It seems as if just yesterday, the sun was shining and every male on Villanova’s campus was wearing flip flops. With a blink of an eye, the leaves have fallen and the perfectly mild Bryn Mawr temperature we know and love dropped to a cool 30 degrees. With these rapid changes of seasons come the rapid changes in fashion as the runway trades the bright hues and linens of summer for the neutral tones and wool of winter. You heard that right. It’s time for another seasonal trend report. Hang tight.

Optimism seems to be the overarching theme of the winter 2021-22 season as designers grace the runways with splashes of color, eye-catching prints and vintage inspired comebacks. 

Geometry Class: The first up-and-coming trend this winter is crowned by standout geometric prints. These statement colors and shapes are meant to add dramatic flair to any ensemble. The focal point of this joyous trend is the mixing and matching of differing intrepid patterns no matter how much they may clash. So by all means, let your freak flag fly.

Ski Season: Forget après-ski, we’re wearing ski gear before, during and after we hit the slopes. Whether you’re taking black diamonds by storm or have never skied a day in your life, oversized puffer coats, matching snow pants and patterned knits are the fad of the season.

Leather on Leather: Name a better way to look both sophisticated and comfortable. Head-to-toe leather outfits. Enough said. 

Improved Handshakes: No matter the weather this winter, elbow length leather gloves are making headway. I recommend utilizing this trend by pairing long gloves with a short sleeve shirt or blouse. Not to mention how much cooler handshakes will be. 

Glitter Sequins: Although sparkling ensembles are usually reserved for special events, recent runways have convinced us otherwise. Want to dress down shiny fabric? Just pair it with casual jeans for the perfect daytime outfit. Not to mention, layering glitter sequined clothes with trench coats and blazers create the ultimate elevated look. 

Fur x10: When major fashion houses such as Fendi, Dion Lee and Burberry tell the world to add volume to our fur coats, we easily oblige. Floor length and cropped at the waist fur coats are the move this winter, no in between. Picture yourself as Margot Tenenbaum on steroids. 

Incognito: This probably takes the crown as my all-time favorite trend this winter. This look can be accomplished in many forms, such as an oversized hoodie, a skin-tight overhead ski mask, fabric draped over head or even the classic babushka. Want to look even more mysterious? Add a pair of oversized sunglasses, and you’re golden. 

There you have it folks, Villa-Vogue’s official winter 2021-22 trend report. You better believe I’ll be sporting babushkas and après ski wear in the middle of Pennsylvania, as should you. As the days grow shorter and colder, the fashion industry flips a 180 to comply. That being said, it’s time to put the flip flops away boys. Your dogs are barking.