Fur coats are making a comeback as vintage fashion and old-school glamour return to current winter clothing trends. (Image Courtesy of Freerange Stock)
This piece is from the CU Independent’s opinion section. Any opinions or views do not represent the CU Independent.
Each year, winter fashion brings in a new mix of styles, whether it is with older trends with a new twist or new styling techniques. Winter trends often balance practicality with creativity, as people try to find ways to stay warm in freezing temperatures while still being able to express their personal style. This season there have been a lot of winter fashion trends that I have really loved, as well as some that I have not. By taking a look back at some of the trends we have seen so far this winter, it shows how fashion is often influenced by history, vintage aesthetics and pushes the boundaries.
One winter trend that I have really loved this year is faux fur coats. They first became popular in the 1920s-1930s when they emerged as an alternative to real fur. They then gained more traction in the 1980s-1990s as people became a lot more concerned about animal rights and ethical fashion. Real fur coats were out and faux fur fashion was in. The trends took a little bit of a hiatus but then remerged in the 2020’s as it was more connected to vintage aesthetics and bold winter styling trends. They instantly make an outfit feel more elevated while still being warm and relatively practical. I like how these coats can turn even a simple outfit like jeans, boots and a sweater into something that is more stylish, bold and dramatic. Faux fur also adds a lot of texture to winter outfits, which can often feel extremely repetitive with bulky, and often not cute, heavy coats and layers.
Another reason I really lean towards this trend, is that it offers an extremely glamorous look while still being very ethical and also accessible. Many celebrities have been seen wearing faux fur this season, including Dua Lipa. She wore a faux fur outfit designed by Stella McCartney and has also been spotted wearing other faux fur pieces from other designers. Dua Lipa shows how cruelty-free fashion can still look bold and stylish while still remaining ethical towards animals. Overall, faux fur coats are a great way to combine comfort and a bold fashion statement all while being iconic.
Another winter trend this year taking over the runway is the popped collar. Popping the collar on coats, jackets, or sweaters adds an extremely small stylistic detail that can change the overall look and vibe of an outfit. Popping the collar creates a much more structured aesthetic. Historically, collars were actually designed to be worn up for a variety of different practical reasons, especially in colder climates where they helped protect the neck from cold temperatures. In the 1980s, they became a major fashion statement in casual and preppy styles with polo shirts and layered looks becoming the victim of popped collars. The trend has resurfaced many times since then and is often heavily tied to vintage or retro style fashion.
I am not a huge fan of this trend. While I understand the appeal and the dramatic look it can create, I think it often just looks overly styled and a little forced. I also feel like it can look a little outdated depending on how it is styled. Sometimes popping the collar can make an outfit feel less effortless and more like you are specifically trying to start a trend back up that was once popular 40 years ago. It ultimately feels like they are trying to follow a trend rather than reflect their own personal style. I tend to prefer winter outfits that feel a bit more relaxed and natural rather than trying too hard to look intentionally bold. I think the best winter outfits are focused on layering, textures and comfortable pieces rather than having one super defining feature of an outfit that becomes the sole focus of someone’s attention.
Another trend that has appeared in fashion lately is polka dots. Polka dots have been extremely popular for a long time, but are recently having a resurgence again. They first became widely popular in the mid-1800s and then later again in the 1920s and 1950s. The patterns became heavily associated with a more playful and feminine style as they were commonly seen on dresses, swimwear and tops. Recently, polka dots have returned in both casual and more formal clothing pieces. They have appeared on dresses, skirts and even accessories. I absolutely love this trend. Polka dots feel classic and also very fun. They are able to add a lot of personality to an outfit without it being too overwhelming. I love that polka dots stand out but not in a way that’s more attention seeking. I also really like how the pattern has a connection to vintage fashion as it gives outfits a timeless and slightly retro feel while still looking very stylish and on trend today.
Another trend that has recently gained a lot of attention in fashion is Jorts (Jean Shorts). Jorts are a form of longer shorts that come in a variety of fabrics such as jean, polyester and cotton. While they may seem like a more modern trend, they actually became popular in the 1980s and 1990s as a casual and more relaxed style. Jorts are often associated with laid back summer fashion and streetwear. In more recent years such as the 2000s and 2020s designers have been styling them in a more oversized and fashion forward way. Originally jorts were more associated with summer styling; however, jorts now have been styled in winter outfits. People often pair jorts with tight, tall boots and heavy coats in the winter.
Personally, I am not a huge fan of this trend. If jorts are on the right person and styled correctly they can actually be really fashionable. However, I think doing it correctly is extremely hard to do.
Overall, all of these winter trends have shown that fashion continues to evolve every season by blending past influences with modern styles. These trends allow people to experiment with styles that reflect both historical fashion trends while also mixing in personal expression and creativity.
Contact CU Independent Writer Emily Eigenbrode at emily.eigenbrode@colorado.edu
