6 Fall Winter Trends that are beautiful but utterly impractical
This fall and winter, wearable classics collide with dreamy (yet totally impractical) Pinterest fantasies. In the first part, I am breaking down the trends that are stunning–but impractical for winter
I regularly share articles I've written for BEIGE in this newsletter. The exciting part? For the first time, you can read them in English! This piece was originally published on BEIGE, but it’s been slightly updated and adapted for Substack. Here’s the original version in German, where you'll also find my selection of the most beautiful (yet impractical) products from online stores for each trend.
As I wistfully say goodbye to the most beautiful summer and autumn of my life, I can’t help but feel a little itch in my fingers. Winter is making its entrance with a few rainy days and cooler temps, and the online shops are bursting with shiny new collections. This seasonal shift is dangerous territory for most of us: new trends are calling, last year’s fall and winter wardrobe might still be packed away somewhere, and let’s face it—we all want a few fresh updates to sweeten the thought of the nine months of cold ahead.
No wonder “fall and winter trends” are blowing up on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok right now. I’ll admit it: I’ve already caved here and there, making some impulsive trend purchases. And in doing so, I’ve noticed something—some trends are absolute winners, while others… well, let’s just say they make zero sense.
Not that the word “impractical” has ever stopped me from buying something. Fashion doesn’t always have to make sense! But I couldn’t help but laugh at how many of this year’s trends are destined to drive us crazy in the coming months—especially once a little rain or snowstorm ruins them.
So, here’s Part 1 of my breakdown: the trends that look stunning on the runway and all over Instagram, but don’t quite hit the mark when it comes to real life.
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Suede Jackets
The undisputed it-item of this autumn and winter? Suede jackets. Whether in beige, cognac, deep brown, or the occasional black, this transitional staple is practically unavoidable. I couldn’t resist either and found my perfect piece for those cooler days. Given my life with a toddler, I played it safe and opted for a very dark shade.
That said, I knew what I was getting into: this jacket is a fair-weather friend, destined to stay home on any day the weather app isn’t 100% confident about a dry forecast.
But just in case, I’ve already made backup plans—a rain cape from Vivi Mari is stashed in the stroller. The alternative? Freezing while keeping the jacket safely tucked away! One advantage of really cold temperatures? We’re already layering our suede jacket under a winter coat anyway...
Suede Bags
Different accessory, same dilemma. I’ve had my brown suede bag (currently sold out, but it keeps coming back in stock again and again) for about a year now, and I’ve never regretted it—BUT it’s definitely showing some wear and tear. Unlike a jacket, a handbag is much harder to shield from surprise rain showers, and I’ve had my fair share of those over the past year. Add to that a toddler’s sticky hands, snack crumbs, and life in general, and it’s clear my beloved slouchy bag is overdue for a spa day at the saddler’s—a deep clean, a good brushing, and a little TLC to bring it back to life.
So, keep in mind: this isn’t your low-maintenance, easy-everyday bag (though I treat mine like it is—and I’m living with the consequences). It’s a bit of a diva, demanding extra care and attention, but totally worth it if you’re willing to pamper it.
Wide, Floor-Length Jeans
I absolutely love wide-leg jeans—and I’ll be wearing them non-stop this autumn and winter. That said, deep down, I know there will be smarter choices. I can already feel it in my legs as the jeans soak up street rainwater all the way to my knees—and leave a trail of splash stains up the back, creating a galaxy of water spots from ankle to butt. Let’s be real: wide jeans look amazing... but they definitely have their drawbacks.
Leather Pants
I’ve spent so much of my life searching for the perfect pair of leather pants—and then I got them as a gift when I was pregnant. Talk about bad timing, because they fit for about a minute—and I’m still not sure they’ll ever fit again. But even without a baby bump, leather pants and I have always had a problem: finding the perfect temperature. Most of the time, it’s either too cold for leather (it somehow manages to transmit the cold straight to your skin) or too hot, leaving you sweating indoors.
And let’s not forget the main issue with leather pants: you can’t just throw them in the wash. Dry cleaning is a hassle, often not possible, and super expensive. So, think twice before committing to real leather—there are some excellent fake materials out there. Agolde and Nanushka make super soft, high-quality vegan leather pants.
Shearling Jackets
Not exactly new, but definitely a recurring trend—shearling jackets, essentially the winter versions of suede jackets. Made from the warmest lamb’s wool, these jackets look incredibly cozy and will keep you toasty for sure. But, as you might expect, you should try to avoid getting caught in heavy rain–especially with very light-colored models, which might even have a brushed finish on the outside. The water stains probably won’t come out.
As a proud owner of a shearling coat, I’ll also warn you: the warmth comes at a price—not just in $$$—but also in weight. Most shearling jackets and coats are pretty heavy, and if you need to take them off indoors (which is pretty much a given once the heating’s on), it feels like you’re carrying a small child around with you.
Oversized Coats
Consider this a little warning for
from , since a gorgeous (but impractical) floor-length coat from Bobkova has been sitting on her wish list for over a year now! “Caution: Slippery when wearing a long coat.” Floor-length coats have been all the rage since last year, and I absolutely love the look. I even bought a very long black wool one from The Frankie Shop, and now I feel like I'm walking around in an evening gown when I go up or down stairs—talk about tripping hazards! Plus, every time I bend down, the coat brushes against the dirty floor—and with a toddler in tow, let’s just say, I bend down a lot. Was it a practical choice? Not really. But it’s definitely a beautiful one!Here’s a little sneak peek of what’s coming your way in the next issue:
In just a week, we’ll find out which current trends do a better job than my examples of combining style and wearability. So, any guesses yet? But before that, we'll of course catch up with a 'personal' newsletter edition in a few days!