We’ve now entered 2023 and, as with every year, our wardrobe ‘go-tos’ are transforming into the next coveted trends of the season. But what should we be including in our closet staples? Here are some of the key trends which are predicted to make a big impact in 2023:
Moving decades: Noughties Grunge and Applique
Driven by the Gen-Z-ers, the desire for all things 90s will be moving into the 21st century and the naughties period of fashion will come to the fore.
The Y2K fashion is still very much a vintage collection, fueled by the movement of eco-friendly approaches to fashion, re-wearing and stepping away from ‘fast fashion’ trends. Instead, people are heading down to their local vintage shops in hoards.
Part of this trend includes the sexy grunge look which features slashed and strappy tops and deep hues of black and burgundy. We’re seeing lots of this on the runway already and it’s expected to become more and more popular.
Another big part of Y2K fashion is the denim and how you wear your jeans will be changing. 2023 denim will be strides away from the plain, straight, and skinny leg looks, cinched in with a belted high waist. Instead, wide, and flared legs with a low-cut style will be seen everywhere. Many of these Y2K inspired shapes will also boast floral patterning and applique, which is a true hark back to the pre-social media influencer days.
Denim will also transcend into other areas of your wardrobe. The double denim trend makes a resurgence and sees many celebrities sporting this casual look with the low-cut jean, an open denim shirt, and coupled with a two-tone denim crop top.
Sheer is here
As we’ve seen in previous seasons, this trend offers timeless, hyper-femininity for all those confident enough to carry the look. Although this season perhaps sees the brazen nature of the trend toned down somewhat and focuses on preserving the dignity of its model.
Sheer skirts with long hemlines minimize the skin revealed and just offers a glimmer of suggestion as to what’s hidden.
The corset and lacy pieces beneath the sheer outer layer will also play a big part in this trend. The focus will be on the eye-catching designs of the underwear designs rather than the bare body.
Bright colours, big volume
The new popular season on Netflix, ‘Emily in Paris’ has played a large part in altering our expectations, allowing us to express individuality and making this the norm. This trend is seeing bigger, bolder pieces. There’s no need to wait for a special occasion or big night out, with this trend, it won’t be out of place to wear a statement outfit to do your weekly shop, walk down the high street.
Within this trend, one of the shapes we’re seeing is the ‘bubble-hem’. This particular shape isn’t easy to carry off and can look clunky if teamed with the wrong choice. But marrying a chunky bubble-hem skirt with a relaxed tee, will balance the look and focus the attention on the drama in the bottom half of the outfit.
Another key part of this trend will be bold pallets. Purple shades continues from last season. We’re still seeing all iterations of this shade across high end collections and as part of day-to-day wear. In addition to this, blues and golds will feature heavily in the upcoming seasons.
Fashion forward fuller skirts with a tulle underlayer will be a prominent feature, too. These love or hate pieces will be divisive but they certainly won’t be understated. This trend will scream personality.
Frisson of Festival
Following on from big personality fashion, we’re also seeing lots of tassel and ruffle detailing. This gives a sense of seasonal festival wear but allows the trend to feature as part of our daily outfits. Additionally, we’re seeing fringes and feathers, which all add interest to what could be a plain piece of clothing.
The art deco fringes seen in beloved 20s fashion now appears slightly more rustic and informal, more akin to a date day or coffee with friends. This trend doesn’t have to boast large tassel detailing, just could just be a nod to the high-end feature.
Sportswear isn’t just for workouts
In 2023, we will see sporty silhouettes everywhere and not just in the gym. However, we’re not just talking about the comfortable wardrobe essentials like your leggings and hoodies. This trend aims to elevate the pieces into everyday wear. There will be an abundance of silky materials morphing into a jogging bottom, fitted and slinky hooded tops. And when you combine these with a stiletto heel, this trend promises to make magic happen.
More traditional sportwear can also be mixed and matched with slinkier pieces to bring a different perspective and some luxe. A hooded top with a plunged, lacy bralette gives sophistication to a previously tired and frumpy look.
Credit: Amy Fletcher
