It's December, and we've got a lot on the brain. Gift-giving. Party dressing. Holiday hosting. And, of course, building out our winter wardrobe. There's the essentials that consistently get you through the season: a chunky knit, a layerable turtleneck, a wool pea coat. But there's also those trend-driven items that pop up each year that, frankly, we have to have — and that's what the slideshow ahead is dedicated to.
If you've found yourself lusting over a pair of white boots, a patent trench, or an oversized cardigan, now's the time to, well, just go for it. And if you already have said pieces in your closet, now's the time to experiment with how you style them. While it may not officially be winter just yet, when the temperatures drop and you're trying to get dressed each morning, you'll be glad you added a few less-expected pieces into that whole jeans-and-a-sweater routine. Trust us.
Dress up a casual sweatsuit with a patent coat. Extra points if you pick one that isn't black!
Photo via @alealimay.
This isn't your grandmother's cardigan. Go oversized and chunky for maximum affect.
Nanushka dress, Tory Burch sweater, Staud bag, George Keburia sunglasses.
Photo via @alwaysjudging.
We've been pushing the whole dress-over-jeans thing for a while now. This winter, add a sweater into the mix to make a styling trifecta.
Topshop dress, Zady sweater, vintage bottoms, The Frankie Shop shoes, WKNDLA earrings.
Photo via @alyssainthecity.
The teddy coat was the most popular piece of outerwear this year. Invest in one before things get too cold. (You'll thank us later.)
Weekday top, Monki coat, Fenty x Puma by Rihanna shoes.
Photo via @asos_hannah.
Is there anything more iconic than the Burberry check?
ASOS jacket, Burberry scarf.
Photo via @asos_lotte.
About that whole "no white in winter" thing...
Proenza Schouler top, Yuul Yie shoes, Pawake sunglasses.
Photo via @double3xposure.
White boots are just as versatile as black ones. Embrace the look, and don't worry about scuffing them up.
Reserved dress, Kassandra shoes.
Photo via @emilisindlev.
Case in point: They work peeking out of pants too.
Designers Remix top, Mango shoes, Monki bag.
Photo via @hannastefansson.
For the holidays, try a little black dress with a twist, like layering a short-sleeved number over a long-sleeved piece.
Missguided dress.
Photo via @enamasiama.
Sick of your plain old white button-up? Go for one with statement sleeves. It'll make a world's difference.
ASOS top and shoes, River Island skirt, Simply Be jacket.
Photo via @gracefvictory.
Play with proportions by styling a form-fitting dress with an oversized puffer. It's an unexpected combination, but it works really, really well.
Tracey Ellis Ross for JP dress, Vince Camuto shoes, American Eagle sunglasses.
Photo via @itsmekellieb.
Speaking of unexpected pairings, a casual hoodie balances out the structured cut of a blazer.
Alala sweatshirt, Zara bottoms, Kara bag.
Photo via @laurencaruso_.
Go red, head-to-toe. It works for daytime...
Tommy x Gigi coat, Ganni bag, Poppy Lissiman sunglasses.
Photo via @lizzyvdligt.
...and the evening...
ASOS top, Xandres Xline bottoms, H&M coat.
Photo via @stylehasnosize_official.
...and looks great as a power suit.
H&M suit, Nike shoes, Gucci bag.
Photo via @styledingrace__.
Find a graphic tee that speaks to you.
Rarely top, The Cords & Co. coat, Nike shoes.
Photo via @lottaliinalove.
'Tis the season of velvet everything. Live it, love it.
Mango top.
Photo via @lucywilliams02.
Do you feel like all of your cold-weather accessories are black? Give some brightly-coloured pieces a-go to add a little pop to your look.
Bogdar jacket, Dior bag.
Photo via @maria_bernad.
There is no wrong way to wear a beret.
Photo via @mariciajosephs.
Don't be afraid to mix-and-match different patterns. In our opinion: the weirder, the better.
Photo via @museummammy.
Winter's version of the matching set: a striped knit two-piece that can be dressed up or down.
Helen Lawrence top and skirt.
Photo via @naomishimada.
There's still time to get your hands on the collaboration of the year.
Opening Ceremony x Esprit top, bottoms, and coat, Nike shoes.
Photo via @palomija.
Shearling coats: They're warm, and they look good.
ASOS skirt, New Look coat, Zara bag.
Photo via @patylicious_diary.
Skip the jeans and wear your go-to sweater over a dress.
Saint Laurent bag.
Photo via @slipintostyle.
If there's a time of the year you should embrace wearing metallics, it's now.
Weekday coat.
Photo via @stephaniebroek.
That jumpsuit you wore all summer long? Throw a sheer bodysuit on underneath for a wear-all-year-long piece.
Premme jumpsuit, Nine West shoes.
Photo via @thisisjessicatorres.
Leopard is back, baby!
Stand coat, Dr. Martens shoes, Loewe bag, Céline sunglasses.
Photo via @tineandreaa.
And look how good the print looks on a pair of trousers.
Soft Goat Cashmere sweater.
Photo via @trineswardrobe.
Who cares that it's cold outside? Go sheer! Go sheer! Go sheer!
Premme top, Elvi skirt.
Photo via @ushshi.
How to wear a T-shirt in the dead of winter: Pop a turtleneck underneath.
Noah Clothing top, Nike shoes.
Photo via @vbiancav.
Remember: Your bag deserves to be festive too.
Photo via @styleisalive.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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