We Hate to Break It to You, But These 5 Winter Trends Can Look a Little "Cheap"

I try to avoid making sweeping statements in my work, but I think it's safe to say that no one gets dressed with the sole goal of looking cheap in their outfit. Assuming we're in agreement, let's carry on with today's purpose: Identifying the winter trends that our editors feel can look a little cheap at this time in the year, and the pieces they'll be wearing as an alternative.

There's nothing cheap looking about Lovisa Barkman's winter outfit.

That doesn't mean, however, that we're coming for anything that falls into the category of being affordable—something can look very expensive and cost very little, while another item can have a whopping price tag and yet, somehow, look budget. So don't worry—this isn't a designer-only zone. What I personally wanted to identify was which trends our editors don't feel translate chicly into winter, or the pieces they'd wear in place of others when they want to look premium. And, I have to say, I agree with them on all accounts.

So, which trends run the risk of looking a little "cheap" this winter? Scroll on to find out.

5 Winter Trends That Can Look a Little Cheap, According to Our Editors

1. Pausing: Long Faux-Fur Coats

Wearing: Short-Pile Faux Fur Coats

"When I say long faux fur, I mean strand length, not the length of the coat itself! While I own a faux fur coat with a longer pile which I love throwing on when I want to look glamorous, I have been caught in the rain in it before, and it can look very ratty during and post downpour. While shorter piles still run this risk, I generally find they look more expensive, even after you've worn them a tonne," says fashion editor, Remy Farrell.

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2. Pausing: Light Blue Jeans

Wearing: Dark Indigo Jeans

"During the summer months, light, acid-adjacent blue jeans form a core part of my capsule wardrobe. However, in winter, when the other pieces I wear tend to be a lot richer and darker in tone, I think they can make light-wash denim look a bit tacky and cheap. Instead, I'll be wearing deep indigo jeans with my black coats, brown leather and burgundy accessories—I find them to be much more complimentary," says news writer Natalie Munro.

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3. Pausing: Chenille Knitwear

Wearing: Wool Knitwear

"There's just something about Chenille knitwear and its acrylic, shiny finish that feels quite outdated now and, yes, can feel very cheap on. Instead, I recommend saving up and investing in knitwear made with more natural materials, such as wool and cashmere. They'll last much, much longer and will make you look inherently more classic and elegant when you wear them," says Editor-in-Chief, Hannah Almassi.

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4. Pausing: Broken, Flimsy Umbrellas

Wearing: Chic Umbrellas

"Okay, so I know this isn't a trend per say but the thing that I think can make a winter outfit look cheap is a flimsy or even broken umbrella. I bought a fresh canvas style in a classic colour with a chic wooden handle last year and it made me feel so put-together and elegant every time I had to use it. Of course, there are very premium designer options to consider, but you can definitely invest in an affordable style and still get that sophisticated payoff," says copy editor, Georgia Seago.

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5. Pausing: Tracksuit Pants

Wearing: Silk Trousers

"When the cold weather hits, I instantly want to get into my track pants to keep comfy and cosy. Unfortunately, I find it hard it make them look expensive when I wear them out of the house. Luckily for winter 2024, I've found an alternative that feels just as comfortable but looks way more elegant: silk trousers. They make any outfit look more expensive without feeling too restrictive." says editorial assistant, Brittany Davy.

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