In the ever-present age of social media, new fashion trends are as popular as ever. It’s easy to find something to suit everyone’s personal style with the increasing popularity of accessories and layering.
In recent years, trends have been easier than ever to follow because of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which allow users to showcase their unique style and watch other’s styles evolve. Here are some of the most anticipated fashion trends to be on the lookout for this year.
Puffer jackets
Why it’s trending
Jackets and outerwear have seen an increasing amount of time in the spotlight in the last several years because of their versatility and ability to accessorize. This year, puffer jackets in particular have been worn by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Between plenty of color and style options, and the function and warmth, puffer jackets are likely to be seen this season on and around campus, considering their level of comfort that appeals to young adults.
Where to buy
Urban Outfitters: Offers many different colors and textures
Zara: Offers longer, more chic jackets
ASOS: Offers puffier jackets in neutral colors
Free People: Offers higher quality, more expensive jackets
The North Face: Offers jackets for outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking
Target: Offers affordable, colorful jackets (plus matching ones for dogs!)
How to wear
Puffer jackets are popular because of their ability to be dressed up or down. They can easily be worn on a night out with friends but can also be worn to class or while running errands.
For a more formal look, pair a neutral jacket with a chic turtleneck or simple top and long pants. From there, have fun with accessories like sunglasses, chunky jewelry and heeled boots.
For a casual, everyday look, simply throw on a puffer jacket over jeans or leggings with sneakers.
Vintage crewnecks
Why it’s trending
Although the vintage style has been around for a while, this look became a trend on social media this year, particularly on TikTok, where users began to wear crewneck sweatshirts over white collared shirts. From there, fashion influencers like Emma Chamberlain have adopted the look and popularized it.
Where to buy
Pacsun: Offers both solid-colored crewnecks and some with branded logos
Urban Outfitters: Offers branded crewnecks with a vintage look
depop.com: Offers secondhand vintage sweatshirts
Truevintage.com: Offers a large inventory of high quality vintage sweatshirts
Goodwill: Offers a diverse selection of affordable, thrifted crewnecks
How to wear
These sweaters can be worn in the comfort of one’s own home when it’s cold outside, but social media has proved that they are much more adaptable. There’s the collared shirt route, which is another easily accessible item, but crewnecks can also be worn over turtlenecks for a similar look. For a cute but casual look, pair it with straight-leg jeans or high-waisted pants and sneakers of one’s choice.
Patterned pants
Why it’s trending
Although this trend has been around for a couple of years now, it seems like it won’t be leaving any time soon. With the wide variety of patterns, colors and cuts of pants, they can easily be worn by anyone for nearly any occasion. The trend likely started with plaid pants then spread to include virtually any pattern one can think of. A pop of fun in an outfit can boost one’s mood and tie the entire look together with a funky pattern as a focal point.
Where to buy
Princess Polly: Offers mostly plaid pants in different colors and cuts
Topman: Offers patterned dress pants, cargo pants and joggers for men
Nasty Gal: Offers pants in a variety of patterns, materials and fits
Reformation: Offers patterned dress pants
Old Navy: Offers plaid pants at an affordable price point
How to Wear
Because of their intense colors and designs, most patterned pants look best with plain tops to make the pants a statement and reduce clashing. However, if one has a good eye for pattern mixing, then the right combination can definitely work together.
Chelsea Boots
Why it’s trending
With the reemergence of Doc Marten boots as popular footwear this past fall, chelsea boots have also seen a spike in popularity. Their versatility has proved that they’re easy to wear with many styles of outfits, which is an important factor in their appeal. A neutral-colored chelsea boot is a staple, considering the simplicity of the shoe itself and the ability to easily dress up an otherwise casual outfit. The sleek design mixed with varying heel sizes allow these boots to perfectly walk the line between casual and formal.
Where to buy
Dr. Martens: Offers more casual boots with lower heels and platform soles
Madewell: Offers high quality, neutral colored boots in both formal and casual styles
Kenneth Cole: Offers dressier boots for men
Designer Shoe Warehouse: Offers designer brand shoes at discounted prices with various styles and colors of boots
How to Wear
As with many other pieces on this list, these boots can be worn with many types of looks. They can be paired with a classic sweater and skinny jeans combo for an everyday outfit, or with a skirt for a holiday dinner. Because of the covered foot, they’re sure to keep one warm, and could even be worn in the snow with their leather material.
Corduroy Pants
Why it’s trending
Gaining popularity through influencers like Emma Chamberlain, these pants attract their wearers with their unique color options, comfortable pattern and soft-to-the-touch feel. Neutral and bold colors have been introduced, both of which are an excellent statement in an outfit. As it gets colder outside, a texture like corduroy is sure to keep one warm.
Where to buy
Free People: Offers colorful, wide-leg corduroy pants
Urban Outfitters: Offers unisex corduroy pants and colorful mom jeans
Pacsun: Offers corduroy mom jeans in neutral tones
Modcloth: Offers wide-leg corduroy pants in plus sizes
How to wear
Since the color and texture classifies these pants as a statement, neutral and basic tops work best in order to avoid clashing. However, the pants are versatile enough that they can definitely be paired with other layers and accessories to make the look pop as much as one’s heart desires.
With versatile trends like these constantly making their mark on social media, there’s something for everyone to feel confident and comfortable in as the weather starts to get colder.
Contact Maeve Summers at summermm@dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on Instagram @Breeze_Culture and Twitter @Breeze_Culture.
