Sophisticated Dressers Are Wearing These Exact Accessories This Winter
When it comes to cold-weather dressing, it's the small details that matter. Here are six elegant runway-approved trends to elevate your outfits this winter.
Of all the seasons, winter is by far my favourite for fashion. I just find it so much easier to look polished and put-together throughout the colder months. And whilst I’ll never deny the power of a good wool coat and a pair of knee-high boots, I firmly believe the chicest outfits rely on accessories to take them from basic to elevated. And they come in especially handy for minimalists like me, who prefer to keep the base of our outfits simple but still want to look on-trend. So for winter 2026, I decided to hunt for the coolest hats, scarves, gloves and more to add to my seasonal capsule wardrobe.
My first port of call? The runways, of course! Between hours spent scrolling through the lookbooks of my favourite luxury brands, as well as talking to my fellow editors who attended fashion month earlier this year, it soon became clear that the smaller details are really doing the heavy lifting when it comes to curating elegant outfits this season. And whether you’re a maximalist or more of a pared-back dresser like me, certain accessories just make outfits look considered without feeling too try-hard.
From theatrical opera gloves that are sure to make a statement to fuzzy faux-fur scarves that perfectly toe the line between cosy and chic, keep scrolling to discover the six accessory trends I’m investing in this winter.
1. Opera Gloves
Style Notes: From floral embroidered coats to velvety fringe pouches, the opulent opera aesthetic has taken over winter 2026, and the most compelling accessory by far is the extra-long gloves that add instant polish to any outfit. There’s just something about the longer silhouette that looks inherently sophisticated (I mean, just look at Boss, Michael Kors, Uma Wang and Paul Costelloe, above) but also manages to feel both elevated and well within my comfort zone. Not to mention they’ll keep you extra cosy on those chillier winter days.
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2. Statement Brooches
Style Notes: Once solely regarded as an evening accessory, statement brooches have re-emerged as what might be the hardest-working addition to your capsule wardrobe this winter. They allow you to keep the rest of your clothes simple whilst quietly elevating the look. Of course, they were spotted on the runways of luxury fashion houses, including Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, LaQuan Smith and Litkovska; however, a brooch looks expensive at any price point.
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JENNIFER BEHR
£365
COS
£55
Marella
£60
Gucci
£345
Carolina Herrera
Carolina Herrera Floral Brooch
£510
ASOS DESIGN
£12
3. Colour-Pop Tights
Style Notes: I live in my black tights all winter, but the runways have spoken: colour-pop pairs are the It-girl accessory of 2026. The likes of Hermès, Rabanne, Zankov and Julie Kegels all proved that the effect of adding an intentional flash of colour to an otherwise neutral outfit is undeniable, and you’ll be pleased to know they're as wearable as they are bold. My tip? Opt for the season's trending colours: cobalt blue, royal purple and burgundy.
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Calzedonia
£11
Lindex
£15
FALKE
£28
ASOS DESIGN
£8
M&S
£10
Swedish Stockings
Swedish Stockings Olivia Premium Tights
£30
4. Faux-Fur Scarves
Style Notes: I’m well aware that faux-fur scarves are in no way a new trend, but after a few years of being deemed "dated", they’ve officially made their way back into the fashion zeitgeist for winter 2026. From Magda Butrym and Zimmermann to Gabriela Hearst and CFCL, cosy faux-fur scarves adorned the runways in a wide range of shades, from neutral, go-with-everything tones to bolder pops of colour. I, for one, cannot wait to get this expensive-looking accessory around my neck this season.
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Whistles
£75
The Frankie Shop
£160
Next
£22
Self-Portrait
£220
ZARA
£30
Free People
£78
5. "Fashion" Hats
Style Notes: I’ve never considered myself a hat person, always finding that they feel a bit too out-there for a minimalist like me. However, after spotting a range of different "fashion" hats from Bottega Veneta, Michael Kors, Tolu Coker and Balenciaga, I’m very tempted to have some fun and give this trend a try.
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GIGI BURRIS
£315
ZARA
£36
Ruslan Baginskiy
Ruslan Baginskiy Cotton-Lined Hat
£305
ASOS DESIGN
£24
& Other Stories
& Other Stories Wide Brim Felt Hat
£47
COS
£55
6. Mock-Croc Belts
Style Notes: Every wardrobe needs a goes-with-everything belt; however, if you're getting bored with your classic smooth leather iteration, then why not opt for a croc-effect finish to add some texture to your winter outfits? Not only do they look expensive at literally any price point, but they will act as a nice point of difference from your typical waist-cincher. Chanel, Elie Saab, Lanvin and Luisa Spagnoli prove you can opt for any colour, pattern or thickness of your choosing.
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Déhanche
Déhanche Hollyhock Leather Belt
£315
Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent La 66 Buckle Belt
£595
M&S
£32
Boden
£69
sézane
£65
ANDERSON'S
£110