A chill has settled in the air. The fireplace is crackling. The hot cocoa is cocoa-ing. Perhaps, if you’re lucky, you’ve even seen a few glittery snowflakes flitting down from the sky. Cozy season is officially upon us—an occasion that sparks joy and excitement in the hearts of winter lovers everywhere. Oversized coats, soft sweaters, snuggly scarves—oh my!
This cozy season is all about a few key pieces that are as easy to pull off as they are current and stylish. We recruited our expert team of pro Stitch Fix Stylists to give us the rundown, and do what they do best: empower you to not only try these winter clothing trends, but to truly make them your own. The goal: To help you expand your cozy comfort zone and step out into the world with the confidence that you look, feel and are great. (Because you are!)
Check out our Stylists’ 5 favorite cozy clothing trends of the season below—and how to wear them with ease, style and aplomb.
1. Play with Plaid
Plaid for winter? Groundbreaking. (For real!) This season introduces modern, maximal twists to the classic print: exaggerated and oversized versions, abstract moments, non-traditional colorways and cozy fabrications. From jackets to shirting, plaid is the stand-out print of the season—make sure the pieces are in luxurious, comfortable fabrics so you feel great as you beat the chill.
We especially love plaid on a boxy shacket (shirt-jacket hybrid) silhouette in flannel, wool and sherpa fabrications—for a look that’s as comfy as it is modern and fresh. “On a chilly day, there’s nothing better than feeling like you have a soft, cozy blanket wrapped around you,” Stylist Erin says.
And gone are the days when plaid was mainly synonymous with rugged, casual looks. You can wear today’s more innovative plaids to the office, a nice dinner and beyond. One chic plaid combo our Stylist Erin is mad for? “Pair a tartan button-up with a sleek wool pencil skirt—it’s an unexpected workwear ensemble that incorporates rugged sophistication and a nod to fall flair.”
“Plaid goes maximal this season in exaggerated, oversized versions of the timeless print.”
— Erin, Stylist
2. Fabulous in Fair Isle
If you only invest in one cozy trend this season, make it this one. “Fair Isle is a knitting technique characterized by multiple colors in intricate patterns,” Stylist Erin explains. Classic and cozy, Fair Isle sweaters are in style and the must-have knit of the season.
Try wearing the iconic staple over a crew or mock neck tee in a color that picks up some of the hues featured in the sweater. Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at some pattern mixing: “Layer your Fair Isle over a plaid button-up in coordinating hues,” Stylist Erin suggests.
But wait—there’s more. This timeless classic knit also gets an upgrade this season in fun statement colors—like teal, orange and maroon—and fresh silhouettes like the ¼ zip and oversized grandpa cardigan. So feel free to play with the colors you wear underneath!
“Fair Isle sweaters are the must-have knit of the season.”
— Erin, Stylist
3. Dress up—from the pants up
To balance out your favorite chunky knit sweaters, thick fleeces and flannels, and sturdy boots, go for a sleek bottom. “Experiment with mixing textures and shapes for a dynamic look,” Stylist Erin says. That means a smooth, more structured pant fabrication or style—we like corduroy, cargo or denim. Whether it’s cropped, wide-leg, straight or more…go for the silhouette you’re most comfortable in.”
“A favorite combo of mine is to pair a cropped, bootcut corduroy with suede boots and a chunky knit,” says Erin. “The contrast ensures you always look put-together and stylish in even your comfiest pieces.”
“Balance chunky tops with sleek bottoms in elevated fabrications and sharp silhouettes.”
— Erin, Stylist
4. Try toasty tones
“Nothing says winter vibes like a good cozy brown outfit aesthetic—camels, mochas, chestnuts, chocolates and more,” says Erin. Browns are super versatile, as they pair well with non-traditional yellows and oranges, creating endless styling options. You can also add a few less traditional colors into your cozy rotation: navy, maroon and olive are must-haves.
And don’t forget that winter staple: white (yes, really!) “In a season that can be dark and cold, winter white is bright and feels refreshing. Mixing brown and white together is the outfitting equivalent of enjoying a latte in a quaint café—enveloping you in warmth and effortless charm.” A timeless duster in a gorgeous camel is the perfect third piece to throw on over a monochromatic cream look.
“Pair bolder browns with wintry creams to strike the perfect balance.”
— Erin, Stylist
5. Boldly bundle in statement accessories
And last, the pièce de résistance: your favorite cozy accessory—or several. There’s nothing quite like bundling up in a giant oversized scarf, covering your delicate ears in an ultra-warm beanie, or slipping your feet into a pair of snuggly boots with the (faux) fur. “This season’s accessories offer aesthetic appeal and practical benefits: non-slip soles, durable weather-proof boots and heavy-duty knit scarves look great and perform even with daily wear,” Erin says.
The accessories make cozy winter outfits feel less like armoring up—and more like a good time. “Scarves create movement and energy in an outfit while keeping your neck nice and toasty—leopard or houndstooth print on a wrap scarf means this winter’s trends are next year’s classics,” explains Erin. The final (snow-proof!) touch: A Chelsea boot in a patent finish with a platform lug sole is easy to pull on when you’re already wearing a bunch of layers.
“Accessories make winter dressing feel less like armoring up—and more like a good time.”
— Erin, Stylist
Feeling excited to partner with your very own Stylist who can help you try out these cozy trends and much more?Take your style quiz, order a Fix and let your Stylist do the work for you. They’ll choose just-for-you pieces to save you time (and a trip to the mall). Keep what works, and return the rest—or keep 5+ pieces and get 20% off your entire order. Shipping and returns are always free—no subscription required. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
