8 Easy (& Flattering!) Winter Outfit Formulas To Be The Best Dressed This December

1. Cropped Vests

You didn't have to look far if you wanted to spot a celeb wearing a variation of a vest. From under boob designs to cropped versions, they used to dominate fashion. We're willing to bet you even wore the latter in middle or high school. If think we've been sneaking to look at your closet, we haven't nor are we psychic.

We know you had at least one cropped vest because we did too. Some of us had a punk rock era while others thought we were adopted the business casual style that seemed appropriate for our younger selves. Needless to say, this trend won't cut it in 2025.

2. Ponchos

If you didn't own a poncho when you were younger, what were you doing? It was one of the 'it girl' trends that dominated whether you were deemed stylish or not, and guess who couldn't get enough of wearing it? Us...and maybe you too!

Thankfully, we've outgrown our desire to be seen in something that wouldn't get us in trouble at church because we realize it's actually not flattering. Besides, the goal is to let your outfit shine without hiding it under a shapeless garment.

3. Scarf Tops

Unless you're headed to a festival or vacationing somewhere where wearing minimal clothing isn't given a side eye, scarf tops are to be left in the past. We actually don't have the words to describe just how much we'd prefer for you to wear everything BUT this trend. Since we're currently glitching, we'll say that we'd prefer to see you wear a poncho in 2025 before you try to revive this.

4. Shorter Leather Jackets

This is more of our more controversial takes, but we'll say it anyway: shorter leather jackets don't belong in your closest in 2025. They were great when we were in college, but now? It just seems like they're reserved for 20-year-olds who are still trying to figure out who and what they want to be in life. An oversized, vintage-esque option always looks best!

5. Puffy Faux Fur Coats

Sigh, It seems like everyone wanted their hands on a faux fur coat, but we think this is one of the most outdated fashion trends. It looks like it belongs to the street style during 2016-2018's fashion weeks. While we're add it, please don't pair it with anything camo if you decide this is one thing you're not ready to give up yet.

6. Low Rise Jeans & Skirts

All we can think about when we see super low rise jeans or skirts are our middle school days. Unfortunately, we saw too many pairs of thongs being exposed because of this style and it scarred us! Unlike other styles we've mentioned, we're adamant that you shouldn't pass 'go' for the sake of reviving low rise anything. Gen Z may say otherwise, but let's just let these lie where they belong: the 2000s.

7. White Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a cute way to spice up your outfit when you're looking for an accessory that doesn't feel distracting. BUT, it's possible to still get that wrong if you're wearing sunglasses that have glaring frames. They're known for making a statement, but not in a good way. Let's leave the white sunnies behind, please!

8. Page Boy Hats

We're sure you can pull of a great page boy hat, but it's the quickest way for most stylish people to wonder if you're trying to hold on to a time where they made everyone look great.

Sigh...Okay, we're just not a fan of this trend, and find that it may unintentionally age you.

9. Overdone Ruffles

Unless you're trying to show Lord Farquaad you would make an excellent wife, leave the overdone ruffles alone! They're not going to make anyone look good even if you've pulled them off in the past. Honestly, the above outfit would be really cute if it weren't for the layered ruffles around the neck so let this be a lesson to keep them in the past.

10. Tiny Denim Shorts

"Who wears short shorts?" Well, we used to before we realized that they're not the most stylish option. They're great for summer vacation or days where you want to give your legs breathing room, but we don't think they should be a part of your everyday uniform anymore. There's other denim styles you can rely on like balloon jeans, dresses, or even longline shorts!

A New Day Clothing Finds

Button-Front Vest

Vests totally became the official-unofficial cool girl uniform over the summer, but that doesn't mean you can't wear one well into winter. Pair this pick with matching trousers and kitten heels for an unforgettably sleek outfit!

Long Sleeve Midi A-Line Dress

The bubble hem on this midi dress feels oh-so fancy for special occasions like dinner parties and cocktail hours. I think the off-the-shoulder moment is super flattering, too!

Maxi Slip Skirt

Channel your inner '90s fashionista with this $28 slip skirt that comes in 8 different stylish colors. You can style it with practically everything from sweaters (for colder months) to tank tops (for warmer months).

Classic Trench Coat

Put on a trench coat once, and you'll instantly feel like that girl. This $45 jacket is the perfect excuse to layer up this winter!

Slim Fit Long Sleeve Ribbed Boat Neck T-Shirt

This long sleeve tee is quite literally perfect. The boat neck is flattering and feminine, plus I love that the overall fit isn't too tight nor too loose – just comfy enough! You can wear it with everything this winter and spring.

Faux Fur Jacket

Yeah, this jacket is it. Not only is it gonna make a statement, it'll keep you quite cozy and warm!

Faux Suede Midi A-Line Skirt

This $35 faux suede skirt had me fooled for real suede, making it one of the best luxe-looking A New Day finds at Target right now. The paneling is super neat, adding a good amount of visual interest to this gorgeously unique terra cotta color.

Long Sleeve Midi Sweater Dress

Sweater dresses are in their prime this time of year, but it can be hard to find one that checks off all my boxes. Luckily, this $40 knit one is just modest enough, but has plenty of playful details to make it feel more elegant: the leg slit and turtleneck look adorable.

Ballon Long Sleeve Tie Front Blouse

This Scandi-style tie-up top is ideal for work outfits and low-key weekend outings. I will never get over the bows! It also comes in a serene purple color and a bold zebra print, if that's more your vibe.

High-Rise Wide Leg Pleated Front Trousers

The extra-wide legs on these pleated trousers are right in line with today's trends, plus, they're uber-flattering for any figure. I love the idea of wearing them with ballet flats or chunky boots for a sophisticated 'fit!

Long Sleeve Knit Ballet Maxi Dress

You can do all the swirling and twirling in this cute maxi dress! The length hits right around the shins so you can still show off your favorite winter boots.

A New Day Shoe Finds

Gigi Embellished Slingback Kitten Heels

Now onto the best part – shoes! A New Day carries a ton of trendy styles, one of which is these sparkling kitten heels. The mesh + rhinestone combo can't be beat, Plus, they're only $30 – perfect for picking up ahead of holiday party season.

Donna Ankle Boots

You can't ever go wrong with a solid pair of black boots. These ankle booties feature a bold pointed toe and block heel to keep every step comfortable.

Jordan Loafer Flats

Put some preppy-ness in your step with these chunky loafers! Their limited black and white color palette allows you to easily match them with any outfit.

Issa Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats

These mesh ballet flats are everything. They feel super bougie but will only run you $35, which is a fraction of what similar designs go for elsewhere.

Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.

“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”

And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”

“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”

And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.

When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."

Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."