With winter 2026 shaping up to be rather frigid in Chicago, I've decided to go west, specifically Los Angeles. I'm trading my snow boots and puffer jackets for something far more relaxed. That being said, there's still quite a bit of cold (and semi-cold) fashion I'm particularly excited by—some inspired by runways, others by emerging trend reports, and of course, others inspired by media and culture I'm currently transfixed by.
As always, I really prioritize cost per wear and versatility when it comes to my personal style. You can read a bit about my personal philosophy here. I'd say overall, it does lean a bit alternative, with some polished traditionalism, and of course some elements of kitsch. I think I'm in such a fun place with my own personal style, feeling it grow and change a bit. I'm pushing myself out of my comfort zone when it comes to silhouettes. Slowly, but life's a marathon, not a race, or whatever.
It can be so powerful to find your personal style and really put the work into building it. The way you dress and present yourself out into the world is such a statement, one that everyone should take seriously. In a time where the world is so heavy, I think that for some people fashion can be an outlet. It's about making a statement of who they are, how they want to be read, what they find powerful or provocative.
With that soapbox, here are some of the fashion things I'm really into this winter.
Brooching the subject
Over the last year I've been slowly building my brooch collection, from vintage finds on eBay to little gems in boutiques. I've gotten some goodies. Luckily I'm in good company—brooches are one of Pinterest's 2026 trend predictions. I think it's logical. It's an accessory that is very easy to build up, both in terms of collecting and styling, kind of like a buildable coverage foundation. You can go sleek and minimal or maximalist.
I also think it's still a very unexplored accessory. It hasn't really been in a lot of people's recent rotation, which makes it exciting. I also think this means a possible resurgence of more fun elements like sweater clips or cufflinks in the coming years. Anything to add a little jazz! Personally, I am planning on going MAXIMALIST with this, piling as many as possible onto my blazer lapels, and even some of my berets.
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East Coast Elite
After The Hunt came out this fall, I was instantly drawn in by its fashion. The film, set on the East Coast in an Ivy League institution, really highlights a distinctive academic wardrobe. Think long blazers, boxy cashmere sweaters, collared shirts peeping out of vests, and of course, really good accessories. Of course also pulling in some moody colors like oxblood and forest green.
So with that, I'm trying to incorporate some of this into my style. Right now, I'm looking to this silhouette that's a little bit of a long blazer paired with a long skirt and, eventually, if I find the right belt, belting that as well. I've pulled in some loafers into my wardrobe that I'm really excited about. I don't know, something about this kind of style I think is really interesting right now. It's elevated and chic and basic but also very approachable and quite versatile. I think, especially with the right sweater in colder months, this could be really fun.
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The long and short of it
If you haven't noticed by now, I'm having a blazer moment. A new territory for me is long blazers. See, I've always worn a crop blazer, but I think something about a long blazer is so chic. Right now, I'm really favoring them with a short skirt, sheer tight stockings, loafers, a cashmere sweater with a collar popping out, and some type of fun bag. I think that's probably going to be my go-to outfit for this year because it is so versatile.
The cool thing about blazers is that you can dress them up or down, take them to work or dinner, take them out for a weekend errand. There's just a lot you could do with them. You could even pull some of the other trends like brooches and pile those up on a blazer for an interesting look. Or you could pair a blazer with something sexy like a lace slip dress for date night. I think your options are just endless, and with a long blazer especially, it just adds a little bit of playful modesty that I think is really hot.
Bags that mean business
Right now I'm really trying to build out my collection of bags that are actually more practical. For the longest time, I've been a small bag girl, but now I find myself in a lot of situations where I'm needing to carry more things. Like work things. I'm particularly excited because I'm going to two conferences in which I'll be running around a trade floor all day and will need a lot of things in those bags with me.
So when I think of a work bag, it needs to be utilitarian and practical, but then I also want it to look stunning. I've been really into sleek, chic silhouettes that are minimalist. Sometimes that's a tote with extra long straps, thin straps preferably because I find that they stay on the shoulder easier. Or a bag that has a crossbody strap.
For a long time, I've been into the Sac de Jour by Saint Laurent, but I think there are a number of other good options out there. I'm looking at Celine, some vintage trapeze bags, as well as a lot of other vintage designer bags that I can find on sites like The RealReal. I personally favor a leather work bag. I just like the way it looks better, and I think that it holds up better over time.
