The Top 6 Winter Fashion Trends to Know Going Into 2023 | by: Abby Hepworth
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. You can learn more about that process here.
We don’t always think of winter as the most stylish of seasons. Outside of New Year’s and holiday looks, it can be tough not to fall into a pattern of simply wearing the same dark-wash jeans and gray cashmere sweaters day in and day out. But this year we’re determined to add a little extra flair to our cold-weather looks, and thanks to the fashion data gurus at Pinterest, Depop, Etsy and Tagwalk, now we know exactly where to start. These six trends have been growing in popularity all across the internet, and we suspect that excitement will only continue to flourish. So, if you too want to give your wardrobe a stylish boost, here are the only six winter fashion trends you need to know.
1. Leather
Leather pants, leather jackets, leather dresses, leather shirts—leather (and faux-leather) designs in just about every silhouette are majorly trending heading into 2023. Whether you prefer the clean look of a straight-leg leather trouser or want to shake things up with a trendier motocross jacket, you essentially can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing how to embrace this trend. Our only advice: Choose just one leather item per outfit rather than piling it all on at once. We know, we’ve seen some celebs pull off a head-to-toe leather look, but it’s an incredibly tricky balance and all too often just winds up looking like a costume.
Shop the trend: Abercrombie & Fitch Faux-Leather ’90s Pants ($110); Cinq à Sept Mckenna Faux-Leather Dress ($365; $219); Avecs Les Filles Oversize Faux-Leather Shirt Jacket ($158; $111); Reclaimed Vintage Faux-Leather Pants ($50); Pilcro Structured Faux-Leather Midi Dress ($190); ASOS Leather Trench Coat ($313)
2. Ballet Flats
Yes, the basic ballet flat is back, but the 2023 versions are not the flimsy, juvenile styles popular in the early aughts. This time around, shoes with more structure replace glove-like designs, and both pointy- and square-toe silhouettes are just as in as classic rounded styles. As for how to make the shoe feel modern and grown-up, try pairing them with other posh or tailored pieces, like wool trousers or a midi-length sweater dress. If you’re going to wear them with denim, stick with darker washes with little to no distressing (a raw hem is fine so long as any loose strands are excessively long) and cuts that hit at or a smidge above the ankle.
Shop the trend: J.Crew Zoe Leather Ballet Flats ($148; from $55); Vionic Minna Ballet Flats ($120); Margaux The Demi Leather Flats ($195); M.Gemi Danza Leather Ballet Flats ($248); Journee Collection Vika Ballet Flats ($60; $40); Italeau Belinda Flexlite Flats ($239)
3. Grunge and Goth (with a Twist)
The return of indie sleaze has long been predicted to be just over the horizon, and Pinterest and TikTok have seen a rise in ‘90s Whismigoth styles in the past few months (think Melissa Joan Hart in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, but with more dark lipstick and black mesh). Add to that the success of Netflix’s Wednesday starring Jenna Ortega and it should come as no surprise that all things black, goth and grunge are trending for winter 2023. This time, however, the look seems much more polished than before, with morning after smudged eye makeup and torn fishnet tights being replaced by sharp winged eyeliner and spiked up-dos.
Shop the trend: Urban Revivo Lace Blouse ($80); Spanx Faux Patent-Leather Leggings ($128); Eloquii Floral Sheer Column Dress ($130); Dr. Martens Jadon Boots ($200); Collusion Unisex Knit Laddered Sweater ($47); Vero Moda Kasey Miniskirt ($65; $52); ASOS Broderie Midi Shirt Dress ($225)
4. Midi and Maxi Skirts
Pencil skirts and slim, ankle-length silhouettes are replacing micro minis (thank goodness) as temperatures continue to drop. We’ve specifically seen leather and denim styles popping up more than wool, silk or jersey, for a more structured, timeless look. These skirts also have what we would call a “straight-leg” fit, to compare them to jeans, meaning they’re not skin tight nor are they flouncy or flowy. Because of their “middle of the road” fit, you can style them with many more top options, ranging from chunky cableknit cardigans to slim-fit turtleneck tees.
Shop the trend: Boden Denim Straight Midi Skirt ($98); Pilcro Front-Slit Denim Skirt ($138); Reformation Winnie Skirt ($178); Good American Maxi Denim Skirt ($179); UO Winona Satin Maxi Skirt ($59)
5. Celestial Disco
This trend combines a few different aesthetics, including aquascape mermaid core, airy romanticism and disco lite. Basically anything with a bit of shimmer or shine will fit the vibe, as will diaphanous fabrics like tulle, delicate lace and sheer silks. And of course shades of light blue, silver and purple reign supreme. All these looks share an ethereal quality, and aren’t quite as bold as previous takes, which only makes them feel easier to test out if you’re still on the fence.
Shop the trend: Reformation Glory Sheer Dress ($278; $167); Signature 8 Sateen Cargo Pants ($87); Mango Strass Mesh Top ($100); Bishop + Young Ruffle-Collar Sweater ($115); New York & Company Metallic Pleated Wide-Leg Pants ($110; $44); Michael Costella Isadora Mini Dress ($268; $242)
6. Green
Barbie pink was definitely the break out star of 2022, but we predict shades of green will soon replace the hot hue, despite the fact that Pantone has named Viva Magenta its Color of the Year. Kelly green, emerald and other richly bright shades have been popping up everywhere we look, but so have darker pine hues and pale pistachio or mint. So go forth and embrace any and every shade of green you can, mixing them up for a monochrome look or opting for one stand-out piece. Then prepare yourself for the wave of compliments you’re bound to receive.
Shop the trend: Boden Satin Midi Shirt Dress ($198); Baum Und Pferdgarten Cleo Sweater ($249); Marc Jacobs The J Marc Mini Shoulder Bag ($295); Alice + Olivia Denny Boyfriend Blazer ($485; $291); Eaves Signy Faux-Fur Shacket ($398); Nike Phoenix Fleece Pullover Sweatshirt ($70)
