Daily Mail journalists meticulously select and curate the products featured on our site. Should you make a purchase via links on this page, we will earn a commission – you can learn more about this process. While the current weather might appear dreary and grey, the fashion possibilities this winter are anything but dull. Here, we explore my three favourite trends for injecting joy, colour, and undeniable style into your winter wardrobe.
Embrace Escapism with Over-the-Top Hats
2026 has been officially declared the year of the extravagant, over-the-top hat, and as you can see from the styling, I am wholeheartedly on board with this delightful trend. A luxurious faux-fur hat, paired with your favourite winter coat, adds a generous dollop of frivolity and fun, perfectly designed to lift your spirits during the coldest, wintriest days. Esteemed designers like Max Mara and Toteme are offering some exceptional choices this season, while the high street also boasts an abundance of affordable options.
The chocolate brown faux-fur beanie I am pictured wearing, sourced from Mango, charmingly evokes the iconic style Julie Christie sported in the classic 1965 film, Doctor Zhivago. This burgeoning hat trend signals a clear and exciting shift within the fashion world, indicating a readiness to embrace high-octane, statement style for the year ahead. Given the often turbulent political climate globally, who could possibly blame anyone for seeking a little sartorial escapism and joy through their clothing choices?
Styling the Hat Trend
- Coat: Malina Anouk Yve Coat
- Jumper: Soft Goat Classic Crew Neck Jumper
- Jeans: 7 For All Mankind
- Hat: Mango Faux-Fur Beanie
- Bag: Bottega Veneta Andiamo Clutch
- Gloves: Cos
- Shoes: Jil Sander Leather Loafers
The Vibrant Return of Cobalt Blue
Another standout trend capturing attention this season is the new and somewhat unexpected surge in popularity of vivid cobalt blue. This striking hue serves a similar purpose to the enduring 'pop of red' look, which first debuted in the 2023 collections and continues to maintain its strong presence. With its intense and eye-catching appeal, cobalt blue has long been a trusted, go-to colour for royals, including Princess Catherine and various queens past and present.
However, it is a shade we have not seen prominently in recent years. Remarkably, within just two seasons, it has become a regular and celebrated feature on international runways. For styling, consider pairing this brilliant blue with sophisticated camel tones or a crisp white shirt for contrast. It also complements chic, timeless black beautifully, creating a modern and elegant ensemble.
Adding a Cobalt Pop
For a perfect injection of this trend, consider the cobalt-blue trainers from the acclaimed Adidas Originals collaboration with Wales Bonner. These will add just the right amount of vibrant colour pop to elevate any outfit effortlessly.
Leopard-Print Coats: A Timeless Statement
Finally, a wonderfully fun look to indulge in during these dark winter months is the classic leopard-print coat – a definitive 'one-and-done' statement piece capable of pulling together an entire outfit with minimal effort. Beyond its immediate style impact, a quality leopard-print coat is also a sound fashion investment, widely regarded as a perennial classic that transcends fleeting trends.
My top style icons for this look include Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, who famously rocked a vintage leopard coat on the streets of New York in the 1990s, and, more recently in 2025, Alexa Chung in Queens of Archive's Priscilla version. To channel this fierce trend, a long leopard coat, like the bestselling Rixo Milly Leopard Coat, will instantly make you stand out from the commuter crowd on even the greyest morning.
Building the Leopard Look
- Coat: Malina
- Jumper: Soft Goat
- Jeans: 7 For All Mankind
- Hat: Mango
- Bag: Bottega Veneta
- Gloves: Cos
Spotlight on Golden Globes Style
In a related style note, the award for best dressed at the recent Golden Globes, in my opinion, goes to Tessa Thompson, the breakout star of Netflix's new thriller His & Hers. She truly sparkled on the red carpet in a breathtaking, custom-made Balenciaga gown, showcasing the power of high-fashion moments.
