What Are We Wearing? 2023 Fashion Trend Predictions
Simone Rocha Spring 22 via Daniele Obberrauch
When gazing at my wardrobe, I can see a brief peak into last year's trends. A few shirts in an electrifying shade of magenta – a node to the Barbiecore aesthetic that filtered from Valentino’s monochrome pink campaign into every fast fashion store. A Y2K-inspired denim micro skirt,
reminiscent of Miu Miu’s dangerously short pleated skirt – worn by Nicole Kidman on the cover of
Vanity Fair’s February 2022 issue. As we get settled into 2023, a whole new set of fashion trends
will emerge. Some will filter down from big fashion houses and their runways (you’ve seen that
cerulean blue sweater scene from The Devil Wears Prada, right? That’s how it works). Some you’ll
see much-lauded by celebrities and influencers across TikTok and Instagram. And some will even
reflect the current social and cultural climate, like how the pandemic inspired a boom in comfortable athleisure wear, ideal for lockdown lounging. I’ve collated a list of fashion trends that
are predicted to be everywhere in 2023.
Gothic Glamour
Jenna Ortega Wednesday via Leon Bennett:Getty Images
Goth-glam is a twist on Victorian-era style that is currently cementing itself on red carpets. If
you’ve seen Jenna Ortega on the Wednesday press tour, you know what I’m talking about: sheer
veil, lace details, and the colour black in every possible cut and texture. As the trend evolves we’re
expected to continue pulling from the time period, like full, leg-of-mutton-inspired sleeves, and a
penchant for velvet.
Dyspnea Corset via Dyspnea
Corsets will continue to be a dominant accessory, with options ranging from
Australian fashion label Dyspnea’s sequined affair to the much-loved patterned Vivienne
Westwood version. Especially in the wake of Dame Westwood’s passing, I expect a greater hunt for
vintage pieces, especially her 1985 Spring/Summer Mini-Crini collection, which saw the
combination of Victorian crinoline (a structured petticoat used to hold up skirts) with the modern
mini-skirt. In terms of colour palettes, neutrals will be swapped for deep and rich tones, like
burgundy, foresty greens and purples.
Vivienne Westwood Leg-of-Mutton via Getty Images
Futurism
Space-age aesthetic via Keystone:Hulton Archive:Getty Images
In the sixties, we had the “Golden Age” of flying and the Space Race, which lead to Space Age
fashion. Skip to the noughties and we had another major wave of life-changing technological
advancements, dubbed the digital revolution: the first mobile phones and the first social media in
MySpace. The result was McBling, or as Vogue’s online writer Abrigail Williams describes it, ‘Y2K’s
teched-out, more splashy sister.’
Dior Galaxy Print via Isidore Montag
We’re now in the third digital revolution, with digital fashion, NFTs, and the beginnings of commercialised space travel. We’re once again reaching for the stars and embracing high drama and maximalist looks. While you may cringe when remembering the galaxy print of the 2010s, fashion experts have heralded its return as we dive into galactic glam. But it’s a completely new iteration, more on a James Webb Space Telescope images level than the printed fresh off of Google images 2010s version. Dior already debuted their take on it for their Pre-Fall 2023 Menswear collection, made in partnership with NASA. We’ll also be stepping away from simple gold statement jewellery and into metals in interesting colours and shapes, including chunky hardware and body armour à la Schiaparelli.
Schiaparelli Metals Couture Fall 21 via Daniel Roseberry
Modern Grunge
Bottega Veneta SS23 via Filippo Fior
Simone Rocha is favouring punky tulle. Bottega Veneta is selling flannel shirts. Floral slips are at
Ralph Lauren. Nineties grunge is coming back, albeit with some extra polish, so tidy up your Dr
Martens. Cargo will be big, so smarten it up with some petite heels and considered jewellery. Tune
into Netflix’s new reboot That ‘90s Show for some fashion inspo, and keep in mind that sheer and
layering will be big components.
Florence Pugh Hair via Getty Images
If you’re tempted to transform your hair, cautiously grab a bleaching kit. Inspired by Tumblr nostalgia, dip-dyed hair is positioned to be the new ‘do of choice. Think less Kylie Jenner’s teal ombré and more Florence Pugh’s subtle lavender. The recession of the early nineties meant an abundance of expensive clothing to be tastelessly showy in the face of many struggles, so the dominant aesthetic was paired down. As we continue to deal with an unstable economy and a cost of living crisis, fashion will start to reflect a lack of excess spending money.
Aleali May in grunge via LAUDIO LAVENIA, GETTY IMAGES
Shopping in Your Own Wardrobe
Thrifting via @fashionthriftsociety
This is more of what I want to see and a better path to follow for the younger, less financially stable and more eco-conscious generation. While trends can be fun to play around with, don’t feel
pressured to constantly dress in what’s new – even if that means taking a break from social media and its influence every once in a while. Your mum might have a nineties slip unused and stuffed in
the back of her wardrobe, or you might be inclined to upcycle and add more pockets to your current jeans to achieve that cargo look. You could be confident in your current style and just want to add a new piece of jewellery to the mix. It’s also completely okay if you’re still experimenting with fashion. My advice is to stick to a few statement pieces that are inspired by trends, and that you know you can restyle and wear with multiple outfits.