Back-to-school inspiration: autumn/winter 2023 fashion trends
2023 fashion trends inspired by Milan, NYC, London, and Paris fashion weeks that you should know about
My name is red
Red is this season's must-have colour for any minimalist wardrobe: a perfect shade to highlight pared-back outfits without stealing the show.
If in doubt, check The Row or Hermès, demonstrating the understated power and elegance of a head-to-toe red ensemble.
Alternatively, a touch of red – a dark red handbag or leather skirt, a pair of bright cherry boots, or a chunky vermillion cashmere sweater – brings the perfect zing to a muted attire.
Photos: AW23 Burberry, The Row, Hermès
Cardi revisited
Cardigans have been trying to make a comeback for quite a while, but we were not entirely convinced.
This season, they are the staple you need to add to your wardrobe. Silky, skinny and ribbed à la Prada, in true English grandma-core style à la Miu Miu (provided you wear them with sheer trousers!), or long and enveloping à la Loewe: they work wonders with the low-rise denim trend, which is returning this year.
Photos: AW23: Prada, Miu Miu, Loewe
90s pencil silhouettes
High-rise, cargo (our current favourite) or fluid: pencil skirts elongate 2023 silhouettes. They are ultra feminine and flattering, styled with comfy cashmere jumpers, tiny bomber jackets or parkas.
And they give ample opportunity to showcase your new knee-high pointy boots and kitten stilettos.
Photos: AW23 Prada, Fendi, Eudon Choi
Working-girl energy
Aspiring boardroom lifestyle is overtaking our hybrid working life. During Paris Fashion Week, all eyes were on Saint Laurent's nostalgia for sharp suiting, power shoulders and pencil skirts for a full-on 'working girl' energy – the 1988 movie starring Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver was the inspiration behind Anthony Vaccarello's collection.
But should you wish to tone down the '80s influence, take inspiration from Ami's Charlotte Rampling oversized navy suit or Eudon Choi's fluid double-breasted blazer.
Photos: AW23 Ami, Eudon Choi, Victoria Beckham
Slim belts with everything
Beyond boardroom aesthetic, classic 90s reign supreme, with voluminous silhouettes clinched at the waist by simple, slim belts: the fastest way to give some of your oversized coats or blazers a new life.
Photos: AW23 Emporio Armani, Hermès, Max Mara
Buttery is the new quiet
A soft transition from quiet luxury, butter-yellow overtakes the muted aesthetic that filled last winter's timeline.
The delicate shade fits our transitional mood and will lighten up our grey autumn mornings.
Photos: AW23 Givenchy, Prada, Loewe
The biggest wrap
Ultimate cosiness ahead!
Gigantic scarves, chunky jumpers and blanket capes layered above our coats, jackets, and trousers to comfort us in those uncertain times to come.
Photos: AW23 Altuzzara, Coperni, YSL
Off-the-shoulder ensemble
The contrast between a knitted ensemble and a bit of flesh brings a glimpse of structure and sexiness to the autumn season. A great welcome!
Photos: AW23 Alberta Ferretti, Altuzzara
Knitted minidresses
Knitted dresses are everywhere this autumn.
More specifically, knitted minidresses have been spotted on the Milan catwalks, worn with stompy boots and dramatic tights.
Photos: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Valentino
XXL shopper bags
The more is more bag trend is confidently settling in.
Jonathan Anderson at Loewe and Demna at Balenciaga have been championing the maxi tote for some time.
This year, aggrandised bags are everywhere – from Alberta Ferretti's red number to Matthieu Blazy's intrecciato – and worn on the shoulder or under the arm.
Photos: Alberta Ferretti, Eudon Choi, Loewe
Always denim
Denim remains a versatile wardrobe essential for this autumn season.
From seemingly plain baggy jeans championed by Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Y Project to dramatic maxiskirts at Victoria Beckham and double-denim ensembles at Balenciaga, denim is a key statement piece in your wardrobe this autumn.
Photos: AW23 Victoria Beckham, Balenciaga, Y Project
Sheer up
Subtle nudity may be the ultimate 2023 fashion statement to affirm body confidence.
This season, sheer slip dresses come with a romantic touch, corseting and ribbons, while blouses are covered with dots.
Photos: AW23 Prada, Simone Rocha, Valentino