What Fashion Items to Score and What to Store in 2018

Do fleece jackets keep you warm?

Fleece jackets definitely keep you warm since they’re specially designed to insulate your body heat. Of course, the level of warmth you get from them all depends on the thickness and weight of the fleece, and whether you layer up with additional garments or not.

Are fleece jackets still in style?

Yes, fleece jackets are absolutely still in style. Right now, they’re leading the popular ‘gorpcore’ aesthetic, which takes inspiration from outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and climbing. But, they can work for a variety of looks, since they’re shoppable in so many different colors, weights, and silhouettes.

What is the warmest type of fleece?

There are three different weight categories when it comes to fleece, with the lightest being the least warm and the heaviest being the most warm. Lightweight fleece measures 100-200GSM (grams per square meter), medium-weight fleece lands around 200-300GSM, and heavyweight fleece is anything over 300GSM. A fleece’s warmth also depends on the actual material the fleece is made from. Polar fleece, cotton fleece, and sherpa fleece are the most common types of fleece you can find. Polar fleece tends to be the warmest, since it’s denser.

Parks Project High Desert Wildflowers High Pile Fleece

The high pile fleece on this pullover not only makes it extremely winter-ready, but extremely soft on the skin, too. The two side pockets and button-up collar are perfect for tucking your away cold fingers and face when the temps really start to drop. The elastic cuffs and waistband help seal in even more heat when you need it most. Plus, this eye-catching brown floral pattern earns major style points.

Barbour Violette Fleece Jacket

This deep green fleece jacket is equipped with plenty of brass buttons to help you customize your look and bundle up simultaneously. It has a fun contrasting trim to break up the color and incorporate that extra oomph your layered 'fits will be craving this winter.

Free People Hit The Slopes Fleece Jacket

This jacket boasts an easy-to-wear slouchy silhouette that's ideal for layering over long-sleeved shirts and turtlenecks without ever feeling overly bulky. I love the sporty vibe that the nylon patches and multiple zippered pockets give to this piece, allowing you to wear it casually or more formally. It also comes in 16 more colors to suit your personal style!

Ugg Nikia Open Stitch Detail Uggfluff Fleece Jacket

If there's one thing Ugg has mastered, it's the art of staying warm. If you know the sheer coziness of their signature boots, this jacket has that same exact level of comfort and warmth! I love that the contrasting scalloped trim breaks up the monotony of the brown color on this piece and also helps shape your figure – which is much needed when you're bundled up underneath layers and layers of winter clothing. The drawstring along the waist, side pockets, and standing collar will come in handy for shielding the most vulnerable parts of your body during a harsh winter chill.

All In Motion High Pile Fleece Jacket

This lighter-on-the-body fleece jacket is the perfect garment to grab after an intense workout when it's time to step out in the cold. It flaunts a nice hood to protect your head and neck, plus thick elastic bands along the wrists and waist, which fit snugly against your bod to insulate valuable body heat.

Cotopaxi Bacano Fleece Jacket

Cotopaxi truly knows what it means to brave freezing temps – their line of expertly-designed puffer jackets and fleece jackets are ultra-warm, and this fleecy pick is no different! The high-pile fleece material on this style sets you up for success in terms of keeping cold out and warmth in. You'll be surrounded in sheer coziness all season, thanks to the adjustable drawstring waist and high neckline. I'm also a huge fan of the contrasting zippers and retro-inspired patchwork to make any winter look stand out, whether you're hitting the slopes or running errands.

Kimchi Blue Snow Bunny Piled Fleece Zip-Up Jacket

This pick is like a wearable blanket. The soft fleece is constructed to a boxy, relaxed fit that you can practically wear anywhere. It's fitted with elastic cuffs on the wrists and waist, and you can adjust the level of zippered-up-ness (depending on how cold it is) using the two-way zippers along the front.

THE GREAT. The Pasture Horse Print Fleece Jacket

All summer long, I was a huge proponent of Horse Girl Summer, which is why I'm heavily eyeing this fleece jacket – I can easily take the Wild West sentiment into my winter outfits with it! I love the cozy low-pile fleece material for layering over other pieces, and I also adore the unique details on this jacket, from the scooped hem to the contrasting spread collar. Yeehaw, am I right?!

