Top Winter Trends for 2020 and Personal Predictions

Ok, sometimes I really do not understand high fashion. I mean, look at this:

What the heck? That girl’s got a hot pink Elmo around her neck! Also, is that Cara Delevingne? I’m getting off topic.

The newest trends for winter 2020 seem a little out there at first (see above), but they start to make sense when you look into them a little deeper.

Today we’ll be discussing 2020 winter fashion in all its confusing glory, from fleece to ruffles, and minimalism to animal print (yes, it’s back for the 632nd time this decade). We’ll also discuss a bit of where these trends may stem from, and finally, we’ll dive into my personal predictions for the upcoming season.

What’s Hot

Fleece

After sifting through a bunch of recent fashion shows, I’ve noticed an increasing amount of designers using fleece.

Personally, I think it's very meh, you know? Fleece comes off as

a very cheap material to me, and it’s definitely not something I’d use in a fashion show. Sure, it keeps you warm, but they could’ve gone for more expensive materials like silk or wool.

Designers like Chanel and Phillip Lim used a bunch fleece in their winter collections, which just really shocks me. So… I guess fleece is trendy now? Sorry, but you won’t see me wearing it any time soon.

Ruffles

Ruffles are gonna be major this winter, maybe because they add layers and layers mean warmth…? Just a guess. Either way, I’m all for this trend.

I think ruffles add just the right amount of flair and romanticism to a piece, a designers like Brock Collection are putting it everywhere, including around the neck - very Elizabethan!

Honestly, I’ve envisioned designs with a ruffle around the neck for a few months now, and I’m really happy to see other designers trying it out as well.

The 1970’s

Ok, this I’m pumped for. I’ve been dressing like I’m headed to “Summer Jam ‘73” since 8th grade, so the revival of the 1970’s is truly exciting.

My personal style is hugely influenced by the late 60’s and early 70’s, so things like high waisted, flared trousers, pleated skirts, and earth tones coming back are really helping me look forward to the upcoming season.

Many speculate the reason for the 70’s style coming back is because the entire decade was rooted in activism. Women were being liberated, the civil rights movement had been in full swing for many years, and the LGBTQ+ community was slowly gaining positive attention.

The fights fought way back in the 70’s have suddenly been revived, so it only seems natural that the fashion from that decade make its way back as well.

Utilitarianism/Minimalism

Have you ever watched The Matrix? I had to watch it once my junior year of high school in Mythology class to learn about the “Hero’s Journey.” That’s besides the point. The reason I bring this movie up is because it seems to have inspired many designers this season!

In the movie, all the characters wear mostly black leathery material, like this:

And these types of outfits were EVERYWHERE in runway shows! Alexander Wang and Versace did some amazing Matrix inspired pieces, and that’s saying a lot coming from me since I don’t like black.

Long, layered pieces look good on everyone, and black is a universally loved color, so we can assume these styles emerged due to the unisex trend that is unfolding across all designers.

Generation Z (the generation these pieces are being marketed to) is less and less interested in strictly “male” and “female” garments, and seeing a man wearing typically feminine clothing - or vice versa - is becoming extremely common on the runway.

Animal Print

As I mentioned at the top, animal print is back on trend, but it goes in and out so fast I’m worried by the time you finish reading this post, it’ll be out of style again!

I feel like either you LOVE animal prints, or you absolutely CANNOT stand them. I personally fall into the latter category, and it’s not because I think animal prints are ugly. They’re not. Well, most of them. I’m just so frustrated that they go in and out of style so easily! Make up your mind! Am I draping myself in (faux) cow hide or not?!

Apparently, this season we are.

My Predictions

I’m just going to be honest at this point. All of my predictions stem from the fact that we are entering the 2020’s. If we aren’t walking around looking like Nick and Jordan from The Great Gatsby for the next decade then I don’t want anything to do with it old sport!

I’m expecting feathers to be big, which we saw a bit of at the Marc Jacobs show (see right), and I’m also hoping things like dazzling headdresses and fringe will be trending again, all inspired by the glitz and glam of 1920’s fashion.

The thing I’m most looking forward to is the revival of art deco.

I LOVE the look of art deco, and I think it’s time it came back. Heck, if no one else does it, I’ll have to!

Fin

And there we have it! The 2020 winter season has a wide variety of things trending, so you’re sure to find something that interests you. And if you can’t, that’s ok too, because as I mentioned at the very beginning, haute couture is weird.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you somewhere over the rainbow with more from the world of fashion!