8 Winter 2025/2026 Fashion Trends You Won't Be Able To Ignore

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.

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.

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.

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.

Polka dots may have a reputation for being a summer print — but that's changing this year. The spotty look was a major fall 2025 pedicure staple, and it'll be everywhere on our clothing and accessories as we close out this year, marking the perfect time to be bold and find new ways to wear it. A polka dot cardigan is the easiest way to be on trend. Ythomm's Ruffle Collar Cropped Cardigan in Red Polka Dot gives us all the festive feels, while the Y2K Polka Dot Button Up from KIGRAD hits the unique knitwear trend too, thanks to its cropped shape.

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.

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."

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.

Looking for the perfect footwear for all those winter parties? Look no further than an '80s staple: satin pumps. The sophisticated footwear will be on anyone who's anyone (including Brittany Snow, who wore a blue pair to the 2025 Glamour Women Of The Year Awards in November), and is a great way to dress up any outfit. Seeing as high stilettos were declared an outdated shoe trend for 2025, do yourself a favor and opt for a shorter heel. GotSoft's Slingback Kitten Heels in Satin Black are versatile and will pair well with sheer, black tights, while the Rusauise Closed Pointed Toe Slingback Kitten Heels in Brown Dot give us deeper Pantone's color of the year vibes while also tapping into the polka dot trend.