Old Navy '94 Half Zip

Part of Old Navy's recently-revived 1994 collection, this half-zip pullover jacket infuses throwback flair with modern convenience. The fleece material is soft on the skin and heat-insulating, so it doesn't ever sacrifice function for fashion. The mock neck shrouds your neckline in warmth, which is perfect for extra-cold days. You can also keep your hands shielded, too, thanks to the zippered side pockets. I love this toned-down burgundy color, though it's shoppable in 5 more vibrant hues like blue and yellow.

BDG Taylor Piled Fleece Aviator Jacket

With a chic mix of cream-colored fleece and black faux leather, this fleece jacket is definitely for those who don't like to abandon the 'fit for cold weather. It follows a boxy, aviator jacket-inspired silhouette that provides ample space for cold-weather layering. The fluffy collar brings even more coziness to your look!

Varley Roselle Half-Zip Fleece

This half-zip fleece jacket is as sweet as can be. I can see it working really well for cozy WFH days in the midst of wintertime! The waistline is loose-fitting, which adds to its comfort. It's fitted with zippers on both sides that you can adjust for the perfect body-hugging look.

A New Day Cozy Knit Polo Collar Pullover Sweater

This relaxed-fit pullover will help you pull together all your best office outfits with ease. The polo collar earns it some more formal flair so you can tackle meetings and tasks in comfy style. Wear it with a skirt and your fave fall boots to totally rock the look!

Vince Camuto Roving Stripe Sweater

Fall ensembles don't have to be bland. Stand out in this rainbow-striped sweater that boasts a flattering v-neck for a playful pop of color!

The Drop Women's Brigitte Chunky Button-Front Pocket Ribbed Cardigan

This easy-fitting ribbed cardigan has everything you'd want from a plus-size sweater: soft knit fabric, relaxed, oversized shoulders, statement buttons along the front, and of course, pockets!

Eloquii Two Way Zipper Sweater

This zippered sweater fits your body on the snug side to make your natural figure pop. You can play with the arrangement of the two front zippers in order to flatter your look even more! This pick looks great on its own, worn over a white tank top, or layered under your go-to fall jacket.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater

Crafted from "the coziest" grade-A Mongolian cashmere, this sweater flaunts a classic ribbed texture that's wearable anywhere. The oversized fit will feel wonderful no matter how you wear it – buttoned up or not.

Lillusory Fuzzy Oversized Sweater

This super-plush sweater is destined to keep you warm this fall and winter. Cozy up in its oversized fit and larger-than-life sleeves when you need an extra dose of comfort! It comes in so many different colors and patterns to suit your fall outfit plans perfectly.

Wild Fable Oversized Cable Sweater Cardigan

This cardi has a mid-length crop to it which will pair exceptionally well with high-waisted jeans and trousers this season. The timeless cable knit texture is easy to style with just about anything you've already got in your closet!

Grace Karin Long Sleeve Striped Sweater

This green and brown striped sweater was made to turn heads. The bold pattern and contrasting stitch work along the collar, sleeves, and waistline add a chic touch you can incorporate into any look! If this unique colorway isn't exactly your vibe, it also comes in 3 more playful color options.

Eloquii Bow Intarsia Sweater

The bow trend lives on in this pullover sweater that works equally well for casual fall 'fits and holiday get-ups. The baby pink and red combo is just too adorable to be ignored!

Karen Kane Surplice V-Neck Sweater

This lavender sweater with a body-wrapping silhouette will flatter your figure without a doubt, all while keeping you nice n' cozy in colder temps. It's made from a "wool-kissed" material that's soft to the touch, making it an absolute joy to wear by itself or layered on top of basic tanks or turtlenecks.

Universal Thread Crewneck Cable Knit Pullover Sweater

The neutral tan color of this cable knit sweater qualifies it as an easy match for any outfit you've got planned for fall time. From jeans to skirts, it'll bring an undeniably cozy vibe to your looks. The mid-length hem sits right above your hips to help shape your figure flawlessly!

