For fall, the fashion motto is more, and it’s continuing straight into the next season. Expect plenty of texture and durability from winter fabrics this season, perfect for daily wear. Old and new fabrics are mingling for a seasonal refresh, and I’m getting pumped. Alternatively, some more elegant and luxurious fabrics perfect for more formal holiday moments are also included.
1. Denim
Take a trip back to Y2K, remembering the Justin Timberlake days of denim on denim (on denim) because they’re back, baby! Vintage patchwork, relaxed fits, dark denim from head to toe, any combo you can think up is on-trend. Denim is a sturdy and warm fabric that is always tried and true. Take your denim for winter to new heights by crafting a winter coat or jumpsuit with a utility-inspired look.
2. Wool
Winter and wool fabrics are synonymous. Suiting and outerwear are typical options for wool, and some of Mood’s best free sewing patterns (in my humble opinion) are made with boiled wool or coating, but I challenge you to think outside the typical wool box in the upcoming months. On the runways (Proenza Schuuler, Jonathan Simkhai, Max Mara, Samsoe Samsoe) there were wool dresses, midi skirts, bustiers, and more!
3. Fleece Knits
Fleece and knit fabric are winter go-to fabrics, but like some of the best duos, some things are better together. Fleece knit fabrics offer incredible stretch and comfort while being soft and warm. Fleece knits are ideal for any situation where you want to wear something that looks good and feels even better. Reach for a simple jacket or oversized cardigan silhouette and finish it off with a fleece lining for the ultimate loungewear or perfect layering piece when the temps are cold, and you know you’ll be out and about in the elements.
4. Tweed
For tweed, F/W inspiration, look to designers like Chanel and Christian Dior. The versatility that tweed lends makes it perfect for various styles and occasions ranging from elegant to casual. Pattern mixing is popular and tweed is a perfect candidate for trying out this styling technique. Tweed fabric varies in craftsmanship and is woven using different colors of yarn as well as different designs, making it a fabric that works in a lot of silhouettes. Tweed checks are particularly trendy for A/W.
5. Velvet
I, like most people, think of holiday parties when I think of velvet. It’s elegant, soft, slightly lustrous, and sure to gain attention in any setting, but velvet fabric is capable of going far beyond the scope of holiday parties. As a child, I wore velvet a lot, and celebrities are certainly giving it another moment to shine. Go for a head-to-toe velvet suit or check out Mood’s velvet collection for other inspiration. If an all-velvet ensemble seems too daring, add touches in moderation, like using it in accents throughout your designs such as cuffs, buttons, collars, panels, etc.
While the fabrics that made my top 5 list rightfully earned their spot, I should mention that faux fur, lustrous fabrics like satin and silk, and organza/lace are also honorable mentions I expect to see and wear myself. Fur is perfect for trims or outerwear, while more delicate fabrics are excellent fabric choices for holiday parties and events that require a more glamorous touch. Now, who’s heading to Pinterest to gather more winter outfit inspo? I know I am!
