2023 Fashion Trends Straight From The Runway To Start Wearing Now | by: OLIVIA MARCUS

Photo: IMAXTREE. DESIGN: SASHA PURDY/STYLECASTER

 

Regarding fashion and specifically fashion week, the industry tries to uphold a delicate balance between longevity and trends. Designers work to craft collections that feel cohesive to their previous work while still breaking some form of a barrier, pushing their designs forward and inspiring a new season of style. As new designer collections debut around the world during fashion month, we begin to see clear fashion trends for 2023 emerge.

Amongst TikTok’s “hot takes” on fashion week, an analysis of Anna Wintour’s subtle reactions (she seemed to enjoy the Tom Ford show), and many designer’s feeble attempts to include realistic body types on the runway, we are left with a jumble of opinions, critiques and questions. But when it comes to trends, there is one question that reigns supreme—would you wear it? 

As consumers, we subsequently work through the same tug-and-pull of trends that designers do but on the receiving end. Do we aim to be aspirational or affordable? Do we shop for the moment? Exhilarating, though potentially fleeting. Or, do we shop for the future? Curated for forever, at the risk of playing it a bit safe. Spoiler alert: there’s no correct answer. 

To be hyper-aware of trends and the evolving landscape of your own closet is to be a conscious consumer. To seek out trends from the runway before they run your Instagram feed is to be a conscious consumer. The current state of the trend cycle moves at a dizzying pace—getting swept up in the current feels inevitable. The art of fashion and building your personal style forms when the wearer moves past consciously participating in trends and chooses to selectively participate. No designer includes every upcoming trend in their collections and frankly, neither should you. 

That being said, the fashion trends for 2023 are all over the board. From a continuation of controversial low-rise options and an influx of too-sheer-for-work slip dresses to heavy leather skirts and delicate dip-dye, the Spring/Summer ‘23 collections from New York Fashion Week create a “choose your own adventure” game plan. You can scroll through every trend, but only a special few will realistically probably make it into your closet. I’ve directed the top seven trends from New York Fashion Week for you to take your pick. 

Sheer Genius

Every so often, a trend from a singular show will spark a wave full of similar styles. In this case, the trend in question is sheer and the trendsetter is Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection. The Fendi collection debuted back in February but its influence was fully felt last week in New York City. It’s no longer taboo to have undergarments show through your frock—in fact, it’s preferred. Almost every major collection on the NYFW runways incorporated completely see-through garments. Tory Burch provided a masterclass in realistically wearable sheer with strategic layering while designers like Kim Shui took the opportunity to bare all.

While many of the sheer pieces would be suitable for street style statements or a night in a dimly lit room, Jason Wu gave us multiple examples of sheer design in formal wear. The designer sent a strong variety of sheer gowns down the runway in floral, sparkly, lace and jewel tones (to name a few). In a backstage interview with Jason Wu minutes before his show, he said, “Of course, there’s always going to be dreamy gowns but you might see a sexy side of Jason Wu that you may not be so familiar with—but get used to it.”

Courtesy of Zara

 

Rhinestone Lace Dress

If you want to lean into the revealing element of the sheer trend, this dress is perfect and can be tastefully worn over nude undergarments. However, being basically naked in public is understandably not for everyone which is why this dress is still a winner—add a long sweater on top, layer it over tights or get really daring and wear it over jeans. The possibilities are endless.

Semi-Transparent Embroidered T-Shirt

This lace long-sleeve allows you to participate in the sheer trend without feeling like you’re baring it all. This lace top comes in black or white—pro trip: wear the opposite color bra underneath for some subtle flirty fun.

Total Tassels

Remember when feathers bordered every sleeve and hemline? Well, they’ve officially been replaced by tassels and fringe. Tassel trim is traditionally neutral toned which makes it a great option for wardrobe minimalists and a wide range of designers. Brands like Bevza (known for elevated neutrals) to Bronx and Banco, a party-goers go-to, embraced long fringe.

In an exclusive interview with Bronx and Banco designer, Natalie De’Banco, I got an inside scoop regarding the shift from the luxe night-life aesthetics we saw in her Fall/Winter ’22 collection to the earth-toned glam we saw for Spring/Summer ’23, “Since our resort collection was super bright and colorful, we are keeping the palate neutral and calming with blacks and beiges. That said, there won’t be a lack of color. We are using splashes of electric peach, lipstick coral and neon lime to add excitement to the collection.”

