Winter 2024 Fashion Trends: What’s In and What’s Out

As the cold weather sets in, the Winter 2024 fashion trends are bringing fresh and practical styles that offer a balance of comfort, versatility, and timelessness. Whether you're looking to upgrade your wardrobe or simply add a few new pieces to refresh your style, the upcoming season is all about embracing both style and functionality. From the return of classic cardigans to the bold presence of animal prints, here's a breakdown of the key trends to keep an eye on this winter, all while keeping sustainability and longevity in mind.

The Return of the Cardigan

Once seen as a staple in the “grandparent uniform,” the chunky knit cardigan is having a major comeback this winter. Far from its once homely reputation, the cardigan has become a versatile piece that can be styled in various ways. What makes the cardigan so popular this season is its incredible adaptability. It can be worn as a warm and cosy top, layered over a t-shirt or blouse, or used as an outer layer for added warmth. In Winter 2024, cardigans are being embraced as a statement piece rather than just a functional item.

The beauty of the cardigan lies in its ability to effortlessly pair with everything from skirts and dresses to jeans and trousers. This season, the focus is on slightly oversized silhouettes, providing both comfort and a chic look. A cardigan in a neutral tone can be styled as a casual day outfit, while a brightly coloured or patterned version adds a bold statement to an evening look. Layering cardigans under jackets or coats provides a perfect solution for colder days, making it an essential part of your winter wardrobe.

Suede in Outerwear

Suede has long been associated with bohemian style, but in Winter 2024, it’s making its way into mainstream outerwear. This soft, tactile fabric is being used to create jackets and shackets that are not only stylish but also highly functional. Suede jackets are perfect for those chilly days when a heavy coat feels like overkill, but you still want something with warmth and texture.

This winter, look for suede in earthy tones such as rich chocolate browns, deep rusts, and muted greens. These shades work well with both casual and semi-formal outfits, making them ideal for a variety of occasions. Suede shackets, which combine the warmth of a jacket with the practicality of a shirt, are also a trend to watch. They are perfect for layering over a sweater or a simple top for a laid-back yet stylish winter look. Whether you opt for a classic suede jacket or a more modern, structured shacket, this fabric offers both warmth and elegance throughout the colder months.

Riding Boots Are Back

Riding boots are making a strong return this winter, and they are quickly becoming a go-to footwear option for those who want style and practicality in one. With their equestrian-inspired design, riding boots are the perfect match for winter’s more structured outfits. These boots, characterised by their knee-high silhouette and sturdy heel, are both comfortable and versatile, making them ideal for wearing with skirts, dresses, or trousers.

What makes riding boots so appealing this season is their timeless appeal. They have a way of elevating an outfit, giving it a classic and sophisticated edge. Pair them with a skirt for an elegant day look, or tuck your jeans into them for a sleek, polished vibe. Riding boots are incredibly durable, making them a worthy investment piece for any wardrobe. In addition to their timeless style, their practicality for colder weather and versatility across different outfit types makes them a key trend for Winter 2024.

Barrel Jeans

The wide-leg and looser fit denim trend is still going strong, with barrel jeans taking centre stage this winter. These jeans are gaining popularity for their unique silhouette, which provides a relaxed fit around the hips and gradually tapers towards the ankle. This style offers an alternative to the skinny jeans that have dominated fashion for so long, and it’s quickly becoming a favourite among those looking for comfort and style in their everyday wear.

Barrel jeans are perfect for those who want to embrace the wider-leg trend without feeling overwhelmed by too much fabric. The tapering at the ankle creates a flattering shape, making these jeans a great choice for pairing with everything from ankle boots to sneakers. Their loose fit provides plenty of room for movement, making them both stylish and practical for daily wear. Whether you choose a classic blue wash or a more edgy black or white pair, barrel jeans are a versatile addition to any wardrobe and are sure to be a key trend this winter.

