Winter is here, and we are all ready to update our wardrobe for the season. COVID 19 has changed everything about our lives this year, and fashion is no exception! Fashion as we know it will undoubtedly be back, but we have had to shift how we live and work, even what we wear. We have put together a list of the latest fashion trends to add to your Winter 2020 wardrobe!

1. Masks as Fashion Accessories

Masks, at least for now, have become a true fashion accessory just like jewelry, scarves, and handbags. They are so affordable and customizable! If you’re like me, I held out on buying cloth masks that coordinated with my outfit. But considering they are going to be around for at least the cold weather season, let’s make some lemons out of lemonade and have some fun with our masks!

I love that there are so many options to incorporate into our fashion style. Masks with messages, funny masks, tie dye masks, camo masks, lace masks, sequin masks, sports team masks, you name it! You can really show your personality in the mask you choose to wear. In addition, there are mask chains, some which look like beautiful jewelry, to help keep our masks safe at hand and sanitary, but easily accessible when we need them! You can also find designer masks to lay over your cloth mask to add an extra sparkle to your outfit!

Pro Tip: Look for masks that are adjustable in size for better fit and comfort, and DO NOT put your cloth masks in the dryer. They often shrink!

2. Shearling

The Shearling trend has continued to grow since last winter. What began as a lining in military bomber jackets, grew to liners in denim, became a fan favorite as a liner in our UGG boots, and has now become the star of the show for lots of our winter clothing and fashion accessories. You’ll still find it styled in natural and traditional ways, but designers are now dying natural shearling or manufacturing faux shearling fabrics in so many colors and fun patterns!

Why do I love shearling and need to add more of it to my wardrobe? Because it’s super soft, super warm, and super comfortable. It’s a must in cold weather climates! I live in the Northeast and absolutely love the shearling trend! It’s a huge hit for being practical, comfortable, AND stylish. How can you go wrong?!

So this winter, pick up some traditional colors and patterns for those cold, blustery days, but treat yourself by adding in at least one bold color or fun pattern on days you want to feel playful and sassy!

3. Graphic Sweatshirts and Hoodies

Great news! Graphic Sweatshirts are totally trending for Winter 2020, and we couldn’t be happier! Comfortable, oversized sweatshirts have always been a standby for hanging out at home. Usually they are soft and slouchy and even better, don’t require a bra!! But home is often where our sweatshirts often stay, especially when we are going out and want to look stylish. When we leave the house, the sweatshirt comes off and the nicer clothes go on.

Cute, comfy sweatshirts or hoodies with messages or symbols are all the rage this winter. Whether they are funny, inspirational, motivational, political, or whatever you want, you can express your voice and personality. Combine them with your favorite leggings, joggers or skinny jeans and some super cute kicks, and you will be completely on trend with where fashion is this season!

My favorite sweatshirts are simple, crisp white with an equally simple message, with some cute white athletic shoes and some equally casual and simple accessories like a baseball hat, large hoop earrings, and an oversized stylish handbag. But like all fashion, this trend gives you lots of options to “Be You For You”!! Enjoy!

4. Winter Footwear

Over the knee boots, pointy toe boots, and super cute athletic shoes oh my! The cold winter season really gives our shoes some time to shine.

Warm, practical, and sexy….over the knee boots have it all! Wear them with your dresses, shorter skirts, or over leggings and skinny jeans. They look amazing with anything in your wardrobe and add an extra layer of warmth to keep you toasty in the coldest weather. Structure and sizing is important as you want them to stay up on their own and not have to constantly pull them up as you wear them. Some are stiffer leather and stay up easily but aren’t as flexible and soft. Others have laces at the top to help you tighten the top for a super secure fit. The options are endless, but definitely go shopping and give these boots a try this season!

When you start shopping for boots this season, you’ll definitely notice pointy toe boots are back, and I am loving it! I’ve always found pointy toe and even pointy heel shoes super bold, sexy and empowering. Can shoes really do that? Well pointy toe boots do it for me! They make me feel tall, slim, strong, powerful, bold and super sexy. Like over the knee boots, I feel dressed up in them, even if I’m just in jeans and a hoodie. I realize they are not for everyone, and that style and comfort is a very personal thing, but I for one am so glad to say goodbye to my chunky square toe boots. While they are sensible for sure, they never make me feel beautiful and I’m all about clothing and accessories that make me feel beautiful! If you shop carefully, try them on, make sure they are sized properly, and don’t wear a heel that you can’t comfortably walk in, you will find they are just as comfortable as those chunkier styles. Give them a try! They come in so many different styles and colors!

