As the nights become longer and the temperature drops, the fashion-prone face a dilemma: practicality or fashion? While there is nothing wrong with a puffer jacket, the possibilities for creativity and experimentation with clothes seem to become increasingly limited by the need to keep warm. The result? A blur of blacks and browns as everyone dons their neutral winter gear.

“The right accessory can make an otherwise bland outfit stand out”

I have wrestled with this seemingly superficial dilemma for years, desiring to express myself through my clothes while still remaining practical about the chilly temperatures. This year, I have finally cracked the code: accessories. The right accessory can make an otherwise bland outfit stand out, adding that element of ‘spice’ to your winter wardrobe. So, I have compiled a list of the must-have accessories to remain comfortable, trendy, practical and fashionable this winter.

Russian fur-style hats or headbands

An evolution of the traditional ushanka, these hats originated in Eastern Europe and Russia and were specifically designed to keep you warm during harsh winters. These Russian-style furry hats have been making a comeback, reflected in the exponential rise of the #slavicgirlwinter aesthetic on TikTok, emphasising both elegance and comfort. High fashion collections have also solidified this item as a winter staple, featured by Prada and Miu Miu in their Fall-Winter 2023 collections. These (faux) fur hats have become my favourite accessory of the season, instantly adding an element of glamour to any outfit. I find these hats pair especially well with leather, whether boots or trousers, especially when complemented by…

Leg warmers

For me, leg warmers have always been a staple for the colder months, perfect for layering over tights or boots. Initially popularised in the 80s with the release of Flashdance (1983), leg warmers evolved beyond being a functional item reserved for dancers and athletes to becoming a cultural phenomenon. 2022’s ‘balletcore’ aesthetic has undoubtedly put leg warmers back in the spotlight, with an emphasis on feminine styles that echo its balletic roots. Embraced by designers and celebrities alike, the Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2022 collection signalled the embrace of the leg warmer, reiterated by models such as Bella Hadid sporting the trend. Moreover, the athletic take on leg warmers, as featured in the Chanel Cruise 2024 show, suggests that leg warmers are here to stay, so consider purchasing a pair for an additional element of warmth and style this season.

Fuzzy earmuffs

Arguably the biggest trend this year, in the spirit of Y2K revival, every Cantab seems to be wearing fuzzy earmuffs. Going into 2025, the motto seems to be 'the bigger, the better,' with both Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner having been spotted with giant earmuff/matching scarf combos. The popularity of the UGG sheepskin earmuff also indicates a preference for particularly fuzzy and fluffy earmuffs that protect you from the cold and a boring outfit alike. Brightly-coloured styles in particular are a perfect counterbalance for a dark, neutral outfit. If you want to add an extra layer, matching scarves and earmuffs are a winning combination, bringing a much-needed pop of colour. They pair well with warm coats and jeans for a chic, put-together winter look.

Oversized/statement bags

Though handbags have always been an essential aspect of women’s fashion, the oversized bag rose to prominence in the 2000s, most notably with the infamous Birkin bag from Hermès. While the Birkin may be way out of most of our budgets, oversized bags are the perfect blend of practicality and making a statement, and are ideal for fitting your laptop in your bag for lectures. Despite smaller purses trending in recent years, fashion collections signalled the shift towards oversized bags last year, spearheaded by celebrities Zendaya and Hailey Bieber. Given the large proportions of the bag, they pair well with long coats and dresses, as opposed to shorter pieces that can result in the outfit feeling incohesive.

“Exploring trends can be helpful for encountering new styles, as long as you crucially do not view them as being limited to just one season”

Concluding our exploration of the power accessories offer, I hope you’re left with some inspiration for upcoming winter outfits and have a few additions to make to your Christmas list. Though I do not recommend keeping up to date with costly micro-trends, due to the strain they place on the environment and your wallet, exploring trends can be helpful for encountering new styles, as long as you crucially do not view them as being limited to just one season. Equally, the cyclical nature of trends means that charity shops, online second-hand sellers and vintage shops may be the best places for great finds, whilst also being better for you and the planet.

Winter does not have to mean the end of fashion creativity; it can be an incredible opportunity to experiment with layering and accessorising, helping you to feel comfortable and chic all year round.