Top Cold Weather Fashion Trends of Fall/Winter 26'-27
In the heart of the Midwest, we know all too well that as the leaves begin to change from vibrant greens to stunning shades of amber, crimson, and gold, so does what you put on every morning. Here are some of our hand picked top cold fashion trends.
This seasonal transformation brings with it a refreshing opportunity to revamp our wardrobes and embrace the cozy comforts that autumn has to offer. As we transition from the carefree days of shorts and tank tops to a more crisp atmosphere, it's essential to consider not just warmth but also style.
Included is a comprehensive fall autumn color palette guide designed to enhance your understanding of seasonal colors and provide tailored fashion advice. This guide aims to assist individuals in selecting the perfect hues that resonate with the essence of autumn, ensuring that your wardrobe reflects the warmth and richness of the season.
Let’s explore some fun and fresh ways to stay warm and trendy for the cold weather approaching, ensuring you feel both comfortable and fashionable.
Trending- Printed Sherpa Fleeces
Printed sherpas are currently trending in popular patterns like leopard, zebra, floral, and western motifs across major retailers. Sherpa fleece is a synthetic textile designed to mimic the warm, woolen clothing worn by the Sherpa people of the Himalayas.
It was made popular in the 1970's by brands such as Levi Strauss for lining their trucker jackets with the curly pile fabric. Moving out from strictly outdoor and mountaineering aesthetics, sherpa fleece has become a staple of modern casual and street style fashion in jackets, hoodies, and sweatshirts.
How To Style:
While also posing as the perfect statement cold weather piece, it is also great to use as an outer layer for cold weather:
Layer a sherpa fleece coat by balancing its heavy texture with sleek base layers or cozy mid-layers to stay warm without looking bulky.
Try a simple tight-knit long-sleeve or fitted t-shirt underneath so the volume of the coat remains the focal point.
For heavier options, layer over a slim-fit hoodie, making sure the sleeves are not too thick to bunch up inside the coat arms.
Our Cream & Brown Fleece Horse Jacket from Panache Apparel Co. features a cozy fleece fabric with a playful horse print design. With a relaxed fit and a contrasting brown collar, this jacket is perfect for layering during cooler days while adding a fun, stylish touch to your casual outfits. Available in a Small-X/Large on our website.
Fan Favorite- Plaid Flannels
One of the most popular cold weather staples of Western-Culture: The Flannel. It has Welsh roots, with flannel first emerging in 17th-century Wales, where farmers' wives hand-spun wool and brushed it on both sides (a process called "napping") to raise the fibers. This double-brushed technique created an insulating, durable, yet soft fabric that protected workers against cold, wet Welsh winters. During the Industrial Revolution, mechanical carding mills made flannel production fast and cheap, spreading its popularity across Europe and into military use for Civil War undershirts.
From the 17th century until the mid-19th century, cloth makers relied almost exclusively on natural dyes sourced from plants, insects, and minerals, before the revolutionary invention of synthetic aniline dyes in 1856. That's where the characteristic neutral and earthy tones of our modern day flannels come from. These subtle shades still influence our entire fall pallet of the present day, with muted blues, browns, tans, greens, oranges and creams.
I recommend finding a couple good quality flannels that compliment your natural autumn shades (and don't worry, you're about to find out how).
Let's find your natural autumn shades below:
Fair Haired/Blonde/Light Brown and Light Eyes/Blue/Green/Hazel
Deep Burgundy
Forest Green
Warm Cognac
Soft Copper
Medium Hair/Dark Blonde/Light Brown and Brown Eyes
Warm Rust and Terracotta
Soft Plum
Sapphire Blue
Olive Green
Dark Hair/Black/Dark Brown and Dark Eyes
Espresso and Dark Chocolate
Mahogany
Rich Copper
Mustard and Gold Tones
How To Style:
Flannel plaid is making a significant resurgence in the fashion scene for the fall of 2026, marking a notable shift from the disheveled and often chaotic aesthetic associated with '90s grunge. This revival brings with it a refreshing transformation towards a cleaner, more tailored look that appeals to contemporary sensibilities while still honoring the fabric's rich history.
Up to speed fashion trends - Wear plaid button-downs under structured jackets, tucked into sleek denim or tailed trousers. If the weather warms up, wear wrapped around waist with jacket over top.
2026 meets '90s Grunge - wear a slightly over-sized plaid jacket with a tank top or bandeau underneath. Pair with either a Maxi skirt or baggy jeans to bring back that 90's aesthetic. Opt for moody colors like the burgundies and deep dark blues for this one.
Pair under a denim jacket with sherpa details and bell bottoms or super flare jeans. The jacket should be true to size but able to wear at least one long sleeve underneath the sleeves without bunching. This paired with a big blowout and soft makeup will scream a 70's disco diva meets Midwest living. ( 'That's So 70's' core)
Our Tan, Dk. Green & Rust Plaid Button Up features a classic collared neckline, button-front closure, and chest pocket detailing, creating an easy, lightweight staple perfect for everyday wear and layering. Also available in Cream and Rust.
The Very-Best, The Vest
Can we even talk about a cold weather layering fashion guide without discussing the vest? The vest, an often-underestimated piece of outerwear, plays a crucial role in the art of layering for colder climates. It serves as a versatile garment that can enhance both warmth and style, making it an indispensable element of any winter wardrobe.
How To Style:
Let's take it into 2026 and style it around current trends and some tried and true favorites. As we look ahead to 2026, it's essential to consider the evolving landscape of fashion, technology, and lifestyle choices that reflect not only the present but also the aspirations of the future.
Balance your volumes. If your vest is chunky or puffy, keep your base layer smooth and fitted. If your vest is sleek and flat, you can wear a slightly heavier knit underneath.
Pair fine-knit sweater vests with tailored trousers or sleek skirts, and match rugged or quilted outerwear vests with heavy cottons, denim, or corduroy.
Combine a cropped or standard puffer vest with a fitted long-sleeve ribbed tee or matching leggings set.
Our Tan Corduroy Vest features a textured corduroy fabric with a high neckline, front zip closure, and a relaxed fit that's perfect for layering over long sleeves and lightweight sweaters for casual, everyday styling. Also available in Olive.
Corduroy Comes Back
If you read our Fall Fashion Guide for 2026, you definitely know that corduroy is the OG cold weather apparel. This timeless fabric has been a staple in wardrobes for generations, effortlessly bridging the gap between casual and formal styles. From jeans to jackets, the versatility of corduroy is unmatched, making it a go-to choice for both men and women as the temperatures begin to drop.
How to Style:
Style corduroy jackets in 2026 by anchoring the textured, ribbed fabric with smooth, clean-lined separates like crisp white tees, straight-leg denim, or sleek silk.
Pair a tan or cognac corduroy puffer jacket or blazer over a basic white t-shirt and boot-cut or straight-leg denim jeans.
Avoid visual overload by limiting your outfit to one or two textured items; keep the rest of your garments smooth. Pair with silk camisoles and skirts for a more romantic take on a normally rugged look.
Ground the heavy, ribbed texture of corduroy with substantial shoes like leather ankle boots, chunky loafers, or clean, minimal sneakers.
Our Tan Corduroy Puffer Jacket features a soft corduroy exterior with quilted puffer construction, designed with a high neckline, full zip front closure, long sleeves, and a cozy cropped fit that's perfect for warm, stylish cold-weather wear.
In Conclusion
We hope this fashion guide serves as a comprehensive resource to help you layer accordingly for the cold weather this fall and winter of 2026-2027. As the temperatures begin to drop and the days grow shorter, it becomes essential to not only stay warm but also to express your personal style through thoughtful layering.
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