8 Fashion Trends to Skip This Winter — and What to Buy Instead From $17

Some fashion trends fade just as quickly as they appear. They have their time in the sun for a season or two and then get replaced with the next popular variation. High rise to low rise, boho to modern, lime to forest green — we embrace them, and then donate or store them until the trend cycles around again. Just recall the summer of 2023; how many of us are still rocking Barbie pink? 

Not only is it hard to keep up with what is new and cool, but it’s hard to justify purchases that don’t have longevity. For this year’s winter outfits, why not keep it classic? Instead of buying some trendy item, pick a timeless piece that will keep you looking in style, whether at home or traveling abroad. Cozy cardigans, cropped jackets, pointed shoes — we made a handy list to make it easy for you. Ahead are eight winter trends not to buy this season ahead of your travels — and the versatile staples to invest in instead.

Skip: Baggy 

Invest: Tailored

Yes, the oversized and loose look is having a moment. When done right, it can have an effortlessly chic look, but it very easily can do the opposite and make you look sloppy or that you are trying too hard. Tailored pieces are better long-term investments, like nipped-at-the-waist blazers, high-rise trousers, and dresses with silhouettes that sit closer to the body. Your closet should have a few of these wardrobe staples that are appropriate for the office and can also be paired with casual pieces for weekend plans. If you want a more trendy piece, try the very popular vest.

• A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant, $90
• Aritzia Wilfred Regal Vest, $118
• Vocni Fully Lined V-neck Economy Dressy Suit Vest, $32
• Everlane The Dream Jumpsuit, $128 
• Untuckit Corduroy Cora Shirt Dress, $118
• Lululemon Pleat-front High-rise Trouser, $148
• Quince Scuba Single-breasted Convertible Blazer, $90
• Open Edit Crop Blazer, $80
• Chouyatou Blazer Jacket, $46
• Astr the Label Sleeveless Accordion Pleat Midi Dress, $109

Everlane The Dream Jumpsuit

Skip: Shackets 

Invest: Cropped or Boxy Jackets

The half-shirt, half-jacket has become a fall staple. While they’re certainly cute and cozy, they can also read more casual and outdoorsy. Cropped jackets have a more streamlined, structured look and are a better choice to show off your personal style whether edgy with a leather moto, feminine with a lady look, or modern with cropped trench. Cropped jackets are also worth the splurge since they are classic. Their shorter length pairs perfectly with high-waisted pants, jeans, dresses, or maxi skirts.

Abercrombie Cropped Tweed Blazer

Skip: Long Cardigan

Invest: Striped Sweaters

When we talk about wardrobe staples, those pieces you should always have in your closet, the striped sweater is at the top of the list. When worn with jeans, it’s an easy throw-on-and-go look to wear regularly — it’s the opposite of a long, bulky sweater you can’t layer under a coat and is impossible to pack for a trip. So this winter, add some stripes to your sweater lineup from nautical navy and white to bold lines.

• Lillusory Women’s Quarter Zip Striped Oversized Sweater, $40 (originally $60)
• Johnnie O Noelle Striped Sweater, $248
• Lands’ End Drifter Balloon Sweater, $32 (originally $80)
• Seasalt Cornwall Braque Lambswool Blend Roll Neck Jumper, $130
• Etcyy Oversized Sweater, $35
• Madewell Ribbed Cashmere-wool Blend Pullover Sweater, $130 (originally $178)
• Loft Bold Striped Sweater, $38 (originally $75) 
• Everlane The Mariner Crew Sweater, $148
• BP Relaxed Reversible Sweater, $50
• Trovata Savannah Cardigan, $358

BP Relaxed Reversible Sweater

Skip: Crossbody Bags

Invest: Hobo Bags

While I’ll never let go of my crossbodies, I will be using them a lot less this season in favor of hobo bags. With a shape that sits comfortably on your shoulder, this style can also be roomier, fitting everything you need — and more (hello, perfect travel purse). The slouchy shape molds to your body and has a classic look to it, making it so versatile. Keep an eye out for suede styles and leathers that are soft and pliable and can also read dressy to easily go from day to night.

• Cyhtwsdj Shoulder Bag, $17
• Crown Vintage Woven Hobo Bag, $50 (originally $100)
• MZ Wallace Mini Woven Nylon Hobo Bag, $195
• J.Crew Berkeley Suede and Leather Shoulder Bag, $148
• Montana West Slouchy Hobo Bag, $25 (originally $33)
• Madewell The Mini Bag, $88
• Loft Suede Hobo Bag, $91 (originally $130)
• Anthropologie Love Knot Slouchy Bag, $98
• Sol & Selene Revive Extra Large Quilted Nylon Hobo, $90
• Zara Oval Bag Shoulder Bag, $50

Anthropologie Love Knot Slouchy Bag

Skip: Platform Sneakers

Invest: Low-profile Sneakers

The added height platform sneakers provide is certainly a plus, but the look can easily read junior or outdated. Instead, choose a low-profile sneaker, a style that will keep you closer to the ground. Not only are they usually more comfortable, but they will also cause you to trip less (an issue I have always found with platform sneakers). Plus, they look cooler with a retro athletic aesthetic that will match your track pants, jeans, or joggers. 

