Plum, Animal Print and Funnel Necks Define Winter 2026 Style

Winter 2026 fashion is swapping muted basics for opulent fabrics, saturated color and bold prints, and we can’t get enough of what we’re seeing on the runways.

Here are the seven winter style trends to wear from the first snowfall through the holiday party season.

Fashionable confident woman wearing hat, trendy long faux fur leopard print coat, leather pants, pointed toe boots, with shoulder bag, posing on brown background. Full-length studio fashion portrait

(via Shutterstock)

Biggest themes: ornate fabrics, sculptural outerwear and animal print
Key colors: plum, aubergine, cobalt blue and red
Easy upgrade: a funnel-neck jacket or a pencil midi skirt
Practical tip: layer sheer pieces over warmer basics

Ornate Fabrics Make Winter Feel Festive

Brocade jackets, sequin skirts and jewel-encrusted dresses are all part of the opulent look, per Marie Claire.

Try pairing one ornate, embellished piece with simple knitwear to keep the outfit feeling wearable for any occasion.

Red-haired woman in a jacket looks to the side on a blue background

(via Shutterstock)

Funnel-Neck Jackets Add a Sporty Edge

High funnel necklines have been showing up up in faux suede, faux leather and cargo-inspired styles, adding edge as well as warmth to your outdoorsy winter looks.

Try zipping the collar up for a bold look or leaving it open for something more breezy and relaxed.

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Animal Print Gets Bolder

This season, zebra and leopard prints are all over coats, trousers and more, as seen at Fendi, Valentino and Isabel Marant.

Start small with a scarf, bag or boots if a full print feels like a lot, and work up from there.

Try pairing prints with chocolate brown, black or cream so they feel easy to wear. For last year’s picks, see our winter 2025 women’s fashion trends.

A stylish woman wearing a black and white leopard print coat watches a movie in a theater.

(via Shutterstock)

Also read about: The Best Wild Instagram Captions for All Your Leopard Print Pics

Saturated Color Replaces Winter Neutrals

Primary red, yellow and cobalt blue are standing in for the usual greys and creams this season, often through a simple sweater dress or eye-catching handbag.

A single bright piece against black or chocolate brown keeps the look balanced.

Fashionable confident woman with red lips makeup wearing warm knitted turtleneck sweater dress, baker boy cap, posing on red background. Studio fashion portrait. Copy, empty space for text

(via Shutterstock)

Plum and Purple Tones Take Over

Pay attention to deep plums, aubergines, berries and soft lilacs as stars of the season’s palette.

Pair them with chocolate brown or denim for an understated finish, or add silver for party season.

Woman with curly hair wearing a purple jacket stands beside a car near the coast, texting on a smartphone as warm sunset light paints the scene.

(via Shutterstock)

Also read about: The Winter 2025 Color Trend You Should Be Wearing, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Pencil Midi Skirts Bring Back the ’90s

Sleek midi skirts in faux suede or faux leather are just the thing for channeling Y2K style as you put together your next winter outfit.

We suggest styling one with calf-high boots and a fitted turtleneck to have all eyes on you.

Leather midi skirt with boots

(via Shutterstock)

Sheer Layers That Make Practical Sense

Lightweight sheer skirts, dresses and tights were seen on the Chloé, Ferragamo and Anna Sui runways, practically layered over warmer pieces.

Think a sheer skirt over leggings or tights under a knit dress for a simple way to add a dressy detail without giving up cozy comfort.

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: A model walks the runway for the Francesca Liberatore collection during, New York Fashion Week on February 11, 2017 in New York City.