tweed, boucle, leather, lace, and sequins are adding a luxe finish to this year’s basics, and create cozy, confident, and visually interesting outfits,” Cynthia Kennedy exclusively shares. “Try mixing a suede trench coat over a cashmere sweater, faux leather midi skirt, silk ballet flats, and finish it off with a crocodile tote,” she recommends. The Utcoco Faux Suede Long Trench Coat can be used for layering, while the Chouyatou Boyfriend Faux Suede Jacket may be a better option if you’re somewhere warmer.
Unconventional knitwear
It’s time to think outside the box with your knitwear. “Gone are the days of basic, so go for bold colors, wide necklines, bare shoulders, cropped cuts, funnel necks, ribbed sets, and dramatic sleeves,” Cynthia Kennedy exclusively tells us. This trend is super versatile because there are so many ways to make a statement, making it the ideal trend for showing your personality. ZAFUL’s Cropped Sweater in 1-Blue packs a punch with its color and skin-baring V-neck, while the Prettygarden Chunky Knit Sweater in Light Green hits the mark for color and texture.
Pops of color
Neutral shades have reigned supreme for a while, and although those understated hues will still be around this winter, the new season will see them paired with bold pops of color. “Picture a cherry red coat, cobalt blue scarf, and emerald green knits as the focal point, paired up with your more muted shades,” Cynthia Kennedy says, exclusively. Scarves are the easiest way to try this trend while staying warm, so try the Glory Max Plain Solid Color Winter Scarf in Royal Blue for a fun take on the trend that’s easy to pull off. The Joypicks Long Knit Scarf in Red is ideal if you celebrate the Holidays.
Animal prints
Zebra was the hottest print trend for spring/summer 2025, and it’s still around this winter — but it’s brought a few of its zoomates along for the ride. According to Cynthia Kennedy, everything from leopard (which taps into the ’90s fashion resurgence), to cow, to snakeskin, to dalmatian will be trendy. “Treat these prints like neutrals, thinking of leopard as brown, snakeskin as grey, and zebra or cow as black, so they team seamlessly with anything else,” she tells us. If these bold prints sound too daunting, Kennedy recommends, “Dip your toes into a printed bag, belt, or shoes for a stylish, high-end finish.”
Bold accessories
Winter 2025 isn’t the time to shy away from accessories; let them shine in all their glory. “This year’s statement accessories are all about personality, boldness, and polish,” Cynthia Kennedy shares. “Eye-catching jewelry like brooches, pendant necklaces, cuff bracelets, plus oversized sunglasses, leather gloves, men’s ties, and faux fur stoles are all guaranteed to elevate a plain outfit into something much more intentional,” she says. Cuff bangles are an easy way to lean into this trend. Amazon Essentials Yellow 14K Gold-Filled Hand Engraved Cuff Bracelet is sure to be a conversation starter around the Holiday table, while Lavari’s 7 Inch Open Cuff Bangle will dress up any party ensemble.
Satin pumps