The Winter 2026 Trends That Make Getting Dressed Feel Fun Again
Consider this a cure for your cold-weather blues.
Before you know it, the sky will fill with soft snowflakes and temperatures will dip below freezing. Yes, winter is looming. Although I'm looking forward to curling up on the couch with a few wholesome Hallmark holiday movies, I'd be lying if I said I was excited about the sun setting around 4 p.m.
To make the season feel a little less gloomy, I'm turning to fashion's most exciting winter trends, which happen to offer a welcome dose of dopamine dressing.
A look at the latest Resort collections reveals that designers were in a particularly joyful mood. Valentino embraced extravagance with a feather-trimmed dress covered in shimmering jewels. Elsewhere, Khaite experimented with sculptural silhouettes, presenting buoyant balloon pants and puff-sleeve jackets that practically defied gravity. Ferragamo played with sheer fabrics, while Carolina Herrera embraced a primary color palette punctuated by saturated shades of red, yellow, and blue.
Other luxury labels followed suit with wild animal prints, maximalist accessories, and statement-making workwear that challenged traditional corporate dress codes. The message was clear: Cold-weather dressing doesn't have to be quite so serious.
Ahead, discover the winter 2026 fashion trends bringing a little excitement to the season. I've included affordable finds I'm already eyeing, along with a few luxury pieces that have earned a prime spot on my Christmas list.
Ornate Fabrics
Valentino, Kallmeyer, Ulla Johnson, Self Portrait, Anna Sui, Erdem Resort 2027.
This season, the Resort collections made a convincing case for unabashed opulence. Designers embraced a more-is-more approach, sending out sumptuous brocade jackets, jewel-encrusted dresses, and shimmering sequin skirts. Consider it an invitation to indulge in a little extravagance, starting with the richly textured, embellished pieces below.
Sculptural Silhouettes
Balenciaga, Khaite, Ashlyn, Stella McCartney Resort 2027.
There's nothing wrong with streamlined silhouettes, but winter dressing is a lot more interesting when you play with proportions. Consider a billowing funnel-neck jacket, a playful peplum dress, or a pair of cocoon-shaped trousers. These exaggerated shapes bring a sense of whimsy to even the simplest outfits, proving that a little extra volume can go a long way.
Workwear Revamp
Balenciaga, Chanel, Victoria Beckham, Self Portrait, Magda Butrym Resort 2027.
Your work wardrobe doesn't have to mean business as usual, and this season's Resort collections make a convincing case for loosening up the dress code. Designers including Balenciaga, Chanel, and Self-Portrait reimagined nine-to-five dressing with oversized suiting, sculptural jackets, and blouses finished with airy, flowing details. Think of it as a more expressive approach to office attire, one that leaves plenty of room for personality without abandoning tailoring altogether. Ahead, find the pieces that make getting dressed for work a little more interesting.
Big and Bold Accessories
Erdem, Rabanne, Balenciaga, Chanel, Kallmeyer Resort 2027.
I don't think minimalism is going anywhere, but maximalism is certainly having a moment. For winter 2026, expect oversized faux-fur hats, feather-trimmed shoes, and chunky gold jewelry that refuses to go unnoticed. Dazzling brooches and statement bags are getting in on the fun, too. The beauty of these accessories is that they can transform even the simplest winter outfit, whether you're dressing up a sweater and jeans or adding a little extra sparkle to your holiday party look.
Primary Color Palette
Ferragamo, Tory Burch, Batsheva, Stella McCartney, Carolina Herrera, Gucci Resort 2027.
Winter wardrobes tend to favor a quieter palette of black, gray, camel, and cream, but this season, designers are making a case for turning up the volume. If you're ready to give your neutrals a break, consider vivid shades of red, yellow, and cobalt blue. Go all in with a brightly colored sweater dress, or ease into the trend with a colorful handbag. Even a small dose of saturated color can make an otherwise understated winter outfit feel entirely new.
Running Wild
Ulla Johnson, Fendi, Magda Butrym, Valentino, Ganni, Isabel Marant Resort 2027.
From zebra stripes to leopard spots, animal prints are showing no signs of slowing down. This winter, take a cue from Ulla Johnson with a sweeping, speckled coat or follow Ganni's lead with a pair of spotted trousers. Whether you go all in with a statement piece or introduce just a hint of print, there's no better time to embrace your wild side.
Sheer Separates
Kallmeyer, Anna Sui, Ferragamo, Magda Butrym, Chloé Resort 2027.
Winter dressing usually calls for piling on the layers, but designers including Kallmeyer, Ferragamo, and Magda Butrym are making a case for showing a little skin. Their Resort collections featured sheer skirts, diaphanous dresses, and transparent tights that offered a lighter alternative to traditional cold-weather dressing.
Of course, there's the small matter of staying warm. My advice? Take a more practical approach by layering a sheer dress over tailored trousers or pairing transparent tights with a knit dress and a substantial faux-fur coat. The contrast between delicate fabrics and heavier winter layers is what makes the look interesting in the first place.