I know there's a lot of back and forth on the internet about what's appropriate to wear in the workplace in terms of designer labels. I think that conversation is one I'm interested in and always find myself tuning into. I definitely err on the side of it's pretty okay, given that I am pretty mid to senior in my career and work in a marketing role which does tend to mean a little more fashion forward. These things aren't as frowned upon or judged, and even though I work in tech spaces, I think it's just something that maybe isn't as clocked for me. So anyways, time and place for the bag, but here are some really fun options that I found, some vintage designer, some new, and pretty affordable.
80s Extravagance
Well, this is probably the polar opposite of some of my other trends here, but I have also been really into 80s maximalism. I think part of it is that I'm in this phase where I have to dress more professionally for work events, and while I can lean into polished tailoring, I can't always pull in the kitschy, theatrical elements I love. So in my personal time, I find myself gravitating towards the most exaggerated version of power dressing. Think really bold clip-on earrings, powerful blazers with shoulder pads, briefcases, loud prints, loud colors, loud textures. Just anything that you would find in some editorial catalog in the 80s for businesswomen who meant business.
I'm particularly leaning towards skirt suit sets that I'm trying to incorporate into my looks. Always love a really loud clip-on earring. I think there are so many great vintage pieces on the market that you can get at any price point, which is really exciting. There are also other fun things to incorporate like blouses with pussy bow ties, interesting bags with lots of gold hardware. It's performative in the best way, a little tongue-in-cheek nod to corporate femininity that feels both powerful and playful.
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General fashion musings
Earlier this month Jonathan Anderson debuted Dior's pre-fall 2026 collection. This is Anderson's second collection for the brand. The collection is vast and versatile, featuring everything from gowns to jeans, trenches to dramatic blouses. It's romantic in nature, with lots of flow and whimsy.
There's this bow jacket in particular that's compelling, striking a balance between refinement with a sense of strong structure and tailoring, and whimsy, with its layering and maximalism of the bows. I would say that the outerwear from this collection is what really shines. There are a number of coats and capelets that pay homage to the complexity of femininity.
I do think the accessories were interesting, some hits and misses for me personally. This bag in particular is quite special, both refined and minimalist while still being compelling. It reminds me a bit of the Ferragamo Hug, but in a far more demure manner.
They have some other bags that have this sort of medallion, and while I'm normally someone who adores bold hardware, I do find it to be overproduced. It feels a bit forced. It reads to me like a silver label on a bar decanter, or something Lovesac fancy would put out. I just think Dior is a bit more chic than that. With that, I really love this collection, so versatile and honoring of the evolution of women, what they need and desire in their wardrobes in 2026.
What would the world of fashion look like without Christian Siriano? Well, pretty bleak I imagine. This pre-fall 2026 collection is so luxe. Per Siriano, it's very red carpet focused, elements of Hollywood glam. I think this collection plays with volume in a really fun way.
This look in particular caught my eye. Something about it feels like something Carrie would wear in one of her manic episodes during And Just Like That (yeah, I think the visit to Aidan's farm was a giant episode). It's got this voluminous skirt with a rather defined jacket that's just a touch of 40s sophistication.
I also really appreciated this beautiful corset, certainly red carpet worthy. There are also a number of very interesting separates in this collection, like this suit that are just really sharp. I really appreciate Siriano's consistent approach to inclusivity, from diverse bodies to expansive gender expression. It's always a welcome refreshment.
Wow, talk about a way to break the internet! Chanel's pre-fall 2026 was opened by Bhavitha Mandava, who was scouted on a subway. She's like so COOL and really really SMART, having two degrees and having studied architecture. Mandava is the first Indian model to open for Chanel, this particular show set on a subway, fitting to how she was scouted.
The collection features something for everyone. I see so many different people in these outfits, all unique and special. Particularly this leather suit set (4) is really cool, paired with some T-strap heels it's very mommy. There's also a jumper style dress (8) with a bit of a pillbox hat that's just very chic. Its bold use of print keeps an otherwise simple design interesting.
Overall there are so many stunning looks from this collection. And legitimately seeing this show come across my screen instantly energized me, like I could just feel it radiating from the screen. It's perhaps the first time in a while I've been excited about Chanel. It's so cool to just see all these looks and powerhouse walks coming through a subway.
So there you have it—my winter fashion obsessions, from brooches piled high to blazers worn long, work bags that actually work, and just enough 80s extravagance to keep things interesting. Whether you're braving a Chicago winter or trading it all for LA sunshine like me, I hope some of these inspire your own wardrobe evolution.
You can shop all my picks here, and as always, I'd love to hear what trends you're feeling this season. I love a inspo exchange!
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