With Christmas upon us, fashion expert Claire Asher from Boohoo predicts this year's hottest trends that will dominate the festive season, from showstopping Christmas day outfits to dazzling party dresses

Sequin outfits are an essential wardrobe item as we approach party season that are guaranteed to get you noticed on the dance floor. This Christmas, we can expect to see many dazzling sparkly dresses, tops and accessories, just like we've seen on fashion runways recently, from Valentino, Oscar de la Renta and more. In the last three months, Google searches for 'sequin dress' have increased 185% in the UK, while searches for 'sparkly dress' have increased 300%.

One common misconception about sequinned clothing items is that they are saved exclusively for special occasions and Christmas parties, when in fact, sequins and embellishments can be used more subtly to elevate any everyday look. For instance, sequinned accessories and handbags are perfect for adding more depth to everyday outfits. Or, of course, sequined dresses are the perfect glamourous occasion wear for Christmas parties.  

One major trend that has emerged this year has been feathers, with searches for 'feather dresses' exploding a whopping 733% in the last month alone and the term 'feather dress' receiving an average of 20,000 monthly Google searches in the UK. 

We can expect this Christmas season to focus more on textures instead of prints and patterns, to add more depth to our fashion choices. Feathers have rocked the fashion world this year, from catwalks to high streets, and are popping up just about everywhere, on trouser hems, stilettos, blazer cuffs and multiple accessories. Feathers are the perfect fashion trend for those who prefer dressing in more neutral colours, as a way to spice up your looks without stepping too far outside your comfort zone. 

Leather

Another current fashion trend that will dominate this Christmas season is leather, which is continuously one of the best investments you can make for your winter wardrobe. Leather truly has something for everyone, for instance, the term 'leather jacket' receives a huge 74,000 average monthly searches in the UK, while 'leather trousers' receives 41,000 searches and 'leather blazer' receives 19,000. 

When it comes to bottoms, faux leather trousers and leggings are definitely the popular choices of the moment. Many leather bottoms usually have a mid or high-waisted design, which is perfect for that extra warmth needed to brace against the cold during the Christmas season. In the last three months alone, searches for 'leather trousers' have increased 250% in the UK. 

Faux leather trousers and leggings are effortless to style and often provide a more elevated look when compared to jeans. Simply pair your trousers with an oversized cosy jumper and chunky boots for a casual Christmas day look, or with your favourite 'going out' top to head into town with friends for Christmas cocktails.  

Just as many trends from the 90s have come back into style – low-rise jeans, slip dresses etc. – chunky boots are no exception. Chunky boots are definitely a Christmas wardrobe essential, allowing you to remain on trend whilst withstanding the harsh depths of winter. 

Currently, the term 'chunky boots' receives 29,000 monthly searches in the UK, and searches for 'chunky ankle boots' have risen 270% in the last month alone. Whether you are wearing your boots with bare legs, jeans or a midi dress, chunky boots allow for endless styling options and also offer a fabulous and comfortable alternative to heels for Christmas and New Year's Eve parties. Chunky boots will never really go out of style, but this winter season they place at the very top of our shopping list as a must-have, rather than just a basic staple. 

From trench coats to aviator jackets, one fashion trend that will definitely be prominent this Christmas season is statement and oversized coats. Fashion trends may come and go, but statement outerwear will always prevail year after year and is always a simple way to spruce up your winter wardrobe.  

Searches for 'aviator jacket' have increased 180% in the last three months in the UK, while the term 'trench coat' receives 74,000 average monthly Google searches. Consider using your outerwear to make the most of bold block colours, striking prints and fluffy faux furs, which will guarantee to amplify any minimalist outfit.  

Although it might seem like an obvious choice, extremely oversized knitted pieces will be a major hit as we head into Christmas. The fantastic thing about a statement knitted jumper is that it is so easy to style. Simply throw it on with your favourite midi skirt, faux leather leggings or jeans to create effortless but fabulously balanced looks that will keep you warm this Christmas season. 

Research by https://www.boohoo.com/womens/looks/winter