If there is one rule for Winter 2026, it is that minimalism is taking a sabbatical. The "It Girl" aesthetic this season has shifted away from the "Clean Girl" slicked-back buns and beige sweatsuits of yesteryear. In its place, we are seeing the rise of a new, opulent era—a mix of "Mob Wife" bravado, "Old Money" silhouettes, and a touch of imperial drama.

This winter, the party circuit is dominated by texture, structure, and unapologetic glamour. We aren’t just getting dressed; we are curating moments.

At the center of this shift is the return of the hair accessory as a crown, specifically the Imperial Lola embellished head band. When paired with a structured classic black dress, a sweeping long woolen coat, and layers of fur, you have the ultimate formula for winter domination.

Here is your complete guide to mastering the "It Girl" look this season, featuring your must-have wardrobe staples.

Coat - H & H

Dress - CLUB LONDON

Fur Coat - Nordstrom

1. The Foundation: The Structured Classic Black Dress

Every iconic winter look starts with a canvas, and for the 2026 socialite, that canvas is the Structured Classic Black Dress.

Forget the flimsy slip dresses of summer. Winter party wear demands architecture. We are seeing a massive resurgence in dresses that hold their own shape—pieces that don't just drape over the body but actually sculpt it.

The Silhouette

The current "It Girl" silhouette focuses on the waist and hips. Think hourglass construction with heavy fabrics like velvet, bonded crepe, or stiff satin. The structured black dress acts as armor; it is powerful, feminine, and timeless.

The Neckline: Square necklines and sharp, plunging V-necks are trending, but for the most drama, a strapless bustier top is the ultimate move. It leaves your décolletage bare, creating negative space that allows your accessories (and that coat) to shine.
The Hem: While minis are always fun, the true fashion insider is wearing a midi or maxi length with a high slit. It offers warmth without sacrificing sex appeal.

Why It Works with the Look

Because we are about to pile on heavy textures (wool, fur, embellishments), your base needs to be sleek. A structured black dress absorbs the light, grounding the outfit so you don’t look like you’re drowning in fabric. It is the deep, dark void that makes the sparkles of your Imperial Lola band pop.

2. The Crown Jewel: The Imperial Lola Embellished Hair Band

Imperial Lola Hair Accessories - Get yours here

Imperial Lola Hats - Available for Purchase or Rental

Now, for the pièce de résistance. In a sea of beach waves and messy top knots, the Imperial Lola embellished hair band sets you apart as the main character.

Headbands have shed their "preppy schoolgirl" reputation and entered their "regal matriarch" era. The Imperial Lola is not just an accessory; it is jewelry for your hair. Whether it is encrusted with pearls, crystals, or intricate beading, it commands attention and frames the face like a portrait.

How to Style It

The mistake many make is styling an embellished band with hair that is too perfect. You want to avoid looking like a doll.

The Texture: Pair the Imperial Lola with hair that has a bit of grit. A blown-out style with soft, brushed-out waves works best. You want volume at the roots so the band sits nestled in the hair, rather than perched precariously on top of a flat skull.
Placement: Push the band back about an inch from your hairline. Pull a few wispy pieces forward around the temples to soften the look. This juxtaposition of the "undone" hair with the "hyper-done" accessory is the definition of modern cool.
No Earrings Needed: Because the Imperial Lola is such a statement structure, you can skip the necklace and heavy earrings. Let the band be the source of light near your face.

3. The Outer Shell: The Long Woolen Coat

You cannot make an entrance if you are freezing. The "It Girls" of New York, London, and Paris have collectively decided that the Long Woolen Coat is non-negotiable this winter. And when we say long, we mean long.

The "Floor-Sweeper" Trend

We are moving away from knee-length pea coats. The coat of the season sweeps the floor (or comes dangerously close). This dramatic length elongates the body and creates a cinematic effect when you walk.

The Fabric: Look for heavy, felted wools. The weight is important—it needs to swing when you move. Cashmere blends offer that luxe softness, but a sturdy Melton wool gives you that sharp, military-esque shoulder that contrasts so beautifully with evening wear.
The Color: While black is classic, a deep charcoal, chocolate brown, or navy wool coat looks incredibly expensive paired with a black dress. It adds dimension to the monochrome palette.

Styling the Coat

Wear it open. The goal is to show off the sliver of the black dress underneath. If you must close it, do not button it; belt it tightly to cinch the waist, mimicking the structure of the dress beneath.

4. The Texture Clash: Fur Scarves and Fur Coats

Here is where we lean into the maximalism. The prompt asked for "fur scarfs and fur coat," and the fashion gods say: Yes, do both.

Layering textures is the secret to looking rich (aesthetically speaking). Winter 2025 is embracing the "Russian Princess" vibe—over-the-top, cozy, and devastatingly glamorous.

The Fur Scarf (The Stole)

A fur scarf is not just for warmth; it is a prop. It adds volume to the upper body and draws the eye up to your face (and your Imperial Lola band).

How to Wear It: Drape a heavy faux-fur stole over one shoulder of your long woolen coat. Don’t wrap it tightly around your neck like you’re bracing for a blizzard; let it hang loosely, pinned with a vintage brooch if necessary. It adds an asymmetry that looks effortlessly chic.

The Fur Coat (The Double Coat Trend)

"Wait," you ask, "am I wearing a wool coat and a fur coat?" In high-fashion circles, yes. This is called "outerwear layering."

The Strategy: You drape the long woolen coat over your shoulders (the "editor drape") and carry the fur coat on your arm for inside the venue, or vice versa.
Alternative: If wearing two coats feels too bulky for the dancefloor, opt for a coat with massive fur cuffs and a fur collar. Or, wear a cropped fur jacket over the structured black dress, but under the long woolen coat. When you check your wool coat at the cloakroom, you are still left with the glamour of the fur layer for the party.

Faux vs. Vintage

The modern "It Girl" is conscious. Most are opting for high-quality, high-pile faux furs that look real but feel guilt-free. Vintage furs are also popular for their sustainability factor (recycling what already exists). Look for fox or mink textures to complement the "Imperial" vibe of your headband.

5. The Complete Look: A Step-by-Step Styling Guide

Let’s visualize exactly how you will put this together for your next winter soirée.

Step 1: The Base Slip into your structured black dress. It should zip up tight, holding you in. You feel secure. You add sheer black tights (15 denier is trending) and a pair of pointed-toe stilettos or patent leather knee-high boots.

Step 2: The Glitz You prep your hair with texturizing spray. You slide the Imperial Lola embellished hair band onto your head. You check the mirror. The crystals catch the light. You look expensive.

Step 3: The Warmth You put on the long woolen coat. It hits your ankles. You feel like a detective in a noir film, mysterious and chic.

Step 4: The Drama You grab your fur scarf. You toss it casually over the lapel of the wool coat. The contrast between the matte wool and the shiny, plush fur is visually delicious.

Step 5: The Entrance You walk into the party. You don't take your coat off immediately. You stand at the bar, the layers of wool and fur framing your embellished headpiece. You are warm, you are comfortable, and you are undeniably the best-dressed person in the room.

Conclusion: The "It Girl" Attitude

Ultimately, this combination works because it balances masculine and feminine elements. The structured dress and heavy wool coat offer a sharp, masculine tailoring, while the fur and the Imperial Lola hair band offer soft, hyper-feminine glamour.

This winter, don't be afraid to take up space. Wear the big coat. Wear the sparkly headband. Wear the fur. The "It Girls" of 2026 aren't shrinking into the background; they are dressing to be seen.

Go forth and sparkle.

The Winter 2026 Party Edit: How "It Girls" Are Styling the Imperial Lola Hair Band