Move Out of the Way Micro Scarves, Shaggy Boots are Back
Micro scarves, simple turtlenecks, and mittens are classics and were the ‘it-girl’ pieces of winter 2023. Although timeless and always a fail-safe outfit for a fashionable way to stay warm during the colder months, the winter staples seem to have taken a 180° this season. Shaggy boots, big fur coats, and furry headbands seem to have taken over. Instead of simple wellies to trek through the ski mountains, Moon Boots seem to be as popular on the slopes as the skis themselves. This ‘maximalist winter’ seems to be a continuation of the hyper-pop and party-girl style of this year's brat summer, which is also quite the opposite of last year's coastal-grandma and Scandi-girl summer.
Brands such as Skims and Zara have been one step ahead of this trend, with campaigns featuring celebrities such as Tate McRae and Kate Moss showing off their best maximalist winter gear in snowy and cold city settings, showcasing the versatility of these winter pieces. Scrolling through TikTok in winter 2023 and winter 2024 demonstrates these differences through the outfits worn, and even types of videos made. Last year, ones explore page might’ve been filled with minimalist winter outfits, such as a simple jeans, sweater, and booties fit, filmed to a more indie or holiday song. This season, explore pages are filled with mob-wife-style videos, with massive cheetah-print coats and oversized sunglasses, filmed to songs such as Dirty Cash, a more techno, club-vibe song.
As with most trends, this is not the first time this style has been the look of the winter. It’s slowly been making itself present throughout the past few years, and the regaining popularity of shows such as Sex and the City and other 90s classics may have to do with this. The fabulous thing about this trend is that it can be taken in so many different directions. You can go the more truly maximalist direction, with oversized cheetah print fur coats, big fuzzy hats, and statement boots. Or, you can go the more SATC-esque direction, with a solid-color short fur coat, paired with kitten heels and micro-sunglasses. Because this trend is more focused on warm, statement outerwear pieces, as opposed to items such as sweaters and pants, it can be combined with last year's minimalist statement pieces. An off-the-shoulder white sweater and bootleg jeans from last year's style of the season could be paired with a long, fur cheetah-print coat and statement booties to make a more extravagant outfit. A short black dress worn with simple tights and heels can be paired with a short, oversized shaggy coat, furry headband, and oversized black sunglasses to turn a simple dinner outfit into an outfit perfect for a night out in the city.
As adorable as the pieces a part of ‘maximalist winter’ are, they may not be the most easiest pieces to find, for whatever the reason may be. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to get your hands on some staples. Popular brands like Zara, Asos, and Princess Polly joined in, and make some chic faux-fur coats that are the perfect addition to your closet to really add some spice to an outfit. Urban Outfitters, as well, is always a classic go-to for finding pieces that are currently trending. They have so many variations, from long cheetah print coats, to zip-ups and buttoned ones that are perfect for a more casual, daily option. And … a lot of them are on sale right now, perfect for the winter that’s starting up and the holiday season, start working on your wish list ;)
Another option, which may end up with some real-fur options, is to check out charity shops or go online for second-hand shopping. There are soooo many options in the charity and thrift shops, probably resulting from older women who donated them … they have good style! If you really know the keywords and spend some time looking at apps such as Poshmark, Vinted, or Depop, you could probably snag a version of a fur coat for an incredibly affordable price. To be honest, finding second-hand pieces may end up being even better quality, as they are probably vintage and better made. Always worth asking your mom or grandmother to raid their closet – you never know what you could find.
The ‘maximalist winter trend’ has highlighted a certain aspect of every fashion trend from the past few years—bringing back fashion pieces and styles from older eras and taking a modern interpretation of them. The fun and cool thing about this ‘maximalist winter’ trend is that because it is so eccentric, it allows for so much individuality and creativity. Whether you want a long cheetah print coat, a short subdued coat, silver Moon Boots, or brown shaggy boots, there is an option for everyone. Staying warm while looking cool is no easy feat, but incorporating the ‘maximalist winter’ into your closet may make it a bit easier.