Winter Fashion Trends 2026 (For Women 40+)

Once the holidays are over, what do we wear the rest of the winter? These 2026 winter fashion trends are fresh ideas to help us stay stylish for the rest of the season…

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Après-Ski-Inspired Outfits

Fair Isle sweaters, UGG boots, puffer jackets, pom-pom beanies, fleece-lined pants, and other Après-Ski-inspired pieces are dominating casual winter fashion in 2026. You can also be quite literal with a sweater that says Après or Ski across the front!

If Fair Isle isn’t your style, try a striped sweater or a textured knit for your Après-Ski-inspired outfit. Color-block stripes (strategically placed stripes rather than all-over stripes) are very popular this winter.

I love the colors in this Madewell Color Block Merino Wool Sweater (currently on sale) and this Halogen Color Block Mock Neck Sweater.

For a fresh take on a cable-knit textured sweater, try this J.Crew Bomber Jacket.

J.Crew has an upcoming limited edition Après-Ski collection in partnership with U.S. Ski and Snowboard. Once it launches, I’ll share my favorites in my next newsletter.

80’s Inspired Styles

I mentioned seeing some late-80s-inspired styles last summer – that trend is picking up momentum for winter 2026 fashion. We’ll see hints of the late 80s in jackets and coats with strong shoulders, oversized leather jackets, loose pants (yes, parachute pants have been spotted on the runways), and lace-trimmed tops.

While quiet luxury and minimalism will still appeal to some of us, fashion is swinging towards maximalism. We’ll see more bold color combinations, statement accessories, power dressing, and glamorous looks.

Fur Outerwear And Accessories

Fur, both real and faux, is continuing beyond the holiday season. You’ll see it in casual looks like this Puffer Jacket With Faux Fur Trim, and dressy looks like this luxurious Faux Fur Cape.

Add it to your Après-Ski look with this Faux Fur Headband (available in chocolate or winter white) or these UGG® Embroidered Logo Shearling Earmuffs. Or add a touch of elegance to a work or dinner outfit with these Faux Fur Trimmed Gloves.

Statement Coats

Since we’re wearing our coat(s) every day, why not make it a fashion statement?

Scarf coats (coats with attached or detachable scarves) are still popular this year. You can recreate this look yourself with a collarless coat or jacket and an oversized scarf in the same color.

Long coats are also trending, especially belted ones that button off-center, i.e., wrap coats. I love this Mango Wool Blend Coat for its versatility. Wear it buttoned up for a high collar or unbuttoned to show off your baselayers. (It comes in green, black, and maroon).

I bought this All Saints Wrap Around Coat on sale a few months ago, and have been wearing it for dressy events. I love the elegance and drama of this calf-length style.

(And if you happened to notice my boots in this photo, apparently snakeskin is coming back in style- I haven’t seen a lot of it in stores yet, but I bought these Madewell boots a few years ago so I’m making good use of them).

Traditional longline top coats are still in style, so if you have one, keep wearing it. Update your look with a Faux Fur Pull-through scarf or a long scarf in the same color. If your coat doesn’t have a self-belt, consider adding a leather one. (If you really want to be on trend, add two belts that are the same color or width.)

Scarves

Scarves never really go out of style, but I think most of us forget to wear them! See what you have in your closet and make a point to add one around your neck, waist, or handbag. And if you feel like you need to watch a dozen scarf-tying videos first, stop, because simplicity is trending.

Triangle Scarves & Bandanas

Wear your triangle-shaped scarf around your head (for a 1960s revival look) or around your neck. I’m wearing a cashmere triangle scarf that I bought in the fall (now sold out). Bloomindale’s Cashmere Triangle Scarf and Madewell’s Knit Bandana are similar.

I’m also seeing larger triangle scarves like this Banana Republic Merino Cotton Striped Scarf and this J.Crew Wool Bandana Scarf, which are more like wraps than scarves.

What I love about these triangle-shaped scarves is that you don’t have to think about how to tie them. Just throw a larger one over your shoulders, or tie a smaller one around your neck or head with a simple knot.

Oversized Scarves/Wraps

Oversized scarves or wraps are also trending. I just bought my favorite Cashmere Wrap in a second color because I wear it so much! I wear it as a scarf over my coat, and then as a wrap when I get inside and need an extra layer. (It’s perfect to wear over a sleeveless cocktail dress).

Handbag Scarf

Since bag charms are trending, consider trying a small scarf to your handbag. My daughter bought me this handbag charm for Christmas.

Target has some very affordable scarf charms, too!

Funnel-Neck And Mock-Neck Tops

A funnel-neck is a high, structured neckline that is looser than a turtleneck but not drapey like a cowl neck. You’ll see plenty of funnel-neck (and mock-neck, which is a shorter version) sweaters, tops, and jackets this winter in both casual and dressy styles.

Take a look at this elegant, Modern Citizen Mock Neck Cardigan and this GAP Oversized Mock Neck Sweater, both of which would work from winter to spring.

Fringe

We’ve been seeing fringe in Western-inspired styles, but this winter we’re also seeing fringe in a revival of the 1920s/Flapper style. This fringe is more delicate and moves with you, so it’s perfect for a night that includes dancing!

For a cocktail party or wedding, take a look at the Sequin Fringe Dress or this Fringed Party Cape.

For a fun accessory, take a look at this Ralph Lauren Fringe Mesh Scarf Necklace.

Winter Color Trends

Icy Blue

Icy blue is a refreshing change from the reds, greens, and golds of the holiday season. It pairs beautifully with tans and browns. Try it with navy or dark denim. As we head into spring, wear icy blue with white or pastel colors.

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Navy

While chocolate brown and camel will continue to be relevant, navy is starting to gain popularity as the favorite neutral. Navy is a beautiful alternative to black, which can be too harsh on most skin tones. Wear it with charcoal, chocolate, or burgundy for a sophisticated look. Or wear it with red, emerald green, or orange for a pop of color. I’m. loving this Olive & June navy nail polish right now!

White

Pantone (the color authority that designers use for inspiration) has chosen Cloud Dancer as its 2026 Color of the Year. Pantone chose this natural white color to encourage peace, relaxation, and creativity in a frenzied world.

What does this mean for us? We may see some more white in winter collections, but I suspect that by spring, we will have forgotten this color choice, as white is a staple for warm-weather styles.

Emerald Green And Teal

Emerald green and its bluer cousin, teal, are fashion favorites this winter 2026. Both look sophisticated when paired with neutrals like navy, gray, tan, and white. If you prefer a more colorful palette, try it with warm browns and mustard yellow.

Pink & Red

With Valentine’s Day approaching, we’re seeing lots of pinks and reds. This Anthropologie Heart Motif Cardigan combines pale pink with red. You’ll also see some brighter pinks like this Raspberry Cashmere Sweater.

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Which of these trends will you be wearing?

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