5 Winter Trends That Will Be in Style Forever

Meet Lisa Aiken, fashion director of Moda Operandi and one of our style icons here at Who What Wear. Lisa is championed within the industry for setting trends and spotting new designers like it's no one's business. No, really—if there's a cool new brand or rising trend, she's not only already wearing it but has also edited it into Moda Operandi's shopping selection for all to enjoy. Since we're always looking to Lisa for our next shopping move, we're thrilled she's agreed to join us as a columnist on the site, serving the latest and greatest when it comes to trends, style, and shopping. Today, it is with great honor and excitement that we welcome her as she discusses all the winter trends she deems worth the investment for this season and seasons to come. 

Welcome to winter—a season that has notoriously been difficult to dress for and remain simultaneously stylish. Designers have finally started to offer real-life clothes that still feel like "fashion” and have woken up to the fact that there needs to be a way to do all-weather dressing that doesn’t look sloppy. It doesn’t matter if something is beautiful—if it doesn’t work for everyday, what’s the point? The perfect example of this is the evolution of the puffer. Once denoted as dowdy, it’s now the epitome of downtown cool. 

All-Weather Coats

If you are looking for one coat that does it all, it’s the raincoat. You can layer it up, and it sustains all weather. There are really cool ones now that are useful all year round. Kassl makes a variety of amazing versions of the trench. For those who reside in chillier climates, the puffer has continued. We’ve now moved into puffers for grown-ups. I have friends who have said they would never wear them, and now they love them. The coat style is now an intentional part of the look rather than an afterthought that looks like it doesn’t belong. 

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On- & Off-Duty Boots

There are two boots you need this winter, and they will solve every dilemma. You will fall into either the on-duty camp or the off-duty camp. Trouser boots are what I like to call the boots that work perfectly slipped under slim pants. It’s not a revolutionary idea, but it works really well. You definitely can’t wear wide-leg pants that sweep the slushy streets of New York. Military boots will be your go-to when you don’t want to commit to heels. I’m loving Proenza Schouler’s version. With these two boots, you’re all set. 

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Alternative Knitwear

Everyone says to invest in basics, but I don’t feel the same way. I live in Uniqlo cashmere sweaters, but when I want to do a fashion knit, it has to be something different. Invest in the pieces you fall head over heels for. An interesting knit makes cold-weather dressing feel decidedly chicer. 

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Hands-Free Bags

Handbags during the winter need to be a bit bigger than other seasons since you have to store your hat, scarf, and an extra pair of shoes when you don’t want to wear your combat boots at the office. I recommend either a shoulder bag or crossbody to remain hands-free. 

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Layering Pieces

I love the look and practicality of leggings under a dress or blazer dress. The Totême ones especially have been handy this season. They offer the level of security you need through winter. I hate opaque tights, so leggings are my go-to when I need an extra layer. You can wear your trouser boots and be totally covered. My other layering trick is that I don’t tend to wear scarves, so when I need to keep warm, I tie a big sweater or wrap around my neck. It keeps all the coziness on top. 

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