Outdated Trends To Say Goodbye To For Winter 2025/2026

You could argue that winter styling is an art in and of itself. Between all the layers and materials, it can be tricky to craft a look that's functional against the elements, while still being on-trend. Winter 2025/2026 is bringing in a new wave of fashion that's simple, understated, and cozy; making the perfect trinity for those looking for something easy. While quiet luxury has faded, its sister trend, lazy luxury, has taken its place, and this is dominating the cold weather season. This means that minimal, refined pieces that are easy to style take precedent over high maintenance outfits, and that more garish garments are outdated. To nail this low-effort, high-impact winter style, Women.com spoke exclusively with Rayne Parvis, a color analyst and style coach, who specializes in curating one's wardrobe to achieve greater success in life. Parvis discussed which winter styles it's time to ditch this year.

The balancing act means choosing pieces that are seasonally appropriate while still putting a stylish foot forward, even if that means bundling and layering. We asked fashion experts the trends they predict will be outdated in winter 2025. With that in mind, Parvis had some expert styling tips and spot-on recommendations to look your best this winter.   

Scarves are a crucial part of winter accessorizing. However, as Rayne Parvis exclusively told Women.com, the way we approach styling these pieces is changing. Though there was a time when throwing on a scarf in any color over your outerwear was acceptable, especially if it was a gift, but the reality is that it looks bulky and doesn't match a thing. What's no longer en vogue is throwing on a "random scarf" just because it's winter and you can.

"This is a stylist giving you permission to let [your scarves] go...well...at least the ones that your fave grandma didn't knit for you," she joked. There's something sleeker that's replacing these hodgepodge scarves. "Instead, we're seeing coordinated scarves that actually attach to or match your top or dress," Parvis explained. "More built-in monochromatic moment, less 'I just grabbed whatever was by the door.'" Vogue reiterated this coordinated trend for winter 2025, emphasizing tonal, minimal scarves made by the likes of Toteme. While the scarf doesn't have to be made by a luxury designer, something simple and sleek is trending. 

The basic peacoat just isn't up to snuff for winter 2025/2026. Rayne Parvis walked Women.com through it. "The old classic peacoat in navy or black that's been hanging in closets for decades is less in play," Parvis began. "Bye, Felicia!" This traditional style is no longer where it's at, and rather than coming off as traditional, the coat just looks dated. 

But peacoats are still in style this winter, just in a different way. "This season, cropped and slightly oversized versions with a more relaxed vibe are taking over," Parvis explained. "Still timeless and tailored—but with a fresher, more effortless feel." An oversized peacoat means that the outwear isn't too fitted, giving extra room for layered sweaters or a blazer. A cropped peacoat gives the opportunity to highlight woolen trousers or a plaid skirt, where a longer version offers extra insulation, which will be most welcome during the colder winter months. 

Sometimes we get stuck with certain combos, and these end up forming a winter uniform of sorts. While function and utility are helpful in a wardrobe, they can also lead to unfortunate oversights. One such oversight is the return of the leggings and moto jacket combo, a winter look that's just not part of the future for the 2025/2026 season. 

Rayne Parvis told Women.com exclusively what to do instead. "Leggings with flannel or sweater and fitted moto jacket? Retire that combo immediately," she urged. "We're seeing elevated track pants styled with blazers or statement coats instead." Even the jacket itself is dated. "And your old moto? It's evolved into plush, oversized sherpa or faux-fur versions that still bring that 'cool-girl' edge—just cozier and current," Parvis explained. Marie Claire reiterated this, praising the comfy street style of the oversized sherpa coat as an ideal piece of outerwear for the winter. It's got just a touch of sporty charm to work with any outfit, so it's got that casual vibe that made the moto jacket so appealing. 

While shiny, accordion skirts are no doubt eye-catching, they are such statement pieces that it's hard to see them and not associate them with 2019, before hte pandemic hit and completely altered our winter style. So it's not surprising that Parvis exclusively tells Women.com this look is now outdated. "Those shiny pleated midis had a solid run — especially with cashmere sweaters and boots—but they're being replaced," she explained.  Similarly, it's time to ditch the outdated corduroy skirt and replace it with trendier cold weather clothes. Both of these looks are out. 

Instead, Parvis suggested looking for skirts with texture. "This season, it's all about faux leather midis and tartan and plaid skirts in every variation. A little texture, a little edge, more figure flattering and way more personality," she explained. Tartan skirts are huge this winter. Who What Wear goes so far as to state that these festive little bottoms are booting out jeans and trousers. And tartan and leather textures are certainly booting out that old accordion skirt.

In terms of footwear, there's one shoe style that's absolutely out for winter 2025/2026, according to expert Rayne Parvis, and that is the chunky, lug-sole boot. Parvis joked that in her opinion, they never looked good on anyone, anyway. "The era of thick, 'Frankenstein' clunky soles is (hopefully) done," Parvis told Women.com exclusively. 

As for what to wear in place of these thick-soled boots, Parvis has a suggestion. "Sleek, mid-to-knee-high boots and soft slouchy styles with sculpted kitten heels are showing up at every retailer I walk into," Parvis noted. "A more polished, leg-lengthening look is what I'm seeing in retailer after retailer." Who What Wear noted that kitten heel boots are trending the hardest for winter. Designers from Jimmy Choo to Staud to Zara are exhibiting footwear that is much more defined than the heavy boots that dominated previous winters.