The textured tassel trim will be the ultimate party trick come spring 2023 but there’s no reason why you need to wait to wear the trend. Tassels and fringe look incredible when incorporated with a neutral sweater, hanging from suede boots, and on the back of a heavy leather or suede jacket.

If you’re escaping the cold winter and heading on a tropical vacation (jealous!) you’ll absolutely want to bring this Jonathan Simkhai number along with you. Not only is this dress a total showstopper, it’s also majorly on sale.

Rushes Raffia Knit Midi Dress

This orange dress would be incredible for any spring or summer wedding you have on your docket. If you simply can’t wait that long to wear it, throw a chunky knit over the top and let the skirt shine throughout the winter.

Lengths of Leather

Leather jackets have been a mainstay on during fashion week for decades and this season was no exception. Heavy (and colorful) leather jackets were seen at Coach but the trend was upstaged by a more playful iteration: leather skirts. From mini to maxi, leather skirts swung down the runway at NYFW. Designers like Altuzarra took a longer, more structured approach to the style while others kept it short and sweet. Since leather is traditionally a textile for fall and winter, it’s nice to see a piece that works all year round. The style pairs well with everything so this is definitely a trend worth investing in for 2023.

City Slicker Vegan Maxi Skirt

If you’re over leather pants, switch to a leather skirt—you can wear them with all the same pieces in your closet and it will immediately elevate your outfit. This vegan option from Free People is perfect.

Abby Vegan Leather Mini Skirt

Give your going-out look a grunge edge with a leather mini-skirt. This vegan option would look great with sheer black tights and sling-back kitten heels.

Oh Yes, Obliques

This past summer, cut-outs were everywhere, specifically a double oblique cut-out (like on this viral Cult Gaia dress). Cut-outs continued to dominate formal wear on the New York runways but this time, designers were picking a side. One-sided oblique cutouts were everywhere and on everyone—Gigi Hadid rocked the look at Tom Ford and Karlie Kloss wore a one-shoulder iteration at Carolina Herrera. The style is a great way to emphasize your waist, show a little skin and play up any simple gown.

Kristin Dress

Barbiecore pink isn’t going anywhere and neither are oblique cut-outs. Get the best of both worlds with this gorgeous hot pink gown.

Daya Midi Dress

This Michael Costello x REVOLVE dress perfectly incorporates the one-side oblique cut-out with the LBD.

High-Stakes, Low-Rise

According to designers, the boardroom may be getting a makeover. Low-rise suiting options were all over some of the most highly anticipated runways at NYFW including Tibi, Sandy Liang and Peter Do. The two-piece suit has been at the height of trends for the past two years and thankfully isn’t going anywhere. While you can absolutely still wear your regular or high-waisted trousers, designers are giving low-rise fans a third option. Low-rise trousers follow suit with the low-rise jean trend of having an exceptionally short crotch length. This gives them a well-tailored appearance instead of appearing baggy (though if you like a baggy look, simply just size up in regular slacks and wear them lower on your waist).

Martina Low-Rise Trouser Pant

This pair of low-rise trousers are the corporate meets y2k hybrid of Gen-Z’s dreams. Chances are, you’ll want to wear these out vintage shopping before you ever take them into the office.

Lido Wide-Leg Wool Pant

I love how these trousers aren’t high-waisted but they aren’t dauntingly low-waisted either. This pair comes in seven colors and is available in sizes 0-14.

City School Girl

If you visit Manhattan’s Lower East Side neighborhood right now, you’ll see a strong presence of the city school aesthetic. The look takes elements of the demure, girly school aesthetic (plaid skirts, ruffled collars and pink bows) and fuses them with street-style grunge (heavy piercings, lug sole shoes and mesh layering). At the heart of the neighborhood, you’ll also find Sandy Liang’s storefront—looking out onto the street with a front-row view of the aesthetic she’s helped craft. It’s no wonder then that Sandy Liang’s S/S ‘23 collection was a direct reflection of the environment with girly-grunge pastel mini dresses. Liang paired the looks with ballet flats (the trend is here to stay!) or sleek sporty sneakers. Similar versions of the ensemble were also seen at Coach and Maya Seyferth. If you’re eager to create your own version of the city school aesthetic, I’d recommend browsing the racks at your local vintage store first.