what’s hot this winter?
Winter gets a reputation for being the season where everyone gives up and throws on the nearest coat. But honestly, it might be one of the most underrated times to look chic. When the weather drops, most people slip into full survival mode, piling on layers just to stay warm, without thinking much about shape, balance, or intention.
Summer gets all the credit for color, texture, skin, and fun dressing, but winter has its own kind of sexy if you know how to work with it. It is less about showing everything and more about showing style. The right layers, the right materials, and the right silhouettes are what make a winter outfit feel elevated. This season is about intention, not excess.
So how do you stay warm and still look like your coolest self? This winter, fashion is shifting away from oversized chaos and into something more refined. Think earthy, chic neutrals with a little edge. Clean silhouettes, rich textures, and pieces that feel lived in but styled on purpose.
Over the past few years, especially during colder seasons, oversized and baggy silhouettes have dominated jackets, jeans, and tops. While a chunky coat or wide leg jean is not disappearing overnight, there is a noticeable shift happening. Straight leg denim tucked into boots or a slim bootcut paired with a loafer or flat is showing up far more than it has in recent years. The focus is slowly moving back toward balance and proportion.
This shift is not just about denim. The oversized leather bomber has had its moment, but this winter it feels better swapped for something more tailored. A fitted leather or suede coat instantly looks cleaner and more intentional. The same idea applies to knits. Instead of bulky sweaters swallowing your frame, tighter cashmere knits and sleek turtlenecks are taking over, creating shape while still feeling cozy.
lil inspo from the pinterest ladies :)
Outerwear continues to be a focal point. The trench coat takeover is still going strong, especially after the buttoned up trench look took over social media. Designers have started playing with cropped lengths, sharper shoulders, and reworked silhouettes. Whether classic or structured, the trench remains a staple because it fits perfectly into this refined, neutral direction.
The office vest has also been everywhere over the past few years, layered or worn on its own. This winter, that trend is softening. Instead of stiff, buttoned up vests, we are seeing more blazer inspired silhouettes in shirt form. The vibe is the same, but the execution feels more feminine and less rigid.
Three quarter sleeves are quietly making a comeback as well. They work seamlessly with the move toward fitted, intentional shapes. When paired with a boatneck neckline, the result feels polished, feminine, and slightly sexy without feeling too forced.
Comfort still matters, but it is evolving. The matching sweat set had its moment and honestly, it did its job. It kept us comfortable, coordinated, and made getting dressed easy. This winter, comfort is getting a more elevated update.
One of the easiest ways to look styled while still feeling like you are in pajamas is silk pants. They are not the warmest option on their own, but layered over tights or a thin legging, they work surprisingly well. The result feels effortless and relaxed without crossing into sloppy.
Instead of defaulting to a monochromatic sweat set, think monochromatic silk pants paired with a cozy same-colored knit. The ease stays the same, but the intention completely changes. It still feels comfortable, just more grown up, more polished, and far more fashion forward.
your shoe + comfort guide in one place
Shoes are what truly finish a look. Ballet flats have made one of the biggest comebacks in the past year, and it makes sense. They sit perfectly between comfort and polish. Swap out sneakers or house slippers for ballet flats and the exact same outfit instantly looks more put together.
They also pair well with the silhouettes we are seeing more of right now. As denim gets straighter and clothing fits closer to the body, chunky shoes can start to feel heavy. Ballet flats keep things clean and balanced, which is why they have quietly become an everyday staple. If you do want something chunkier, ankle boots are the way to go, especially styles with grommets or fringe for a subtle edge.
For those who like a little height, heels are firmly back in the conversation. The kitten heel has been trending for a few years now and it is not going anywhere because it is timeless. At the same time, this winter feels like the right moment to pull out those bigger, more dramatic pumps that have been hiding in the back of your closet. When the rest of your outfit is streamlined and neutral, a strong heel feels intentional and makes a statement without overwhelming the look.
Once the pieces are set, color becomes the defining factor. Brown is the neutral of 2025, and heading into 2026 we will continue seeing rich chocolate tones everywhere. It is slowly replacing black in a way that feels warmer, softer, and more wearable, especially during colder months.
Alongside brown, greys with cool blue undertones are beginning to emerge. Right now they are subtle, but by this time next year they will be just as prominent. These greys feel clean, slightly futuristic, and unexpected, especially when paired with warmer neutrals.
For bolder tones, olive is stepping in where burgundy has dominated. Burgundy is not disappearing, but olive is becoming the go to alternative for bags, shoes, and outerwear. It still feels rich and elevated, but with an earthier, more organic edge.
Texture is also playing a larger role this season. Leather has defined winter dressing for the past decade, but suede is clearly having its moment. It feels just as luxurious, yet softer and more grounded, fitting perfectly into this earthy chic direction. Looking ahead, velvet and mohair are set to make stronger appearances as well, adding depth and interest without relying on loud colors or prints.
Overall, winter is one of the best seasons to truly have fun with fashion. Layers, textures, and thoughtful styling create endless opportunities to express personal style. This season is about earthy neutrals, clean silhouettes, and subtle edge. If you need a little direction, this guide should help you stay not just current, but ahead of where winter fashion is heading.