• New Balance Women’s 515 V3 Sneaker, $65 (originally $75)
• Abeo MXV Shift Metatarsal Sneaker, $79 (originally $120)
• Vans Ward Lo Sneaker, $70
• Keen KS86 Sneakers, $110
• Puma Palermo Sneakers, $90
• Veja Campo Leather Shoes, $160 (originally $175)
• Tretorn Women’s Rawlins Casual Lace-up Sneakers, $75 (originally $85)
• Gola Grandslam Trident Sneakers, $110
• Reebok Club C Grounds UK Shoes, $90
• Asics Skyhand OG Sneakers, $90

Veja Campo Leather Shoes

Skip: Round Toe

Invest: Pointy or Square Toe

Another shoe swap you should make is opting for a more angled toe over a rounded style. Pointy and square-toe shoes are more comfortable since they provide more room for your feet and toes to spread out. They also deliver a more flattering longer-leg look, especially heeled boots or booties that will stick out underneath straight-leg pants or wide-leg jeans. They also have a more sophisticated appearance that can look dressier too. Pointy-toe flats are a versatile option for trips since you can walk in them during the day and wear them to dinner. They also take up no space in your suitcase. 

• Aerosoles Comfortable Women’s Tapered Toe Covered Heel Bootie, $175 
• Alicepub Women’s Chunky Square Toe Ankle Boots, $40
• Vivaia Square-toe Water-repellent Boots, $97 (originally $149) 
• Nine West Luso Flat, $64 (originally $85)
• Calvin Klein Natalia Flat, $50
• Rothy’s The Point II, $159 
• Dream Pairs Chunky Heel Ankle Booties, $43
• Quince Italian Leather Pointed Mule, $60
• Old Navy Faux Suede Square Toe Boots, $27 (originally $45)
• Cole Haan Viola Skimmer Flat, $74 (originally $100)

Dream Pairs Chunky Heel Ankle Booties

Skip: Neons and Pastels

Invest: Earth Tones

Colors can certainly add personality to your look, but depending on the season and shade, certain colors can stand out — and not in an ideal way. What always is in style and ultra-chic are neutrals. Luxe-looking whites and creams, soft camels, beiges, and chocolate brown, a hue having a moment this season. The best part is these shades are easy to mix and match. They also make worthy investment pieces like a camel coat or white silk skirt because they’ll last in your closet for years. 

• Trendy Queen Oversized Sweatshirt, $28 (originally $46)
• Hutch Varley Coat, $341
• Lululemon Cable-knit Oversized Half Zip, $119 (originally $148)
• Steele Canvas Natural Canvas Tote Bag, $57
• Lilysilk Clarice Maxi Silk Skirt, $259  
• American Eagle Stretch High-waisted Stovepipe Utility Pant, $45 (originally $60)
• Madewell Greta Ballet Flat, $98 
• Z Supply Mason Knit Coat, $199
• Athleta Pinnacle High Rise Trouser, $129
• Cicy Bell Blazers, $50 (originally $59)

Athleta Pinnacle High Rise Trouser

Skip: Off-the-Shoulder

Invest: High Necks

Instead of exposing your neck, opt for turtlenecks and funnel neck pieces that are the ultimate style for completely effortless winter sophistication. They also help keep your look minimal, with little jewelry needed, and draw attention to your beautiful face. Plus, they provide more coverage to keep you warm. In addition to sweaters, shop for other high-neck pieces like outerwear and tops. They range from casual, like a soft button-neck fleece to dressy, like a silk blouse.

• Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tie-neck Blouse, $80 
• Travis Mathew Delightful Funnel Neck, $120 
• Amazon Essentials Women’s Soft Touch Funnel Neck Cable Sweater, $31
• Zella Faux Shearling Funnel Neck Pullover, $89
• Tuckernuck Black and Blurred Dot Fil Coupe Corrigan Blouse, $160 (originally $228)
• Gap Modern Funnel-neck Ruched Tank Top, $27 (originally $35)
• Topshop Funnel Neck Rib Sweater, $54 (originally $72)
• Woman Within Women’s Plus Size Fleece Swing Funnel-neck Coat, $60 (originally $120)
• Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Pullover, $70 (originally $100)
• Trendy Queen Oversized Sweatshirts, $27 (originally $45)

Amazon Essentials Women’s Soft Touch Funnel Neck Cable Sweater

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