“Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable,” Donna Karan said.
Here in the East Coast winter has finally come, and it’s time to dig out your coats, scarves and gloves because the ever-so-evanescent, warm Pennsylvania weather has gotten bitterly cold. The new winter trends for this year prove that you don’t have to sport a North Face coat and Ugg boots to stay warm and comfortable, while looking chic.
The first trend that’s been popular this winter are ponchos and capes. This trend has been the most common because they are baggy, comfortable, warm and can be dressed up with skirts, or dressed down with jeans. These pieces are available in various patterns and solid colors. Solid colors are more simple, and we all know simplicity is always chic, timeless and versatile, but modern patterns and color-blocked ones easily spice up a boring outfit.
These attributes instantly create a staple for the winter season. When you go outside, you obviously need a coat. There are many coat trends this season including: faux fur, suede army jackets, duster coats, cape coats, petticoats and peacoats. These jackets can add texture and polish to your outfit, while fighting off the cold weather.

Turtlenecks are a thing of the 90’s, but are making a major comeback this winter. There’s something so classy, yet edgy, about a black turtleneck, not to mention how sophisticated they look. Wearing this classic style instantly makes you want to put your glasses on, sip on a Starbucks latte, and visit your local Barnes and Noble. The 1960s and 1970s are incorporated in a lot of the new trends this season; suede, bell bottoms, blunt cut bangs, denim, feminine suits, fringe and intense eyeliner are all found in high fashion and couture this year.

Fashion is always evolving and always changing, but trends can be pulled from the past by iconic figures of any given time. For example, in the 1960s and 1970s, Twiggy, Jackie O, and Cher were the faces of the decades and inspired the trends of the past, and now, the present. Now in 2016, you can see just about every current fashion icon creating or rocking these trends: Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Selena Gomez who, I think we can all agree, slay in both street style and red carpet events. And finally shoes, the fabulous kryptonite of almost every girl.
When it gets this cold, boots are definitely a must, and the boots that are in this year are over-the-knee or thigh high suede or leather boots. In making these a favorite of her own, Kylie Jenner has brought these boots their modern popularity. Ever since, people have kindled a special love for this style. Another shoe trend is pom-poms. Whether they are on a pair of high heels or loafers, this additive on the shoe is a cool feature to any outfit.
Lovers of fashion usually follow seasonal trends, or create new ones in the midst of trends we are already following. Style icons have simply made trends by expressing themselves, as some people use fashion to express who they are, or use it as an art form. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your individuality and creativity in your outfits. Look at winter as a challenge to be even more creative.