Stalking Micro-Trends Is Literally My Job—8 Winter Standouts You Need to See

With my job being a fashion editor and all, 90% of what I do most days involves discovering trends. If oversize tailoring is out (it isn’t yet, but I’m predicting a transition back to more formfitting silhouettes in the not-so-distant future), you can be sure that my fellow editors and I will be among the first to know about it. But major, multi-season trends aren’t the only ones I keep an eye out for. I’m also constantly on the lookout for micro-trends, and when I say my most recent batch of discoveries is good, I’m severely underselling it.

After examining my Instagram collection page, every retailer’s latest drop, and, of course, fashion TikTok, I was able to zero in on eight micro-trends that pack the most punch for winter. From multi-way dresses that give you more for less to sporty sunglasses that are guaranteed to make any outfit—even a groutfit—look cool, prepare to see the trends detailed ahead *everywhere* in the coming weeks.

Here at Who What Wear, there’s almost nothing we love more than a fashion item that gives you more bang for your buck. That is why multi-way dresses are so high up on our list of micro-trends this season. From our four-in-one Bri dress to SIR the Label’s zip-away maxi, we’re investing heavily in dresses that do more than just one thing.

When Bella Hadid wears something, you can rest assured that it’ll become a major hit. Case in point: windbreaker pants, or shell track pants that combine the comfort of sweats with the style of parachute pants. Our take? Pair these athleisure-style bottoms with heels rather than sneakers for an elevated take on the micro-trend.

With temperatures continuing to drop, any chance there is to make keeping warm look more fashion-forward we’re going to take. So it’s no wonder that ultra-fuzzy and furry caps are growing so rapidly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. From colorful shearling styles to all-black plush ones, these bucket hats make dressing for winter easier than ever.

The general consensus in 2022? More plissé, please! And we can see why. This crinkle-cut fabric has the ability to transform ultra-comfortable and lightweight styles into fashion essentials. From dresses to sets and separates, we’re pretty much incorporating plissé into every aspect of our wardrobes right now.

My number one micro-trend of the season is, without a doubt, sporty sunglasses, from Oakley baseball styles to futuristic designer pairs by Balenciaga and Lexxola. Whichever sartorial road you choose to take, this trend will enhance your look tenfold—and that’s a promise.

Another winter weather–friendly trend that’s currently blowing up on my feed? Balaclavas, or knit face masks that take the warmth of beanies to a whole new level. With designers and Etsy artisans alike crafting the style, you can have your pick of hundreds of different balaclava iterations. Hint: You can never have too many.

The holidays might be over, but that’s no reason to put away your festive elbow-length gloves. In fact, we’re choosing to extend the shelf life of this trend well into 2022, pairing them with dresses for special events as well as everyday looks for a touch of glamour. Extra points if yours feature ruffles or feathers.

Last but hardly least are waistcoats, 2022’s preferred tailoring method (as opposed to blazers). If you’ve been scouring Aritzia, Mango, Net-a-Porter, and more style go-tos lately, you’ve almost certainly caught a glimpse of the menswear staple. Now go off and make one yours.