It’s that time of year again. The evenings are getting darker earlier, the mornings are crisper, and the warm sunshine is being replaced by cooler, overcast days as the leaves slowly begin to fall.
You can no longer leave the house without a jumper or a jacket, and your summer wardrobe is gradually being pushed aside so you can adapt to the change of seasons.
Hello, autumn. I’ve missed you! (Everyone who knows me well knows that autumn is my favourite season.)
For Spring/Summer 2023, timeless basics took over the British fashion scene, which was juxtaposed with an eighties party girl and nineties grunge revival.
This Autumn/Winter 2023/24 promises more of the same quiet luxury with a few enchanting surprises thrown in. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the hottest AW23 trends you’ll soon be seeing everywhere.
1. Back to Basics
First things first, chic minimalism is having a moment on social media right now and designers are taking note. The simple yet high-quality basics we saw on the runways are almost like an ode to Vivienne Westwood, who sadly passed away in December and famously said: “Buy less, choose well, make it last.”
From white vest tops and wide-leg jeans at Bottega Veneta to hoodies layered with wool coats and fitted leggings at Miu Miu, comfort and classic design are key priorities for AW23. Keep your colours neutral (black, white, grey, navy or beige) and avoid patterns to recreate this effortlessly stylish aesthetic for yourself.
2. Business Casual
It’s time to incorporate what you wear to the office into your social life as smart suit sets once again become a huge trend for Autumn/Winter. From cute miniskirts and boxy Chanel-inspired jackets at Kenzo to fitted trousers and oversized blazers at Dolce & Gabbana, power dressing has returned with pizzazz.
Eighties-influenced shoulder pads were even spotted at Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen in darker colour palettes and pinstripes. This added a super-cool, super-modern spin on a once-sneered-at concept to subsequent generations.
To replicate this trend, wear your dark-coloured suit-set with a white button-up shirt or bodysuit and pointed heels or chunky brogues depending on the occasion. Choose gold bangles or hoop earrings with a light-hued bag to warm up and pop against the colour palette.
You could even add a skinny black tie as seen as Valentino, Dior and David Koma. Either way, be prepared to look and feel like a boss.
3. Head-To-Toe Black
All-black outfits were also popular for AW22, but this season, there’s one hero piece that the designers just can’t get enough of. Move over LBD, the LBC is in town (the Long Black Coat) — and she’s not for the faint-hearted.
Some may argue that this trend has been inspired by Wednesday Addams after Wednesday premiered on Netflix last November. Regardless, this style staple will be sticking around for the foreseeable and is just as slimming as it is chic.
Whether you opt for an oversized style with a big collar a la Alaïa or a tailored double-breasted version following in the footsteps of Balenciaga, team yours with different textures to make the ultimate all-black statement.
4. Amp Up the Volume
We already talked about exaggerated shapes as part of the business casual trend (remember those padded shoulders?). That said, volume was a major undercurrent across the catwalks of multiple designers for AW23.
For SS23, this came into play through big, poofy dresses as part of eighties nostalgia, and further dramatic shapes of tulle, satin and taffeta aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Think Erdem, Molly Goddard and Carolina Herrera, who showcased ruffles, pleating, enlarged bows and layers upon layers of fabric.
This trend is pretty, it’s feminine, and I’m here for it. After all, it’s a stark contrast to the minimalistic tone that was initially set — and undeniably perfect for the upcoming party season.
5. Vivid Metallics
Speaking of the upcoming party season, metallics are making a dynamic comeback just as they do every Autumn/Winter. Although this time, they can be seen in a whole host of colours.
The traditional gold and silver were still spotted at the likes of Isabel Marant and Paco Rabanne, but there were also bright hues like emerald green at Bode and Barbie pink at Rick Owens.
Whether you prefer to stay safe with the ageless colours or dabble in one of these new fun shades, keep your accessories neutral and minimal so that your sparkly outfit can take centre stage.
6. Ooh La La Lingerie
One of the AW23 trends that has been carried through from Spring/Summer is barely-there outfits. Think sheer fabrics forefronted by Coach, Atlein and Moschino.
Corset-style dresses and tops are also here to stay. However, they have been revolutionised for Autumn/Winter through more appropriate fabrics like faux leather, sequins and black lace.
Whatever your preference, one thing’s for sure: you’ll need a maxi coat over the top of your lingerie-focused look to combat those chilly temperatures. In addition, knee-high boots up the ante while keeping your feet and legs toasty.
7. Hourglass Silhouette
Lastly, this AW23 trend is a follow-on from the previous. Corsets already create an hourglass shape, but the cinched-in-at-the-waist silhouette was another common pattern amongst a multitude of runways.
Chunky belts were used to draw in the middle at Max Mara, whereas tailored waists were the weapon of choice at Louis Vuitton and Chanel. The womanly figure never felt so celebrated, and this shape was often paired with demure separates to bring it to the height of sophistication.
I’ve been a big lover of all garments oversized and comfy for the past few seasons, but I think I’ll be honouring my hourglass figure moving forward.
Final Thoughts on AW23 Trends
Quiet luxury meets loud playfulness just in time for the Christmas party season, and both movements have serious style appeal.
The former means you can keep your wardrobe simple and easy to navigate, sticking with comfy basics that are versatile and will last the test of time. The latter is a chance to let loose and embrace looks out of your comfort zone, which you may end up loving and wearing this season and beyond.
Personally, quiet luxury will probably make up the majority of my everyday outfits, but I’ll be dabbling in the other AW23 trends to unleash my inner femme fatale for smart-casual events in my social calendar.
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Which of these AW23 trends are you most excited about? LMK in the comments!
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