5 In-the-Know Winter Trends Spotted On Chic People in NYC

Sorry to everyone freezing in the Northern Hemisphere, but it would be wrong not to mention that I’m writing to you from summery New Zealand, where I’ve just landed from equally balmy Australia. It’s hot and it’s sunny and I’m wearing flip-flops every day, and as confusing as it is for my American husband to be having the holidays in these temperatures, I’m truly never happier than I am in the summertime.

However, in a classic case of the grass always being greener, I’ve been obsessing over the winter trends popping up in my feed from back home in New York. Despite my commitment to the “love summer, hate everything else” Leandra Medine school of thought, I do have a thing for winter fashion, particularly given all the fun there is to be had with creative layers and cozy accessories. As always, I have my eye on the trends—and the trends within the trends—emerging this season. From super easy styling tweaks for your long coats to rich-looking (but surprisingly affordable) winter accessories, here are the chic little micro-trends I’m spotting emerging in New York this month.

Nora Ephron Hats

(Image credit: @cocoschiffer)

A little obsession with Nora Ephron styling cues is reignited every holiday season, and it seems to be hats that have taken hold on New Yorkers this winter. From Meg Ryan sitting in the park in When Harry Met Sally, to Diane Keaton in, well, everything (including real life), felt hats with up-turned brims are the perfect little nod to the ’90s. Wool bucket hats aren’t far behind, and feel a little less costumey if you’re looking for an entry-level

Snake Print Everything

Snake print accessories are taking over in NYC, I’m talking bags, gloves, belts, and all manner of footwear. It feels like the slightly more sophisticated older sister of the leopard trend—still an injection of personality into an outfit, but much more elegant.

The Wrong Tights

Whether it’s with a winter dress or peeping out from below jeans, I love tights with everything from boots to sling-backs. Black sheer tights are always safe and elegant, and burgundy tights are this year’s big color trend, but it’s unexpected hues that are popping up in NYC. White, blue, whatever, just go against your instincts for a look that still feels a little wrong, still very elegant, and just a little more forward.

Knitwear Tied At the Waist Over Coats

This one is less of a new thing to buy and more of a styling trick with pieces you already own. If the past couple of years were all about tying knitwear around our shoulders and wearing them as scarves, welcome to the era of sweaters tied at the waist, over your coats, for a little cool polish.

Burgundy Sneakers

(Image credit: @trendingwithtinsley)

I’d say there’s no shortage of polished burgundy things to buy this winter—but given how this color trend keeps on selling out, that wouldn’t be completely true. Burgundy shoes, in particular, are the moment, but the trend within the trend is burgundy sneakers.