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.

@lovisabarkman

(Image credit: @lovisabarkman)

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.

1. Pausing: Long Faux-Fur Coats

Wearing: Short-Pile Faux Fur Coats

Cheap-Looking Winter Trends: @ingridedvinsen wears a short pile faux fur coat

(Image credit: @ingridedvinsen)

"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.

Shop Short-Pile Faux Fur Coats:

2. Pausing: Light Blue Jeans

Wearing: Dark Indigo Jeans

Cheap-Looking Winter Trends:  @nnennaechem wears dark denim jeans and a matching shirt

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

"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.

Shop Dark Indigo Jeans:

3. Pausing: Chenille Knitwear

Wearing: Wool Knitwear

Cheap-Looking Winter Trends:  @symphonyofsilk wears a grey jumper and silky trousers

(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

"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.

Shop Wool Knitwear:

4. Pausing: Broken, Flimsy Umbrellas

Wearing: Chic Umbrellas

Cheap-Looking Winter Trends:  @lovisabarkman carries a Burberry umbrella and wears a black coat

(Image credit: @lovisabarkman)

"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.

Shop Chic Umbrellas:

5. Pausing: Tracksuit Pants

Wearing: Silk Trousers

@jordanrisa wears silk trousers

(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

"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.

Shop Silk Trousers:

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her ownBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.