Sundance's mild chill sparks a runway of cozy textures and bold sweaters

As the snow-capped peaks of Park City glistened under a sky that felt a shade warmer than usual, the festival's red carpet turned into a living showcase of winter elegance. Celebrities and stylists alike embraced the unexpected comfort, layering rich knitwear, billowing silhouettes, and textured fabrics that seemed to echo the frosted landscape while offering a fresh take on cold-weather couture. The slight lift in temperature allowed designers to experiment beyond the typical heavy coats, swapping bulky outerwear for supple wool blends and intricate cable patterns that draped with effortless grace. Every arrival became a study in contrast: plush, oversized sweaters paired with sleek leather accents, or delicate boucle jackets layered over crisp shirts, creating depth without sacrificing warmth. Observers noted that the emphasis on tactile detail-whether through plush fleece, hand-woven tweed, or subtly shimmery yarns-signaled a broader shift toward embracing comfort as a cornerstone of style. By the week's end, the collective wardrobe choices had woven a narrative of understated luxury, suggesting that the season's future may be defined as much by texture and layering as by traditional winter staples.