Happy holidays and happy styling!!
-AG
what’s going on? where have i been? what’s new?
All questions you probably didn’t have… but in case you did, here I am to answer.
When I launched this blog two months ago, I honestly had no idea what direction I wanted it to go in. And if we’re being completely honest, my vision still isn’t 100% clear. I could make some analogy about how that’s a lot like sobriety, but let’s just keep this update rolling.
Even if I’m still editing and refining the bigger picture, I do feel like I’m finally figuring out what I want this space to be. I love writing, and I fully believe fashion journalism is a dying art that deserves a comeback. And that’s what I want this blog to focus on: fashion.
The looks I’ve styled, the trends I see coming, the pieces I’m obsessed with, the cool articles I read at 2 a.m. and immediately need to share, that’s what feels right for this corner of the internet.
That’s not to say I won’t talk about my sobriety or reflect on it, but I want to bring that part of my story to a platform where people will actually engage with it. If I am being honest with myself, the people I want to reach with that message are probably not clicking the link to my rebranding blog. And that’s okay, not everything has to live in one place.
So for now, let’s keep OutfittedByAG about the outfitting — for the most part.
Get ready for way more frequent posts, and some fun things from me on other platforms soon. We’re just getting started.
Also… don’t forget I’m literally a service you can use.
Got an event coming up? Click the Event Styling option under Services here on the site.
Need a closet reboot for the new season? Order a Style Bundle and we can curate a perfect capsule collection that feels so you.
To wrap things up, I’m leaving you with one of my most recent Event Styling looks — worn perfectly by @bella.anderson7 for Tame Impala in Los Angeles this past weekend. We built the inspo together, I created a moodboard (shown here), and then I sourced secondhand pieces that matched the vibe exactly. I pulled multiple options for her to try, and I might be biased, but the final look seriously hit the mark.
@bella.anderson7
head to toe OUTFITTEDbyAG
all second hand finds!
Want to feel your best at your next event without any of the hassle? Hire me.
Thanks for following along on this journey and letting me experiment with this new chapter of my life. Here’s to a fabulous Thanksgiving — and even more fabulous Thanksgiving outfits.
XX,
Abigail Gamba
XX,
Abigail Gamba
taking the first step
The first step of starting over, and the truth behind transformation.
The first time around, it’s hard to grow into the person you actually want to be. We’re all living for the first time, which means a lot of trial and error. Somewhere along the way, you drift into a version of yourself that feels miles away from who you thought you’d be.
@abigailgamba
Vintage Lace Top, DANIELLE GUIZIO Black Mini Skirt, VICTORIA’S SECRET Bralette, ZARA Black Boots, Thrifted Jewels (courtesy of roomie)
But our past mistakes don’t dictate who we really are, and they don’t get to decide who we can become. Your first draft doesn’t have to be your final one. You can still unlearn, start over, and change the story.
One of the hardest parts about changing your life is realizing it doesn’t happen all at once. You don’t just wake up one day as this new, better version of yourself. It’s slow. It’s uncomfortable. And in the beginning, it can feel really hopeless.
@jenaeholmes_
Thrifted Sheer Tie Top, VICTORIA’S SECRET White Bralette, Thrifted Belt, PACSUN Jeans, ZARA Heels, Thrifted Jewels
When I first played around with the idea of sobriety, I thought it would just mean not drinking. I didn’t realize it would mean actually getting to know myself—deep down, underneath all the damage I’d done. Nobody tells you that part. Having a clear mind for the first time in a long time forces you to sit with yourself without distractions. And that’s uncomfortable. But it’s necessary.
Because when you’re young, it’s so easy to let what other people think of you become who you are. People talk. Reputations form. And even if you don’t want to admit it, their opinions weigh on you. I started to believe that the bad decisions I had made added up to who I was as a person. And the only way out of that was to change.
@lea_gorham
The Real Real L’AGENCE Top, VICTORIA’S SECRET Bralette, MANGO Gold Belt, Thrifted Jewels, EDIKTED Jeans, AMAZON heels
The truth is, as much as other people’s opinions messed with me, I was my own worst enemy. I didn’t like who I was or what I stood for. And instead of facing that, I leaned further into being this exaggerated version of myself: loud, messy, confidence as a cover for insecurity. Substances made it easier to run from myself, but all they really did was push me further away.
The turning point was finally deciding I wasn’t going to let myself keep slipping into a life I wasn’t proud of. You can’t fix anything until you’re honest with yourself. If you can’t admit where you’re at, nothing will change. That’s why the very first step of AA says: “We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.” And honestly, that doesn’t just apply to addiction. Whether it’s substances, mental health, or trauma, you have to admit you can’t manage your life alone to make space for change.
Honesty is cool. And it’s brutal, because it forces you to look at all the things you used substances to forget. But the faster you face it, the sooner you can move forward into a life that actually feels like yours.
What I’ve learned since then is that change isn’t just building something new, it’s unlearning. Unlearning how you see yourself. Unlearning who people told you you were. Unlearning the idea that your past has to define you forever. None of that sticks unless you let it. But the only person who can rewrite your narrative is you.
