These 6 Winter Aesthetics Are About to Break the Internet

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Hold up. Did we just enter a new year? January is most definitely the beginning of all beginnings, so I'm going to use this month to check off each of my style resolutions. The biggest one of them all is to step outside of my comfort zone and have even more fun with fashion than ever. Like every Who What Wear editor, I love wearing classic and timeless styles, plus the award-winning basics that I've been musing about for years and may or may not have worn hundreds of times. But in 2022, I'm planning on experimenting as much as possible. And who says winter fashion must just be jeans and a sweater?

I've had my eye on my favorite tastemakers and trendsetters in preparation for what my next-season wardrobe will have to offer. After my extensive research, I think it's fair to say we have a lot of fun in store for the near future. I'll be starting off with the hottest breakout trend of the year, the balaclava, and taking a bow with a strong argument that loose trousers will always hold a special place in your closet. Ladies and gentlemen, all aboard on the fun fashion express, where we will truly determine what to wear in winter. We'll be picking up a lot of fun goodies at each stop along the way. 

Skiwear isn't just for the slopes:

Your trip to Aspen this month got canceled? Don't worry. You can still put that skiwear to good use no matter where you are. There's something so fun about using dramatically oversize puffers, balaclavas, or ski glasses to add some pizzazz to your look.

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(Image credit: @himichelleli)

This look is the definition of cozy.

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(Image credit: @samimiro)

If I wore this, I would instantly feel so cool.

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(Image credit: @eneyasworld)

A full-on ski mask is getting added to the cart.

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Not your average pleated skirt:

When most people think of a pleated skirt, they think of that classic school-girl mini or the pleats-galore trend of the early 2010s. I'm suggesting sticking to the midi-skirt style, but this time around widening your pleats or making them asymmetrical, maybe even try drop-waist. This is the 2022 perspective on the trend that will be so fun this winter. If you're in colder temperatures, just pair it with long boots. 

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

My college sweatshirt would look so good with this kind of skirt.

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

And I'd wear it again.

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

Everything about this look is *chef's kiss.*

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The 2022 take on utility:

If you've been following along, I'm sure you've already heard us mention cargo pants a few times. Well, they're back and bigger than ever this year, so I suggest we all hop on the trend. It can be hard to have fun with styling in the winter months, but when paired with the right coat, these pants will take all the heavy lifting off of your shoulders.

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

These pants require a leaned-back outfit photo.

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(Image credit: @devapollon)

My winter nights out will involve cargo pants.

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Pair them with the right shearling jacket, and I'm won over.

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The new prep:

Preppy style is always evolving, and this year, it's better than ever. Layering is a must for winter, so I'll be taking notes from these preppy outfits when planning some exciting looks of my own. 

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(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

All of the colors come together so effortlessly in this look.

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(Image credit: @chanelmckinsie)

I too would be dancing outside of a magazine store if I wore this.

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Another reason to invest in a good trench coat.

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Unexpected color combos:

Color is coming in hot. Even minimalists are experimenting with color these days. I, for one, will not be shying away from color this winter, as these outfits have me fully convinced.

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(Image credit: @nicoleocran)

This look is the perfect way to dip your toes in if you're nervous to combine bright colors.

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(Image credit: @ninasandbech)

Adding all-pink Nikes to my shopping list.

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

New level of logo mania unlocked.

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Loosen up:

Another fun pant trend that will excite my wardrobe. I never have felt as cool as I have when wearing my loose trousers. Talk about effortless fashion.

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(Image credit: @naomielizee)

The definition of elevated basic.

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

Winter whites have a hold on me.

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(Image credit: @chainkyr)

And I just discovered a new color combination I need to try.

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Up Next: Don't Try Wearing the Preppy Trend Without Exploring These 2022 Updates

Associate Editor

Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, rollerblading through New York City traffic, or exploring the latest luxury vintage boutique.