Fall/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends
The autumn/winter 2023-2024 collections have arrived, and they promise a visually stunning fashion season. This year, fashion enthusiasts are in for a treat as styles reminisce about the glamour and allure of the 80s (with a touch of the 30s mixed in). Unlike last year's autumn/winter fashion, which drew inspiration from the 2000s, the current season embraces the best aspects of the '80s and '30s while maintaining timeless feminine elegance.
Previous revivals of '80s fashion focused on bold colours, the grunge/punk aesthetic, and sporty looks of that era. However, this time, the 80s influence is different. The prevailing trend across these collections is a sense of universal comfort harmoniously combined with elegance. Think of oversized bow ties, dresses with necklines that subtly blend edginess with sensuality, sky high shoulder-padded blazers in understated classic colours. There's also a distinct emphasis on celebrating the feminine form with the appearance of A line and hourglass cut dresses.
I have studied this years collections and have distilled the core trends into easy to digest images. Let’s take a look.
Maxi skirts and dresses reign supreme this season, but the latest twist sees shorter hemlines elegantly styled over trousers, a trend that has proven its enduring appeal, especially within the modest fashion community.
The suit and blazer, which gained popularity through the clean girl aesthetic of spring/summer 2023, continue to hold sway. However, this season introduces a notable shift towards more formal, well-structured, and occasionally flamboyant blazer styles. In contrast to the previous season, where blazers often played a supporting role in outfits, they now step into the limelight. Blazers are artfully matched with trousers or skirts to craft a sophisticated formal suit ensemble.
Denim, while making limited appearances on the runways, made a significant impact when it did. Often it was shown styled as double denim and the pieces were well structured and tailored creating a formal feel to an otherwise casual fabric. Versace presented well tailored double denim outfits as well as denim paired with oversized white shirts.
The most popular cut this season for dresses was the classic hourglass silhouette. Although some shows experimented with more flamboyant shapes, most shows featured garments cinched at the waist that channelled timeless and feminine elegance. Numerous shows also highlighted this cut with peplum tops and blazers, celebrating the beauty of the feminine form.
While the previous season witnessed an influx of American-style blazers characterised by their short and boxy designs, the current fashion season favours English-style blazers. However, these English-style blazers embrace size exaggeration, as exemplified in the Balenciaga and Saint Laurent runway shows.
Interestingly, the dropped waist style endures, despite its seeming unsuitability for autumn and winter. However, in a fashion landscape where short shorts are on the horizon of trends, this choice shouldn't come as a complete surprise.
This season's emphasis on the hourglass silhouette and the resurgence of English-style blazers with oversized proportions perfectly show the magic of contrast and add a dynamic element to the fashion scene.
In the realm of trending colours for the current season, there's a noticeable return to the classic elegance of black. Runway after runway, all-black ensembles took centre stage, exuding a timeless sophistication that transcends passing trends. Additionally, black and white combinations, along with striking silver accents, made a strong statement, emphasising the enduring appeal of monochromatic palettes.
When designers did venture into the world of colour, it often took the form of vibrant reds that commanded attention. Alexander McQueen and Balmain opted for deeper, more intense shades of red and playful hints of pink. Light green and pastel green or yellow also found their place in the fashion landscape, offering a refreshing and calming contrast to the darker hues.
One notable exception to this subdued colour palette was the Paco Rabanne show, where a riot of bold and eclectic colours graced the runway, celebrating a spirited and diverse approach to fashion that diverged from the prevailing monochromatic and muted trends.
Fabric prints are taking center stage this season, with tartan emerging as a leading trend, showcased prominently in several fashion shows. This iconic pattern infuses a touch of heritage and sophistication into contemporary designs. Additionally, scenic and animal prints garnered attention, offering a dynamic and adventurous flair to outfits. In terms of the highstreeet this look usually translates into mesh dresses with scenic prints. So expect a fair amount of that in the highstreet as we enter into fall/winter. Polka dots, also had their moment in the spotlight, both in print form and embroided to create a 3D effect.
Texture played a pivotal role in this season's collections, adding depth and tactile interest to the designs. Almost every runway presentation incorporated elements of texture, from delicate feathers to intricate embroidery. Feathers, in particular, were a standout feature, lending a touch of opulence and grace to various pieces. As is customary for autumn/winter collections, leather (and its close cousin latex) took its well-deserved spotlight.
The autumn/winter 2023-2024 collections bring forth a delightful array of styles catering to diverse tastes and preferences. With a focus on modest-friendly options, including maxi skirts, dresses, suit looks, and oversized blazers, this season promises a blend of comfort and elegance. The fusion of classic cuts and timeless colours with bold prints and textures ensures a fashion landscape that is both aesthetic and versatile, celebrating the essence of femininity while offering exciting and bold choices for the modern fashion enthusiast.