You can break winter fashion down into two distinct categories: weatherproof and party-proof. Hard-working, cozy clothes are on one end—think cashmere sweaters and burly coats designed to withstand snow, slush, and sub-zero temperatures. Festive pieces for sipping bubbly and dodging mistletoe at holiday gatherings are on the other. The Winter 2026 fashion trends honor both camps, balancing functionality and fun, gorpcore essentials with fête-ready flair.
Most of the emerging trends for the season will feel like familiar favorites; of the seven identified below, five are continuations of silhouettes that have been prevalent for some time now. But, as you would expect from every new period of the fashion calendar, designers incorporated fresh-feeling tweaks and additions in their Resort 2026 collections to rationalize why it’s worth refreshing your existing winter capsule.
To start, designers are upping the ante on fall’s funnel-neck jacket trend for the colder-weather season with shearling collars and coats that come with scarves built in. Polka dots—the trend that filled Summer 2025 with specks and circles—replace tartan as the top print to wear to a holiday party, especially when it covers retro slip dress or sweet Mary Jane flats.
Overall, the Winter 2026 fashion trends represent a fashion season at its most successful: a line-up of timeless silhouettes infused with elements of now—and a hint at what’s to come.
Collar, Popped
Kallmeyer, Veronica Beard, Khaite, The Row, and Ferragamo Resort 2026
Phoebe Philo has been leading the modern revival of funnel-neck coats since launching her solo line in 2023. Don't know her? Ask your resident fashion nerd, and you'll get an earful in return.) Brands like Khaite, The Row, and Ferragamo have picked up on the look the designer put forward and are now peppering a slew of stiff, stand-collar outerwear into their Winter 2026 collections. Ahead of another season with weather so unforgiving that you'd rather stay in bed all day, now's a great time to invest in the coat trend that comes with a built-in swaddle.
Mr. Sandman
Ermanno Scervino, Sportmax, Max Mara, Armarium, Erdem, Fendi, and Officine Générale Resort 2026
The people long to take a nap—fashion's power-player designers included. Brands like Max Mara, Ermanno Scervino, and Fendi riff on silk pajama sets in their Resort 2026 collections, upstyling the separates with faux fur stoles and high-shine accessories. Meanwhile, at Erdem, Armarium, and Officine Générale, sleepwear shirting is less starched and more relaxed and ready for a snooze.
The Hero Jacket
Balmain, Khaite, Brandon Maxwell, Gabriela Hearst, Ralph Lauren, and Stella McCartney Resort 2026
It's easy to become overwhelmed by the new outerwear silhouettes that debut every winter, to the point where you'd prefer to burrow into your ol' reliable puffer coat and forget it all. Designers came up with a possible solution this season: Without question, basic black leather jackets are the most popular coat trend on the Winter 2026 runways. If you don't want to wrap your head around unfamiliar shapes (a funnel neck isn't for everyone, after all) and textiles, keep it simple with a classic leather moto or bomber jacket.
Polka Party
Balenciaga, Gucci, Fendi, Ann Demeulemeester, Coach, Valentino, and Sportmax Resort 2026
Designers double down on dots for Winter 2026. From simple slips and party pants to wear to your office's holiday happy hour to pussy-bow blouses and pencil skirts for the day after (hopefully without a hangover), this season explores the full speckled spectrum. Maximalists consider cheetah print a neutral—after this season, polka dot might be next.
Mrs. Fix It
Tory Burch, Ferragamo, Courrèges, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren, and Gabriela Hearst Resort 2026
The Winter 2026 collections continue a theme that has not only become a favorite breakout silhouette in fashion, but also will appeal to those who abide by a hands-on, "roll your sleeves up" philosophy in life: cargo pocket—and lots of them. Utility jackets sit among Tory Burch, Ferragamo, Courrèges, and Louis Vouttion's winter lineups, while the oft-repeated cargo pant comes back at Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren.
What's the Skinny?
The Row, Armarium, Balmain, Alberta Ferretti, Courrèges, Gucci, and Maria McManus Resort 2026
Skinny jeans—it's the best of trends, it's the worst of trends. By and large, the slim-fitting silhouette is one of fashion's most controversial, but, regardless of where you stand, designers are giving it another chance for Winter 2026. From legging-like bottoms at The Row and Gucci to cigarette trousers at Balmain and Alberta Ferretti, skinny pants are back and, without a doubt, will stoke just as much debate as ever.
The Mighty Scarf
Gabriela Hearst, Maria McManus, Kallmeyer, Armarium, and The Row Resort 2026
It's not just a winter add-on or afterthought: Just as a great coat can be the whole look, the right scarf can offer enough drama and intrigue to be the grounding factor of an outfit. Designers give the oft-ignored accessory some much-needed attention in their Winter 2026 collections. Kallmeyer showcases ivory faux fur stoles, Maria McManus and Armarium feature skinny scarves with an indie sleaze slant, and The Row debuts tunics with shawls built in.