Cottage Core

The "cottagecore" trend, which gained significant attention on Pinterest as one of their top predictions for 2024, brings a dreamy, nature-inspired aesthetic to the forefront of fashion. This style celebrates a return to simpler, rural life, featuring cosy knitwear, delicate florals, and earthy materials like tweed and corduroy. For Winter 2024, cottagecore has evolved with a more refined and contemporary feel. Layered silhouettes and textured fabrics, such as plaid, checks, and soft knits, create a polished yet comfortable look. Accessories like scarves, worn with a carefree touch, and elegant combinations such as cable-knit capes paired with flowing skirts, highlight a more sophisticated take on this rustic trend. Cottagecore has transformed into a chic, modern style that's as cosy as it is fashionable, offering a refined escape into nature-inspired fashion this season.

Burgundy’s Bold Comeback

For those looking to add a bit of colour to their winter wardrobe, burgundy is the shade to watch in Winter 2024. This rich, deep colour has made a comeback this season, replacing last year’s popular pop-of-red trend. Burgundy adds an air of sophistication and warmth, making it an ideal colour for winter. Its versatility means it can be worn in both casual and formal settings, adding a bold yet refined touch to any outfit.

Burgundy is the perfect shade for jackets, sweaters, and accessories. A burgundy sweater is an easy way to incorporate the colour into your winter wardrobe, while a deep burgundy leather jacket can add a cool, edgy vibe to your look. Burgundy accessories, such as scarves, hats, and bags, are another great way to add this colour to your ensemble. Whether you choose to go all-in with a full burgundy outfit or use the colour as an accent, it’s a must-have hue for Winter 2024.

Leather or Faux Leather

Leather is a material you’ll want to keep an eye on this Winter 2024. While it might not be groundbreaking, it’s undeniably timeless, making it a great investment for your wardrobe. This season, leather has been making its mark across all types of clothing, from jackets and coats to trousers and skirts. The trend this year leans into glossy finishes, whether it’s a sleek vinyl or butter-soft leather that reflects the light. And it’s not just about classic black—winter 2024 introduces a range of fresh colours, including deep blues, rich browns, and earthy greens. Leather’s presence on the runways was undeniable, with a 25% spike in searches for leather clothing following fashion month, proving it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

Animal Prints

Animal prints are making a bold statement this winter, and this year’s focus is shifting toward snake print. While leopard print has long been a winter favourite, the spotlight is now on the more exotic and intricate patterns of snakeskin. This print offers a chic and edgy alternative to the classic animal prints we’ve seen in previous seasons.

Snake print is a great way to add texture and interest to an outfit without overwhelming the look. This winter, you’ll see snake print used in a variety of accessories, such as shoes, bags, and scarves, as well as in statement clothing pieces like coats and dresses. It’s an excellent print for those looking to add a little bit of wildness to their winter wardrobe. If you’re not ready to commit to a full animal print look, start with smaller accessories or shoes to test the trend before going all out.

Layering for Warmth and Style

As temperatures continue to drop, layering becomes key to surviving the winter months in style. The layering trend isn’t just about throwing on as many clothes as possible; it’s about carefully combining different textures and fabrics to create a chic, functional look. Think chunky knit sweaters, oversized scarves, and wool coats, all layered strategically to keep you warm without sacrificing style.

Layering allows for versatility in your outfits, making it easy to adjust to varying temperatures throughout the day. A wool coat worn over a cosy sweater and scarf combination provides warmth, while also adding texture and dimension to your look. This winter, aim for layers that you can mix and match, allowing you to create a range of stylish outfits that are both practical and fashionable. Layering is one of the best ways to stay comfortable and stylish, no matter how cold it gets outside.

Conclusion

Winter 2024 fashion trends are all about embracing practicality, comfort, and timeless style. From the return of the cardigan to the versatility of animal prints, these trends allow you to build a wardrobe that is both stylish and functional. Whether you're looking for new outerwear, footwear, or simply updating your accessories, there’s a trend for everyone this season.

At Preloved, we’re all about embracing sustainability while staying on top of the latest trends. Whether you’re searching for a vintage cardigan, suede jacket, or pair of riding boots, our collection offers eco-friendly fashion choices that will keep you stylish and warm all winter long. So, as you look ahead to Winter 2024, don’t forget to tap into these timeless trends that offer both comfort and style.