Winter is here. The wind is blowing, the temperature has significantly decreased, and you need a new wardrobe. But, what are some of the new clothes and winter fashion trends that are a closet must-have in 2026? Here are 7 items of clothing or trends that need to make an appearance in your outfit rotation this winter.
1. Sheer fleece-lined tights
Have you ever wanted to wear a dress or a skirt, but as soon as you walk outside it is way too cold? Well, adding a pair of fleece-lined tights to your outfit will keep you warm and become a staple in any closet.
Fleeced-lined tights come in many colors that makes them suitable for any outfit. They pair well with thigh high boots, flats, heels, or UGGs for any occasion imaginable. Dress them up with a skirt, sweater, and heels, or dress them down with baggy, distressed jeans and an oversized shirt.
2. Leather jackets
Leather jackets are a timeless, versatile item of clothing that can be lined for a warmer experience. Whether the leather jacket is new, worn-in, vintage, or found at a local thrift store, they will keep you warm and be a great addition to your winter jacket rotation.
Grab a form-fitting leather jacket for a more sleek and stylish look or a baggy jacket for a more street-wear attire. They pair nicely with sweaters, jeans, dresses, tank tops, literally anything. That is what makes leather jackets an ultimate staple piece to your coat rack.
3. Leg warmers
The 80s are back, well sorta. Leg warmers became popular due to warmth, popularity, and functionality. Now, they are dominating the fashion industry with a wide variety of bright, neon colors to the neautral, earthy tones making them a must-have winter accessory.
Perfect over a pair of the previously mentioned fleeced-lined tights with any kind of fuzzy or combat boot. Or style them into a more casual street-wear with jeans and Converse.
4. Browns
Chocolate brown is becoming the most popular color trend, especially around fall and winter. The “brown-core” aesthetic became popular due to its versatility of working perfectly with a wide range of colors.
Will the color brown keep you warm? Of course not, but finding the perfect one, brown, trendy, and must-have jacket that pairs with any and all of your winter outfits is any winter closets dream.
5. Winter scarves
Scarves are a definite all-time winter must-have item of clothing, but in 2026 the longer and fuzzier the scarf, the better. They come in a variety of different forms, including, but not limited too, stripes, tassels, plaid, thin, and wide. The options are limitless and hopefully your closet.
6. Ear muffs
There is a rise in popularity of using ear muffs not just for their functionality but as a fashion statement. Ear muffs provide an exceptional amount of warmth, while also becoming a popular fashion trend, especially amongst Gen Z. Known for their variations in style, color, and patterns, they also provide more functional usage than just keeping ears warm.
For those who need an alternative to their classic Bluetooth headphones this winter, opting for earmuffs with built in Bluetoooth speakers will keep your ears warm and the music playing.
7. Flats with socks
A some-what crazy concept, flats with socks are in this winter.
Flats can elevate any outfit for any occasion, but adding socks, whether they have a ruffled or lace trim or funky pattern, will keep your feet warm and become a must-have combo in your rotation of outfits. Flats with socks can be personalized to anyones aesthetic.
A white crew neck sock with a black flat can make a sophisticated statement to any outfit, while opting for colorful or patterned socks can be worn casually.
8. Winter Hats
Winter hats come in many different variations and a multitude of various materials. From beanies to trapper hats to balaclavas, these hats will elevate your outfit, hide messy hair, and keep your head and ears warm.
Beanies are a year-round versatile way to make any outifit unique creating a sense of individuality. From a folded hem or pom-pom style, these tight-fitted winter hats will keep you warm by making a perfect accessory for any outdoor actvity or improve a winter outfit for late nights.
If you decide to leave beanies and other winter hats in 2025, think about adding a balaclava to your winter outfit rotation. If your wardrobe is streetwear focused, a balaclava is a perfect addition to your winter closet. It provides significant warmth with breathable material, covering most of your head leaving a small opening for your eyes.
9. Winter Gloves
Winter gloves have always been a nescessity for any winter closet, focusing more on warmth than functionality. Today, gloves are becoming more than just a winter accessory and nescessity.
Have you ever had to take of a pair of your gloves to use your phone? Well, gloves are becoming more tech-friendly by adding sensitive touch screen pads on thumbs and index fingers. This allows for your hands to continue to stay warm, while still being able to use your phone.
Also, the versatility of different materials makes gloves a trendy must-have item of clothing for winter in 2026. The more sleek style of gloves, especially those with faux fur on the hem, are becoming a popular trend for this winter.
10. Faux Fur
Faux fur has become a popular fall and winter trend since the beginning of 2025 due to the “mob wife aesthetic” that was and still is taking over the internet.
This trend is overtaking the fashion industry. Faux fur boots, coats, and purses are just a few of the many statement pieces that highlight the trend of looking luxurious. Pairing a faux fur statement piece with casual pieces, especially browns, will keep you warm and stylish for winter in 2026. Faux fur makes any simple or basic outfit trendy and chic.
There is no choice between warmth, comfort, and making a fashion statement when you can have all three in your closet this winter. Make 2026 your year to elevate your style and keep up with trends.
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