As the weather grows colder, a good outfit becomes harder, and harder to put together. Like most college students, I am guilty of trading in business casual clothing for the infinitely more comfortable combination of sweatpants and a sweatshirt. The negative aspect of our comfortability, however, is that we are missing the dawn of the newest, fun era in fashion.  

Fall and early winter attire are so much more than hats, gloves and ornate scarves. Seasonal fashion is representative of unmade memories, and the joy of sharing the upcoming holidays with the people you love most. An article of clothing is not just a piece of fabric, but a reflection of you. Fashion is cyclical, but your weekly outfits don’t have to be.

The category is… timeless fashion. This December, the emerging trends include pieces that the fashion world has absolutely seen before but are standing the test of time in their uniqueness. In terms of color, neutrals and deep reds are the most desired color palette this autumnal season. The beauty of revolving an outfit around neutrals is that you can elevate the look with a pop of color that is sure to stand out against the graying skies. 

If you’re looking for a definitive list of trends to indulge in during these cold winter months, I’ve concocted a short list derived from hours of fashion tracking on social media sites like TikTok and Pinterest. The things I’ll do to promote a good outfit…  

Leather: 

Jackets, pants, boots, you name it. The sleek staple of fall, leather is the natural fabric of dreams with its versatility and varying patterns. Distressed leather jackets are especially popular this season, as they can be paired with virtually any outfit. Leather adds an edge to your look and can take an outfit from being simple to chic instantly. Faux leather is the way to go, as you can easily thrift a faux leather jacket for a lower price, yet still the same amount of style!

Denim: 

If you take anything from this article, I hope you will remember the words I am about to tell you: invest in a good, timeless pair of jeans. To own a solid pair of reliable denim is so important to cultivating a good sense of style. To stay on trend, I recommend any cut that isn’t strictly “skinny,” such as wide leg or bell bottom jeans. However, jeans are not the only trending form of denim in the modern fashion world. Recently, over-sized denim jackets have made a comeback, most often paired with a pair of denim jeans in the same wash. Don’t be scared to try denim on denim, either.  If famous actress Dakota Johnson can do it stylishly, so can you! 

Shoulder Bags: 

Trade in that fraying tote bag for a sleek shoulder bag this winter, I promise you won’t regret it. Shoulder bags are the perfect purse for fall, as you will be able to pack everything you need into a bag that will fit perfectly over your puffy coats (which I also recommend to you, by the way) this winter. They don’t need to be designer bags, either. Any shoulder bag that is not falling apart at the seams will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe, regardless of color or ranking in price points. They are chic, and a way to remain classy while still carrying a purse, which at times feels very tacky… for some reason. You can even take inspiration from Jane Birkin’s methodology, and decorate your purse with various charms, pins and necklaces in order to make it more personal to your sense of style!

Bows/Ribbons:  

With the holidays rapidly approaching, the sight of various ribbons and bows grows each day. Why not use your mother’s extra present-wrapping-ribbons to really tie your outfit together? (You see what I did there? This 2023 season, ribbons have been used in various different manners of fashion; in your hair, around your neck, and even woven through the eyelets of your favorite pair of sneakers. It’s a whimsical, and terribly cute way to bring back that same childhood excitement for the holidays that we are all so familiar with! 

 So, cozy up and head on over to your favorite stores (whether by URL or by boot-clad foot) and sift through the styles to find your own! Happy Holidays HFU, may your outfits be merry and bright!

Susie DiPietro is a fourth-year English major, and Creative Writing minor at Holy Family University. She is currently interning as a Co- Executive Editor of Tri-Lite, and her interests include vintage music, film, and fashion.