Trust Me When I Say These 7 Winter Mini Trends Have Serious Staying Power

I love micro trends—those under-the-radar styles and silhouettes that don’t often make it onto “top trends” reports, yet capture the attention of a dedicated, niche community of fashion followers. In fact, I think I enjoy them more than the big, unavoidable trends that dominate the stores each season. Embracing a micro trend feels like being in on a secret; it’s a way of showing you’re tuned in, noticing the nuances in the rapid fashion cycle.

The downside is that micro trends are usually short-lived, so I’m usually picky about which ones I buy into. This means assessing their longevity beforehand, but also allowing myself to take part in a transient trend from time to time if it’s something I’m really drawn to.

This season, seven micro trends in particular have caught my eye repeatedly, to the point where I’m considering adding them to my wardrobe. There’s the winter accessory championed by Y2K icons, the shoe-and-sock combo that’s a dream for us cold-natured people, plus a few more for good measure. Keep scrolling to see the best micro trends of winter 2024.

7 WINTER 2024 MICROTRENDS TO HAVE ON YOUR RADAR:

1. Skinny Scarves

Style Notes: Blanket scarves might be the practical choice, but skinny scarves are a fun throwback to the noughties—and sometimes, nostalgia wins. Plus, unlike their chunky counterparts, slim scarves bring interest without overwhelming your outfit.

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2. Bold Shoulders

Style Notes: Power shoulders are the ultimate confidence booster, especially in blazer form. Skip the strappy slip dress this festive season and opt for a sculptural, padded-shoulder silhouette instead.

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3. Socks With Loafers

Style Notes: As a pragmatist, I always get excited when a functional trend sweeps through Instagram. I’m also sensitive to the cold, so the socks-and-loafers look is right up my street. This winter, fashion people are taking the combination a step further, styling it over tights for an extra layer of warmth and style.

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4. Smart Sequins

Style Notes: We’re used to seeing sequin-sprinkled party dresses and evening accessories, but sparkles are steadily working their way into everyday outfits. The key is to choose sophisticated silhouettes, such as a pencil skirt or classic collared shirt, and the sequins will simply add that extra something something.

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5. Fair Isle Cardigans

Style Notes: Fair Isle naturally brings Christmas to mind, but I’ve come around to wearing my traditional knits all winter. As 2024 is the year of the cardigan, so this is how cool girls are currently donning Fair Isle.

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6. Cuffs Over Knitwear

Style Notes: A quick way to spruce up your knitwear? Wrap a bold cuff-style bangle around your wrist—but layer it over your sleeve, not under. This outfit-boosting trick is proving popular among the fashion set this winter.

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7. Fold-Over Boots

Style Notes: Despite Givenchy’s shark boots hitting icon status, fold-over boots probably haven’t becoming a major trend because not everyone is on board. I get it; it’s an unusual silhouette, and the exaggerated fold can feel difficult to pull off. But once you get the proportions right, they can take a simple ensemble from ordinary to eye-catching.

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