With winter finally making its grand appearance, it’s time to swap out your fall favorites for some seriously stylish cold-weather staples. The overall theme of the 2022/23 winter collections was contemporary comfort. Most of the accessories that graced the runway this year were equal parts functional and fashionable for the frosty weather ahead.

This year, the fall/winter runways were ablaze with oversized knits, warm and woolly headgear, hand and arm coverings galore, hearty hosiery, and some jazzy jewels to accessorize the multitude of layers. The 2022/23 winter runway accessories are the sartorial equivalent to a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha. They keep us toasty warm on the outside while invoking all the feels of the impending holiday season on the inside.

Shearling Accents

Shearling and sherpa were a big hit on the fall/winter runways. The versatile yet comfortable textile is the perfect way to add texture and warmth to any outfit. The cozy accent adorned everything from handbags to shoes. It wasn’t only featured as an accent, though; there was also an influx of timeless sherpa coats in a variety of shapes and styles.

Balaclavas

This year’s must-have winter accessory is as trendy as it is practical. The balaclava is a piece of headgear that provides much-needed coverage for your head, face, and neck this winter. Not only are they functional and fashionable, but they are also a time-saver as they double as a hat and scarf in one. They were seen on the runways of Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, and Max Mara, among others.

Fur Bags

Fall/winter runways took inspiration from Y2K with this throwback trend. A plush bag is the perfect cold-weather accessory. It’s a nice addition to your oversized sweater, adding a cozy aesthetic to any outfit. On the runway, Fendi featured plush, luxurious bags made from velour, velvet, and fur.

Belts

Cinched waists took the fall/winter runways by storm. Whether by use of belts, creative seams, or corsetry, several designers drew the eye to the waist this season. Our favorite fall/winter trend that aided in this cinched waist aesthetic was belts. From minimalist tone-on-tone looks to oversized statement pieces, a belt is the best way to cinch in all those warm layers this winter.

Functional Footwear

This year’s runways featured a plethora of functional footwear for the cold weather months ahead. These included chunky booties featuring a thick sole to withstand the snow and ice, moto boots, and Chelseas. Another popular item was waterproof waders featured by Chanel, ACNE Studios, and Bottega Veneta. These fabulous footwear trends are sure to keep us on our toes this holiday season.

Heavy Gauge Knit Tights

Hosiery had its moment on the fall/winter runways, paired with mini skirts and shorts. The tights were made with winter in mind. Featuring heavy gauge yarn and waffle knits, these tights are sure to keep you warm, comfy, and chic.

Gloves Galore

Celebrating all manner of luxe fabrics, gloves were all the rage on the runway this year. We saw sporty moto-inspired gloves and delicate sparkly gloves, as well as elbow-length gloves paired with dresses. Whether decked out in bright, bold leather, fur-trimmed sleeves, sheepskin, or delicate knit, keep your digits warm this winter in a pair of unbelievably chic gloves.

Oversized Earrings

Oversized earrings were a staple accessory on the winter runways, featured by several designers. The shapes and styles of the earrings were less important than the size. This year’s earrings scream bigger is better. From hoops to rhinestones, to baubles and everything in between, oversized earrings reigned supreme.

Statement Bangles 

As far as accessories are concerned, more is more. This was especially true this year with the plethora of statement bangles featured on runway models walking for Alexander McQueen, Jill Sander, Chanel, Rocha, and Balmain. Everything from edgy, chunky, biker-style bangles to metallic, eclectic-shaped pieces, one thing is certain, big, bold, bracelets are a key winter accessory.

Chokers

This year’s hottest runway fashion accessory was the choker, which was featured by Ambush, Balenciaga, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Chanel, and Versace. If you’ve still got your vintage choker, now is the time to put it back into rotation. If you want to modernize the look, you can emulate the runway versions with structural metallic versions or for a more feminine touch look, one made with oversized pearls.

Jessica Gardner | Contributing Writer