Upgrade Your Seasonal Wardrobe: Luxe Outerwear Picks for the Holidays

Winter is nipping at our heels and we know what that means. ‘Tis the season to be cozy and dress in warm, comfortable knits and luxurious coats.  

Despite the falling temperatures, rain and snow, the season brings with it an excuse to finally wear those heeled boots or faux fur jackets. 

And while we’re talking about winter ensembles, it’s a chance to give your seasonal wardrobe a contemporary upgrade. Below, we’ll show you how.

The Nineties Called

Let’s face it, the nineties will always have a special place for kids born in the eighties. While the Gen-Z crowd embraces the trend, we’re out here showing them how to rock the look with authenticity and style.

Characterized by cycling shorts, flannel shirts and plaid skirts, Who What Wear predicts the trend is on the verge of once again going viral. We’re crossing our fingers that their predictions are true.

Leaning into the trend doesn’t take much effort. Brands are all over it like white on rice. Fashion houses are going big with cardigan sweaters and wrap coats in particular. The plaid shirt is reimagined in oversized women's cardigans such as long cardigans and polo-neck designs. 

It’s not only cardigans and sweaters getting the plaid treatment. The twirled woolen fabric has been incorporated into scarves, wrap coats and jackets.

Brochu Walker can’t get enough of plaid and says the rich, brushed fabric is gorgeous in a coat. Soft, sensual and functional, it makes an effortless outerwear piece that deserves to be layered over everything.

There’s no escaping the influential ties of the nineties and it’s only set to get bigger. Looking for inspiration? 

Jump on your social media feeds and binge-watch your favorite TV series to get a taste of the decade that introduced us to the supermodel, walkmans and Kurt Cobain.

Functional Outerwear

How many times have you looked at an outfit and asked, “How does one wear that?” or “Where would I wear that?”

Our relationship with fashion has always been complicated. There are many conflicting messages out there. One second we’re told to have fun and the next it’s serious business. So, which is it? Form over functionality or the other way around?

Marie Claire explains that we’re seeing more functional clothing and items we can wear. Designers are providing customers with more of what they want. It’s only a matter of integrating or reintegrating certain garments into your winter wardrobe.

The fashion magazine says the cape is one such item that can be worn as a transitional piece, taking your outfit from fall to winter. 

The dramatic silhouette screams elegance and glamor. And yet, the free-flowing outerwear produces a certain nostalgia, harking back to storybooks and period romances.

Blending warmth, style and functionality, it’s the ultimate layering companion. A key standout piece from winter/fall runways, the cape merges effortless elegance and cozy practicality, quips L’OFFICIEL.

Classic Tweed

The formidable Jackie Kennedy Onassis remains a style icon. Decades after her death, the former U.S. The First Lady continues to influence the fashionable set and designer mood boards. 

But arguably her biggest contributions to this generation are the tweed jacket and those stunning Jackie O sunglasses.

Classic and chic, the tweed jacket’s cropped silhouette makes it a staple in every capsule wardrobe. Its regal history is often associated with sophistication and opulence. 

This wasn’t always the case as tweed was initially worn by farmers during cold weather conditions in Scotland in the 1800s. When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Balmoral Castle in 1852, it wasn't long before England's royal family began wearing tweed.

Now that tweed is again in our fashion good graces, trendsetters and influences are pairing tweed jackets with buckle-front pumps and woolen shift dresses. 

If you prefer a longline tweed coat, why not wear it with high-waisted jeans, a slinky silk top and ballet pumps? For an intentional pop of color, add a brightly-colored bag and gold hooped earrings.

Outerwear need not be boring. Fashion houses are bringing these underrated pieces in from the cold and into the crowd. 

Before investing in a winter coat, cardigan or jacket, experiment with shapes, designs, fabrics and silhouettes. The cut or the draping of outerwear can make a huge difference. 

Think about what look you want to achieve and consider its functionality. Remember, form over function or the opposite?

Take your time deciding on the perfect piece and look at what's on offer. Take a friend along to the store for a second opinion. Sometimes all you need is a co-sign to confirm what you already know and love. 

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and be daring.