Marist Students Give Hot Takes on Cold Weather Trends

"Kara Mitch '27 wearing a leopard print top, a popular trend this winter. Photo by Iris Dunham '27

Minimalistic looks, roomy trousers and metallics are no longer trending this winter. So what is?

Are you wondering what colors to incorporate into your wardrobe? Darker colors like dark brown and burgundy are the way to go. Trends are moving away from neon colors and more towards simple colors and silhouettes. Monochromatic outfits are a reliable choice if you are unsure what to wear.

If you want to make your outfit more impactful and interesting, the answer is leopard print. This winter, leopard print is making a comeback. Whether it's a sleek leopard print top or a bold, oversized leopard-printed scarf, adding the print to your outfit will elevate it.

Despite its popularity, leopard print is not for everyone.

“I don’t like any type of leopard print,” sophomore Jayden Patel said. “I think it looks cheesy.”

Patel is not alone. Many Marist College students are not on board with the trend. 

“It seems like a trend that came out of nowhere and is now being overdone. I can see it becoming a quick fad that comes and goes,” Natalie Ursich, a junior, said.

This winter, two more key additions to your wardrobe are suede and sequins everything. From shorts to bags, suede and sequins are this winter’s go-tos.

Despite the trend, suede is sparking some discussion on campus. Sophomore Erin Relyea said she’s not a fan of suede.

“I would not wear suede jackets. It's a weird material,” Relyea said.

For Patel, it depends on how it is worn. “A change of material, like on suede jackets, can be good if they are used with the right outfit.”

As the weather gets colder, if you want to ensure you are both warm and trendy, try wearing an oversized barn coat. These coats originated as utilitarian workwear, but now fashion icons like Gigi Hadid add them to their closet staples.

Barrel jeans are making their debut this winter and are quickly becoming a controversial topic in fashion. With a fitted waist and wide, tapered legs, these jeans can be styled with a simple shirt or your favorite coat.

Alessandra Como ‘26 said she is ready to see new jean trends.

“I’m done with the baggy jeans. I think they're tired. But let's still not bring skinny jeans back.”

Other students are in disagreement with Como’s opinions when it comes to pants.

“I love a simple oversized hoodie with baggy cargo pants,” Patel said. 

Ursich said she doesn't mind the skinny jeans look.

“I saw a ‘get ready with me’ on Alix Earle’s TikTok, where she wore black skinny jeans, and call me controversial, but I love black skinny jeans. I think when styled properly, they would be so cute,” she said.

To complete your outfit, consider incorporating some of this winter's top shoe trends. If you want a stand-out shoe, chunky loafers will make a statement. Tall black boots can also elevate a simple outfit.

Relyea described some of the trends she has already started seeing on campus this winter that she is a fan of. 

“I have been seeing a lot of white sweaters. Also, jeans, skirts, leather jackets and black boots seem like a popular outfit,” she said. 

Relyea is not the only one who wants to see skirts this winter.

“I have really been loving wearing skirts,” Urisch said. “I have really liked wearing a black mini skirt with a sweater or sweatshirt and some tights.”

Whether you’re all for skinny jeans making a comeback or if leopard print is your thing, you’re definitely not alone in your opinions on campus. This year's winter trends are sparking up conversation.