Choosing to blog about winter trends seems kinda funny given how winter in Arizona comes as quickly as it goes. Of course, there is a good month or two where we get to experience the same (albeit lessened) weather as the masses. That doesn’t exactly stop me from shopping winter trends or busting out my trusty collection of sweaters, coats, and jackets. I mean, what else would I be wearing? I’m thankful we have even had a more typical winter this year with rainy, blustery, cold days. But I digress, for those lucky enough to have more than 5 minutes of winter weather, you probably look to make just as many closet updates as I do, if not more. So with my days of Instagram and internet browsing while on vacation, I thought I would share 6 of my favorite winter wardrobe updates everyone should be making right now.

THE HALF-ZIP SWEATER

Once in a while a trend from my teen years returns and the half-zip sweater is one I can get behind. Sure they sometimes remind me of the sweaters literally every guy used to wear on cold mornings. The half-zip is a cross between the turtleneck sweater and a hoodie. They are warm and comfortable. They can be layered or worn alone and look great with leggings, sweatpants, and jeans.

CLOUD COATS

Cloud coats have been everywhere on Instagram for a couple of months now. They are the one outerwear trend everyone can commit to whether they love winter coats/jackets or not. But what is the difference between a cloud coat and a puffer? A puffer is much warmer and zips up to close to protect from the elements. A cloud coat, on the other hand, is more lightweight and typically has a design like diamonds or a quilted appearance. They usually have buttons or snaps (but can have zippers) and have more of a bomber jacket-like feel.

CHUNKY CABLE KNITS

Chunky knits are no stranger to winter, but cable knits are where to be this winter. A good cable knit sweater is a cornerstone of the winter closet. They exude warmth and comfort. They look great, and this year they are chunkier than ever. Thank cottagecore or whatever for the uptick in popularity of these classics. What makes them so worthy of your winter wardrobe is being able to find one that suits your personal style whether you’re a minimalist with classic taste or love to make a statement with puffy/balloon sleeves.

LEATHER TROUSERS

Any time I remotely think of leather pants I think of the scene in Friends with Ross. They have been everywhere this fall and winter. In fact, every time I finally found a pair I thought might work for me, they would always sell out by the time I convinced myself to buy them. Just like with jeans, there is a style, cut, and of course, material for everyone. They also seem to be a trend that isn’t really going anywhere, so when you find the perfect pair, they will be good to go for spring too.

CHUNKY BOOTS

Of course, chunky boots aren’t a new trend and you likely already have a solid pair in your closet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add another pair or a different style. Chunk boots are a perfect winter trend because they keep your feet warm, they look great with just about any outfit, and they are pretty weatherproof. Even if you’re running a quick errand like coffee they can bring the outfit together and just look so much cooler than sneakers or flats. Plus there are tons of different styles from ankle to knee-high with Chelsea Boots being a very popular option.

PUFFER COATS

The humble puffer coat has always been a staple for snowy climates and Aprés Ski set, but is often considered a fashion bummer. You could have a spectacular outfit under them but still feel less than great. They are a necessity for keeping warm in winter, after all. They serve a purpose. Luckily, since they have become more trendy, there are a ton of stylish ones to choose from whether you like a pop of color, function, or even faux leather.