Autumn/Winter Fashion Trends and Where to Find Them

Cold weather and cosy nights season is back again, which means the fluffy jumpers and puffer jackets are back out (if they ever left considering the Galway Weather). With the transition into Winter comes an array of new fashion trends.

Here are some of the top fashion must-haves for this Autumn/Winter season.

Uggs

They came back with a vengeance last Autumn/Winter and have remained popular through 2022. Ugg’s were the must have shoes of the 2000’s and with celebrities such as Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber embracing them in the 2020’s, the return of the Ugg boot epidemic began. A perfect trend to come back in for these cold months ahead! They are the ideal winter shoe; cozy, comfy, and versatile.

Where to find: Brown Thomas, DV8, Charity shops (The Simon Shop on Sea Road has a great shoe range).

Miniskirts

Ugg’s are not the only 2000’s legend to resurrect itself in the 2020’s, it is safe to say that miniskirts are all the rage once again. However, we are seeing them paired with tights a lot more this time around, making them a staple for the colder seasons. With the likes of Hailey Bieber seen out and about in miniskirts, the fashion world was never not going to hop on the bandwagon. As the 2000’s icon herself, Paris Hilton once said “skirts should be the size of a belt, life’s short, take risks.”

Where to find: Public Romance, Penney’s, River Island.

Mesh/See-Through Dresses

Maxi dresses with a see-through illusion were seen at almost every show at the Spring/Summer 2023 fashion week; but why not catch the trend early by wearing them this Autumn? The example above is taken from this year’s Saint Laurent show at Paris Fashion Week. If you are not into the see-through look, layering the dress over a unitard or bodycon jumpsuit is another way to go. This look will only grow in popularity as we head into 2023.

Where to find: Charity Shops (It would be possible to find a very unique secondhand mesh/see-through dresses. COPE and Oxfam would be your best bet for this look).

Chunky Loafers

Emma Chamberlain is to thank for this one; loafers are sure to be this Autumn’s most sought-after footwear. They are chic and stylish, with the chunky sole giving a trendy edge. The shoe instantly takes an outfit to business-casual standard, and can be paired with anything you own, be it trousers, jeans, dresses, or skirts. The only advice is to find comfy ones, as loafers can be a nightmare to break in.

Where to find: Schuh, Brown Thomas, Charity Shops (again The Simon Shop is recommended for footwear).

Earmuff’s and Leg-Warmers

The rise of leg warmers has brought the 2020’s right back to the 80’s (in some ways). The mega-cozy accessory has become a fashion statement in some regards. While the 80’s saw neon, tight fitting Leg and Arm warmers, the revamped trend sees more knitted and crocheted versions.

Another unexpected accessory trend we have come to love again are earmuffs; specifically fluffy ones. What we once saw as the annoying ear covers our parents forced on us in cold weather, is now a Winter must have.

Where to find: Independent sellers (find on Instagram, Depop etc.), Penney’s, The Kilkenny Shop.

Knee-High Boots

Knee high heeled leather boots. Dressing up any casual dress or skirt you have hiding in the back of your wardrobe, a good pair of boots is simply a need. Style icon Kendall Jenner has been seen in this look multiple times, never pairing the shoe with anything extravagant, they are always the standout moment of the outfit.

Where to find: Planet Retro, Schuh, Charity shops (COPE, The Simon Shop, Vincent’s- try them all!)

Trench Coats

Trench coats are most certainly not a trend, but a classic winter wardrobe staple. The ultimate winter coat, keeping you feeling warm while looking chic – what more could you want? Although commonly paired with business-casual outfits, recently influencers such as Molly-Mae have made it trendy to through a trench over any casual tracksuit as well. This is a great idea as not only are you super comfy, but the trench coat also adds a ‘put together’ vibe to your outfit, even though you really just rolled yourself out of bed into a trackie, and threw on your trusty trench.

Where to find: No8, Born, River Island, Brown Thomas.

Layering Over Striped Shirts

Another twist on a classic is layering a knitted jumper over a striped shirt. Everyone is sure to have a striped shirt lying around somewhere, whether it belongs to them or not! Pair the shirt with some leggings, jeans or even a cute skirt, and keep it peeping out under a jumper and you are ready to go. The striped shirt has always been a wardrobe staple, and its versatility is why.

Where to find: Charity Shops (Vincent’s have an amazing shirt range), M&S.