@kendall.bartonnn
Thrifted Black Mesh Top, FASHION NOVA Bralette, EDIKTED Jeans, STEVE MADDEN Flats, Thrifted Jewels
And the beginning of that process is raw. It’s vulnerable. It’s stripping back and letting yourself be soft, letting yourself rebuild from the inside out. That’s what this part of my life has been: unlearning the old me and slowly becoming the version of myself I actually want to be.
Starting over is scary. Sitting in the discomfort is even scarier. But the sooner you choose to do it, the sooner you leave behind a world that never really felt like yours to begin with.
Now, looking at where I am today, I can say this past year has been the hardest and most uncomfortable of my life, but also the most important. Change isn’t a straight line, and it definitely isn’t easy. There have been moments where I wanted to give up, moments where it felt easier to fall back into old patterns. But every time I pushed through, I built a little more trust with myself.
@skylaengleking
Vintage THE LIMITED Mesh Top, VICTORIA’S SECRET Bralette, Vintage LEVIS Jeans, ZARA Kitten heels
And that’s the thing: change is the first step, and the only one who can make that change is you. You have to want it, you have to take the initiative. You can’t change anyone else, I’ve tried, but you can put that energy into yourself. And that’s the first step.
It’s not about becoming this perfect, polished version of yourself overnight. It’s about showing up, sitting in the emotions, and letting them shape you into someone you actually want to be.
It’s raw, it’s vulnerable, it’s exhausting, but it’s worth it. Because no matter how messy the process feels, nothing compares to finally starting to live a life that feels true to you.
@mikennaengleking
Vintage White Lace Tank, ZARA Jeans, OPEN EDIT Metallic Heels, Vintage Silver Arm Cuff, ETSY Bag, Thrifted Jewels
And this isn’t to say I’m anywhere near perfect now. I’m still learning and unlearning every single day. But I can confidently say I’m leading my life with more love, and living a lot realer than before. Right now, that’s all I can ask of myself, to keep going, to keep trying, and to keep becoming better.
I hope that as I continue to uncover my story, people who feel stuck will realize that it’s never too late to become a better you.
Love, Abbey
introducing reimagined wearabouts
This is the first post—the beginning of it all. OutfittedByAG isn’t just about clothes, it’s about how fashion became my outlet and my way of celebrating life with intention. A second edition on style, self, and everything in between.
Today I’m celebrating nine months of sobriety—on 9/9. 999.
In numerology, the number 9 represents endings and transitions. It’s the close of a cycle, the moment before something new begins. When the number shows up three times, 999, it becomes a symbol of transformation that can’t be ignored. Closure. Growth. A new chapter you can feel. So when I realized my “999 day” lined up with nine months alcohol-free, it felt like the perfect moment to launch this blog.
Because this blog isn’t just about fashion—it’s about celebrating and accepting transformation.
@emmaastephensonn
Outfitted (head to toe): Vintage beaded earrings, White Brandy Melville tank, Thrifted pink silk slip skirt, TJ Maxx beaded bag, The RealReal Prada pumps
The truth is, stepping away from old habits wasn’t just about quitting something—it was about finding something else. For so long, I chased excitement in all the wrong places. Nights out, chaos, validation… They gave me quick highs but left me empty. When I started to really get to know myself, I found I needed an outlet that gave me the same rush, but actually built me up instead of breaking me down. That’s where fashion came in.
@averyhasselkus
Outfitted: Jewels thrifted, Abercrombie vintage top, thrifted belt, Dairy Boy denim skirt, vintage beaded clutch, Amazon boots
Clothes became more than just something to wear and shop for. The art of outfitting gave me the same rush that used to come from going out—but instead of fading into regret by morning, it stayed. Fashion gave me direction when I thought I had none. It gave me confidence that wasn’t performative, but rooted in who I am. And it gave me creativity, an outlet I didn’t even know I was starving for.
@mikennaengleking
Outfitted (hat to toe): Roomie’s hat lol, Amazon sunnies, Thrifted Poncho, Vintage purse, Anthropology mini shorts, jewelry thrifted, Dolce Vita flats (not shown)
Fashion has been the anchor in my transformation. It has shown me that passions can fill voids in ways other things can’t. It’s proof that there’s joy on the other side of change. Dressing up has become my new thrill, the new way to channel my energy, my new way of being loud without having to sacrifice my dignity. And that is something to celebrate.
This blog will be the space where I share this journey with you. Talking about the highs and the lows of changing your life. Working through the awkward transitions of leaving who you once were and becoming who you want to be. And finding the things that can help you become the best you.
@abbyolsson (left)
Outfitted: thrifted Charlotte Russe top, thrifted jewels, Rose Quartz necklace, Bershka shorts, The RealReal Jimmy Choos
999 is about endings, yes. But it’s also about beginnings. And today I am not only celebrating the past 9 months and the character development that has come with it, but also I am celebrating where I will continue to go. I am so beyond excited to share my stories, my thoughts, and of course fashion inspo every week with you!
Thanks for coming and please come back soon,
Abbey :)