As a gal with a little more meat and muscle on her bones, this has always been a problem for me. It’s infuriating, but it feels even more isolating. I can’t always wear the same styles that smaller women do, and even if I do find similar boot designs fashioned for wide calves, they look noticeably cheap or simply don’t check all the boxes in terms of my desired look.

I grew tired of saving all the “perfect” tall boot outfit inspo pics to my Pinterest board only to find that the boots in question had way too small of calf sizes, so I did what I always do when I shop for size-specific pieces: I took to Reddit.

I primarily consulted r/femalefashionadvice, r/plussize, and r/ausfemalefashion to see what people like me are saying about wide calf boots. The frustrations with finding good-looking, comfy tall boots was pretty similar across all three subreddits. As one passionate user put it:

“Even at a size 6, I have never been able to just buy any old pair of boots and have them fit. It is interesting to me how we've made great progress the past several years in regards to body inclusivity, yet somehow there seems to be a huge lack of sizing in regards to tall boots… It makes me so sad to see these beautiful boots everyone else gets to wear, slouchy, over the knee, western inspired, leopard/snake print, etc. Nothing like that comes in wide calf.”

Luckily, Redditors across all three threads suggested a handful of brands that actually offer cute wide calf boots with extended sizing. I had never heard of a few of them, but after scrolling through their sites, it felt like I struck gold.

The top-recommended brands for wide calf boots:

• Penningtons
• Børn
• DuoBoots
• Franco Sarto
• Sam Edelman
• Billini

Franco Sarto Bowman Wide Calf Knee High Boots

You're meaning to tell me these chic boots can really accomodate my calves?! The deep red color already had me sold, but that 15.75-inch calf circumference made this style so much better. They also come in a smooth brown color and a foxy faux-snake pattern, if those speak to your personal style more.

Børn Hayden Extended Calf Boots

The suede leather construction of these boots honestly rivals that of the beloved Campus boot, but their fit is much more roomy, boasting a 16.5-inch calf circumference. These zippered boots also have a playful lace-up detail on the back that's utterly unique.

Penningtons Extra Wide Width Black Tall Heeled Boots with Harness Straps

The calf circumference on these bad boys starts at around 17 inches for shoe size 6, and tops out around 19 inches for shoe size 12. I can't get enough of these moto-style boots and I love that they have the signature harness with silver hardware around the base that other similar boots do.

DuoBoots Saffron Knee High Boots

The fact that you can choose the calf sizing yourself when purchasing these Western-esque boots is ahh-mazing. The options start at 13 inches and go up to 20 inches to hold your beautiful legs without any fuss.

Billini Granger Extended Curve Boots

From all the wide calf boot brands suggested on the Reddit threads I scrolled through, Billini has to be my favorite. They state that these adorable camel-colored boots can fit calf sizes from about 18.11 to 21.42 inches, and while they do have an elastic panel on the sides to stretch even further, I think it's discreet enough that it doesn't distract from the overall look. Score!

Baretraps Thalia Wide Calf Boots

A very similar style to my wishlist Sam Edelman boots, this black pair actually has a 16.5-inch calf circumference that'll fit my legs to a tee. The block heel is the perfect shape and height, plus the toe isn't overly pointed (I don't necessarily care for pointy toes).

Sam Edelman James Wide Calf Western Boots

Finding cowboy boots with wide calves can be a big challenge – but no more! These reddish-brown boots have a 16-inch calf circumference so you can confidently rock any and all Western looks.

Billini Oshea Curve Boots

Immediately yes. These broader-fit boots are everything you need to make a statement with your shoes. They're definitely going on my wishlist! The calf circumferences for this style start at 16 inches and go up to 19 inches based on your shoe size.

Vince Camuto Seshon Extra Wide Calf Boots

With a 18-inch calf circumference, you won't have to worry about squeezing into these tall boots. I adore the timeless squared toe and wide block heel on these!