Hiking-core no more: 5 winter fashion tips from Czech style influencers

‘Tis the season for pulling heavy coats back out from their relegated spots in the back of the wardrobe and bemoaning the lack of feeling in your fingers on pitch-black mornings—winter is firmly approaching in Czechia.

But is it possible to find fashion inspiration in a country known for its laid-back, understated ‘hiking-core’ look? We turned to some of the country’s top influencers to tell us how to stay warm during a season when practicality often outweighs style.

A simple way to elevate your look, and depending on its boldness, often negates the need for over-accessorization, is to use a pop of color as the main element in your outfit.

According to Vogue, shades such as siren red, army green, and chocolate brown are trending this season, and can be applied to any aspect of dressing. A pair of red socks peeking from under your jean hem or a true brown bag to flaunt across the city will punctuate your look and give the appearance that you might have considered your choices more than you truly did while cold and groggy at 6 in the morning.

Prague-based fashion stylist Lolita Kelm highlights in particular the red Bordeaux color as one to incorporate. "We need to thank Sabato de Sarno for that, the creative director of Gucci," she told Expats.cz

"We’re also noticing more suede pieces making their way into the wardrobes of Prague’s fashionistas. Bags, trousers, shoes, trench coats—don’t hesitate," says Lolita.

Pair more outlandish colors with understated ones, such as gray—which is dominating the trouser department this year and brings a formal vibe to otherwise thrown-together fits.

An essential for the brutal chill of Central European winters is a huge coat. Once again, faux fur jackets are in fashion—and they seem to be bigger, better, and even more capacious this year.

Fur coats will pull together an outfit all on their own, meaning you’ll be reaching for yours quite frequently, which’ll be a very worthy investment. This applies to men, too.

Shearling coats have been seen on celebrities and the streets, though you may want to scour second-hand stores or go for something faux if you don’t want to break the bank. Otherwise, swap out your outerwear for a well-lined parka à la Liam Gallagher or a toned-down fleece jacket.

TikTok influencer @manonhellc shares some of her thrifted fur finds from Genesis (a Czech e-shop) and Textile House in Prague.

If fur isn't your thing, Lolita suggests "a good maxi wool coat paired with thermal wear underneath will never go wrong."

In Czechia, layering is life and it seems the sporty Czech nation is onto something. The “Rule of Seven,” circulating on social media, mandates seven visible clothing articles or accessories to complete an outfit. Start with core pieces, such as a shirt and jeans, which each count as one point. If there is an item with an interesting pattern or texture, count that as two. Do not exceed nine points, lest the outfit becomes too cluttered or busy.

It is indeed sweater weather; and while it’ll often be covered by your other layers, a sweater remains an important part of any outfit. Traditional cable knits are out and bold color palettes and graphic prints are in, according to Elle. Try looking for interesting shades and patterns to make your top layer stand out.

If that’s not for you, play into the “quiet luxury” trend that’s been popularized by pop culture figures such as Sofia Richie. One way to achieve this is by playing with necklines—if you’re going out for dinner an off-the-shoulder sweater is an elegant choice, and if you’re heading to the office, a turtleneck always does the trick.

As snow starts to hit the streets of Czechia, picking the right footwear is more important than ever—and the options are endless. The UGG trend is here to stay, with the traditionally lounge-wear item seen in public more and more. Moon Boots are also having a mini moment, mixing an edgy Après-ski aesthetic with good insulation and durability.

If you’re a fan of the humble sneaker, Footshop stock a large range of reliable brands such as Nike, Adidas, and more. Bold orange colors are trending, and Sambas continue to shine in tones of mineral green and deep blue.

For hitting the town, knee-high boots are popular among the ladies, with many twists on height and design. Slouchy, ruched boots with kitten heels and fuzzy finishes turn any outfit luxurious. If you want the look without breaking the bank, affordable shoe stores such as Vasky stock the trends.

And if you are wanting to incorporate the humble 'hiking-core' look after all, Czech locals swear by Decathlon for both shoes that will keep your feet toasty and coats that will weather the cold.