Cold Weather Wear: Winter Fashion Trends for 2025

When the weather outside is frightful, a great coat or warm layer is especially delightful. “There are so many great scenes that we’re seeing this winter. There’s definitely a lot of cozy vibes,” says Lyndi Barrett, a Vancouver-based publicist, trend forecaster, college fashion instructor and content creator (@stylecalling).

Winter, especially as the holiday season approaches, can be notoriously tough on bank balances. But Barrett has some reassuring news. “There’s definitely less shopping for pieces that are going to be too trendy,” she says. “People are looking for pieces that they can have in their wardrobe for a longer time.”

It’s also a good time to rediscover old favourites. “We’re seeing this return to styles from 20 years ago… a great note to shop your closet this season.” If the back of your closet doesn’t deliver, then by all means shop someone else’s. “It leans in really nicely to vintage shopping and the art of thrifting,” says Barrett. Regardless of whether you’re shopping brand new or secondhand, she has a message: “It’s so easy to shop online and buy something off Amazon, but we have so many wonderful brands here and shops that could really use our business.”

Wondering what pieces to invest in this season? Read on for the winter trends that are hotter than a cup of cocoa in the ski lodge.

Countryside Cool

To picture this trend, just imagine a getaway in the English countryside: Fair Isle sweaters, cozy cable knits, tartans, plaids and riding boots. Thankfully, you don’t need to hop a transatlantic flight to enjoy these classic knits, patterns and silhouettes—plus there are likely a few pieces in your closet already. “There’s definitely this return to classics, return to heritage,” says Barrett. “We’re seeing this at so many levels, with brands just looking for pieces that feel classic, and feel good with just a classic white shirt or really nice tailored trousers.”

Barrett suggests a classic wool coat like the Elysses Wool Coat from Vancouver-based boutique, Fine Finds. The Sleep Shirt’s Heritage Collection is another way to embrace the “Ralph Lauren Christmas that just plays so well into our countryside trend,” in styles like the Full Length Fawn Cashmere Blend Flannel.

Boho & Western

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction—that’s just science. It also explains the boho and Western trends that are currently existing alongside the more classic, heritage collections. Unlike the countryside aesthetic that leans on a classic look, boho and Western are about making it yours. “We’re seeing this bohemian vibe happening that feels really personal,” says Barrett. “You can really layer the items, add a little bit of lace, add a little bit of sparkle. With Western as well.”

But Barrett cautions that “Western doesn’t have to be a costume.” Instead, she recommends “nods of Western… like in a plaid skirt or a plaid jacket.” To try this trend, Barrett suggests Vancouver-based boutique Harly Jae, a slow-fashion brand. The Prairie Skirt in Espresso Plaid hits both notes—Western and boho—and possibly even a third trend. “This has really been a season of skirts, of statement skirts,” she says. The Haven Blouse in moody plaid is another great option.

Personalization is key to this trend, and Barrett points to bag charms as a way to turn any bag into a statement piece. Jane the Brand is a local brand that offers charms and accessories that range from kitschy (plush gyoza) to glam (bead-studded bow). Barrett has her eye on the recently released bubble letter charms.

Après Ski

Regardless of whether ski season means schussing down the slopes or simply cozying up by the fire and looking like you did, there’s an après-ski look involved. “Even if you are not skiing, you can still dress as if you’re going for a nice, warm beverage in the Village,” says Barrett. The key is cold-weather essentials that look good, too. “A lot of fishermen sweaters, cable-knit sweaters and a lot of faux fur and just cozy details.”

For on-piste style that has mileage beyond the ski hill, look for Mongolian cashmere courtesy of Gerdene, which recently opened its only North American location in Vancouver. Options like the Cable Knit Poncho Sweater or the Rib-Knit Cashmere Scarf will look good and keep you toasty.

Chocolate Brown

It’s a warm, polished neutral that somehow still manages to make a statement. “Chocolate brown is such a popular colour this season,” says Barrett. To get in on this trend, she has a suggestion. “You know, we all have the black coat, but maybe look for something in our trending colour.”

That rich shade is perfect for the season, but don’t be afraid to branch out further into the browns. “Raisin, anything in the brown family… hazelnut or chestnut,” she says. If the warm, dark shade isn’t for you, Barrett suggests “burgundy and… pops of red,” as well as “greens in every shade, from dark forest greens to quite bright shades.”

Polished Footwear

Keeping toes warm and outfits trendy can be a challenge. But this season’s trending shoes and boots are up for the task. “We’re seeing fewer trainers and runners, and more polished footwear. A lot of boots and loafers and brogues,” says Barrett.

If you’re not ready to say goodbye to your comfortable footwear quite yet, don’t fret. “Oftentimes, you’d either be wearing a sneaker or a heel… it was one or the other. And now we’re seeing this in-between, where you can elevate your look by, you know, instead of throwing on that runner, just put on a loafer or a brogue or Mary Jane.”

Poppy Barley, a popular Canadian brand, is a favourite of Barrett’s for combining two key trends. “They put out a chocolate brown pair of boots that are just beautiful,” she says. They are the Riding Boot in the espresso shade, and are *chef’s kiss* perfection.

Sparkle

Sure, the holidays are just a sliver of the winter season. But figuring out what to wear for all the holiday parties and festivities seems outsized. So, as we sashay from Christmas party to informal gathering, what to wear? “I think we’re all ready for some sparkle,” says Barrett. She notes that it’s an easy way to add glam to an outfit, without being too serious. “Just add something fun to your outfit, whether it be a fun scarf or a sequin top.”

Barrett notes that Fine Finds has several options for those who love a spangle. She recommends the Sequin Flower Sweater that combines winter white with sparkly gold, and the Pearl Studded Batwing Sweater. Plus, a statement skirt like the Renaz Sequin Skirt will take the wearer through the holiday season and beyond. “This mix between cozy and still being glam,” says Barrett, “fits perfectly for our B.C. lifestyle.”