The Winter Trends We're Not Wearing This Year (and 9 We're Trying)

We’re all for fall (and the glorious ankle boots and moto jackets that come with the season), but we’d be lying if we said we weren’t just a tad excited about the impending winter months. Sure, the weather can be brutal, but with those chilly temperatures brings a range of cozy and forward winter trends to look forward to as well. That said, an onslaught of new winter trends means it’s also time to say goodbye to some of those passé items we’ve been storing in the back of our closets.

To dive into the matter a bit more, we’re highlighting the nine winter fashion trends we’re parting with in 2019 and 2020—and, of course, the looks we’re saying hello to instead. (But remember, in reality, you should always just wear whatever you love, no matter if someone says it’s "in or "out.”)

Without further ado, keep scrolling for a bit of winter shopping inspiration. And get a jump start on building that stylish cold-weather wardrobe.

Goodbye: Super-Cropped Coats

Hello: Maxi Coats

Cropped coats are still around, but those extremely cropped styles aren't as popular, as just about every major designer from Chanel to Balenciaga showcased a range of extra-long maxi coats on the F/W 20 runways. And rightfully so—the look is impossibly chic and brings just the right amount of drama to a winter look.

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Goodbye: Over-the-Knee Boots

Hello: Knee-High Boots

Sure, we spotted tight over-the-knee boots aplenty over the last few years, but we’re starting to see less and less as classic knee-high boots enter our worlds in an even more impactful way. Try a classic black iteration with a midi skirt for the office, or tuck your straight-leg jeans into a mock-croc pair for a forward going-out vibe.

Goodbye: Glossy Vinyl

Hello: Loads of Leather

We all seem to be toning down the obsession with super-high-shine vinyl this fall and winter, with designers and fashion people alike favoring more toned-down leather (and leather-like) separates instead. We’re particularly for this trend because investing in a leather piece is actually quite timeless.

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Goodbye: Off-the-Shoulder Knits

Hello: Chunky Crewnecks

What started as an obsession is starting to come to a halt as off-the-shoulder knits are being stored away for chunky crewneck sweaters featuring unique details like balloon sleeves.

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Goodbye: Knit Minidresses

Hello: Midi Sweaterdresses

While shorter knit dresses can still have a moment with tights, it’s the midi or maxi sweaterdress silhouettes that are shaping up to be the dress du jour among the fashion set this season.

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Goodbye: Bright Red

Hello: Hot Pink

No, no, don’t stop wearing your favorite red pieces (especially those coats in merlot or cranberry), it’s just that the color’s younger cousin—hot pink—wants to shine as a key player this winter as well. That’s right, turn to the collections of Jacquemus and Sies Marjan, and you’ll spot extroverted pink in the form of outerwear (most noteworthy), but also in tops, dresses, and so on.

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Goodbye: Sock Booties

Hello: Lug-Sole Ankle Boots

As we highlighted in the past, sock booties (although stylish) aren’t as popular this season as forward silhouettes—like thick-soled ankle boots—enter the spotlight. Everything from combat boots to Chelsea boots with trekking will bring that effortless-cool vibe to your cold-weather ensemble.

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Goodbye: Short Topcoats

Hello: Capes

Okay, so knee-length peacoat and topcoat-like outerwear silhouettes will never go "out,” but we’re considering casting them aside in favor of the cozy and chic capes that were spotted in the collections of heavy hitters from Celine to Burberry. Sure, the look could seem intimidating, but it’s quite easy to pull off with a simple outfit featuring jeans, a turtleneck, and knee-high boots.

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Goodbye: Logo Tights

Hello: Colorful Tights

While logo tights hit a stride earlier in the year, they’re feeling a bit tired as crayon-colored tights in a variety of solid colors step up to the plate. Test out a bold pair with your favorite sweaterdress and booties to make a statement.

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This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Next, 6 outdated color trends to retire in 2020—and 6 to wear instead.