If you are always on the go and comfort is your top priority for shoes, there is great news! Athletic shoes have made their way to mainstream fashion and are now a staple in our closet for everyday wear, not just when we are working out. Love animal print, sparkles, bright colors, neutral colors, tie dye?? There’s a sneaker for that!! You can wear sneakers anywhere these days, and this is another trend I absolutely love! When you can combine great style with comfort and practicality, it’s a winner, and athletic shoes have definitely won the gold medal! Do something different and next time you go clothes shopping, start by buying a pair of amazing, fun, stylish sneakers, and then plan your outfit around them! These days, athletic shoes can absolutely be the inspiration for an entire outfit!

5. Trendy Accessories

Many of us are watching our budget these days, but at the same time, most of us want to update our wardrobes at least a little to reflect the latest trends. Accessories are one of the simplest and most cost effective ways to do this!

Adding some on trend accessories is also a fun way to share your unique style and personality. Enhance your wardrobe this winter by buying items that add some pops of color and make a statement. Animal print, tie dye, camo and buffalo plaid are all hot this season! Scarves, earrings, handbags, hats & masks can all add that touch of pattern, color or sparkle to an otherwise simple outfit.

Take a look in your closet and look for your staple pieces. Then shop around and begin to identify the trends you absolutely love. Rather than buying clothing, find affordable accessories that you can pair with your existing clothes to create an updated look. You can even mix and match your current favorite accessories with your new ones to create a whole new wardrobe without a lot of expense. A new pair of earrings or a simple scarf can go a long way to liven up an outfit!

6. Lace Lace Lace

Vintage is in. Feminine is in. Strong is in. Sexy is in. Adding touches of lace to your outfit helps bring all these statements together. Women have been wearing lace for centuries now, and it still has a place in fashion today. Combine a lace camisole with a strong, boxy blazer, or jeans and a denim jacket for that perfect yin and yang feeling to your style. There has always been something about lace! I’m glad to see it making such a comeback, whether as an entire piece, an inset in a top or pair of leggings, or just as an accent on a piece.

Definitely look to add some lace to your wardrobe this season and incorporate it into your everyday outfits, not just for special occasions! Add a lace scarf or camisole to your wardrobe or look for a pair of black leggings with a touch of lace along the leg. Have some fun. Lace is no longer old fashioned. It’s totally on trend.

7. Tie Dye

Yes, it’s still trending and it looks like it will continue into Spring/Summer 2021! In addition to the bright colors of classic 60’s tie dye, new color combos and patterns are being introduced. Ladies who want a more neutral, subdued or even elegant look can still join the tie dye party.

Tie dye comes in so many colors and options! Tops, scarves, joggers, athletic gear, even our favorite oversized sweatshirts! If you’ve been holding out, treat yourself this winter to these fun AND stylish fashion pieces.

8. Comfort - Loose, Soft, Easy to Wear Clothes

Yes, comfort is a trend, and COVID-19 definitely strengthened it as a trend this season. With so many people staying at home, not just for their home life, but for their work life and entertainment, style that is comfortable is more popular than ever.

Whether it’s an oversized, super soft and cozy sweater, fleece joggers with a graphic hoodie, or soft, stretchy jeggings topped with a loose and flowy tunic, comfortable clothes are on trend. Loungewear and athleisure were already trending even before COVID-19, but the pandemic has only increased our desire for clothes that are both fashionable and comfortable. Even when we are working at home, we ladies still want to feel pretty!!

The good news is that so much of the new fashion is both comfortable and stylish. Elegant lounge sets and joggers are all over the stores. Faux fur in classic neutral colors or super fun patterns is everywhere. Super soft fabrics like fleece, soft brushed knits or silky fabrics that drape and follow the body without clinging or digging are everywhere. Add some great accessories and any of these items and you are ready to head out the door when you do go out.

As the pandemic rolls on, fashion continues to evolve. But I definitely miss getting dressed up and going to dinner, hanging out with friends at a bar, listening to live music and dancing. When the world begins to heal and the pandemic is over, I will be among the women who rush back to dressier, more structured clothes. But I believe this trend of comfortable style will be around for a long time. No need to sacrifice fashion for comfort. We can have both and the designers are giving it to us!

On a final note, it is my hope that when you plan your wardrobe for the upcoming Winter Season, just remember to always buy and wear only those things that make you feel happy. It is one rule that I always follow. Whether it makes me happy because it’s soft and cozy for lounging around the house, super warm for walking outside in the cold, or makes me feel pretty or sexy when I put it on. First and foremost, in some way, it must make me happy. Don’t settle on this point!

As you do your shopping for Winter 2020/2021 and beyond, EmilyAnna Boutique welcomes you to browse through our Online Store and Look Book for fashion inspiration and affordable clothing and accessories. Whether you are looking for wardrobe basics, or on trend additions, we have a little of something for everyone. Join our email list and follow us on Facebook and Instagram! We’d love to have you join our fashion community!