Scroll to see more images
When it comes to fashion and specifically fashion week, the industry tries to maintain a delicate balance between longevity and trends. Designers work to create collections that feel cohesive with their previous work while also breaking down some kind of 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 emerging for 2023.
Between TikTok’s “hot shots” of fashion week, an analysis of Anna Wintour’s subtle reactions (she seemed to enjoy Tom Ford’s show), and many designers’ feeble attempts to include realistic body types on the runway, we were left with a jumble of opinions. , criticism and questions. But when it comes to trends, one question reigns supreme: would you wear it?
As consumers, we subsequently work through the same tug-of-war of trends that designers do, but on the receiving end. Is our goal to be aspirational or affordable? Shall we buy now? Exciting, albeit potentially fleeting. Or, do we buy for the future? Cured forever, at the risk of playing it safe a bit. Spoiler alert: there is no correct answer.
Being hyper-aware of trends and the evolving landscape of your own wardrobe is being a conscious consumer. Looking for trends on the runway before they hit your Instagram feed is being a conscious consumer. The current state of the trend cycle is moving at a breakneck pace – being swept away by the current seems inevitable. The art of fashion and the construction of your personal style are formed when the wearer consciously stops participating in trends and chooses selectively take part. No designer includes every upcoming trend in their collections, and frankly, neither should you.
With that said, fashion trends for 2023 are everywhere. From a continuation of controversial low-rise options and an influx of too-sheer-for-work slip dresses to heavy leather skirts and delicate tints, New York Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer ’23 collections create a “choose your own adventure game plan.” You can scroll through all the trends, but only a special few will likely make it into your closet. I’ve run through the top seven trends of New York Fashion Week for you to choose from.
Tory Burch, Kim Shui, Jason Wu; iMaxTree.
sheer awesomeness
Every once in a while, a singular runway trend will trigger a wave full of similar looks. In this case, the trend in question is pure and the trendsetter is Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection. The Fendi collection debuted in February, but its influence was fully felt last week in New York City. It’s no longer a taboo for underwear to show through your dress; in fact, it is preferred. Nearly every major collection on the NYFW runways featured completely see-through garments. Tory Burch gave a masterclass in strategically layered realistic sheer garments, while designers like Kim Shui took the opportunity to show it all off.
While many of the sheer pieces would be suitable for street style statements or a night out in a dimly lit room, Jason Wu gave us multiple examples of sheer design in formalwear. The designer sent an array of sheer dresses down the runway in floral, sparkly, lace, and jewel hues (to name a few). In a backstage interview with Jason Wu minutes before his show, he said, “Of course, there will always be dream dresses, but you might see a sexy side of Jason Wu that you might not be as familiar with, but get used to it.” .”
Bevza, Bronx & Banco, Puppets and Puppets; iMaxTree.
Total Tassels
Remember when feathers bordered each sleeve and hem? Well, they have officially been replaced by tassels and fringe. Tassel trim has a traditionally neutral hue, making it a great choice for wardrobe minimalists and a wide range of designers. Brands like Bevza (known for elevated neutrals) to the Bronx and Banco, a place where partygoers go, have embraced long bangs.
In an exclusive interview with Bronx and Banco designer Natalie De’Banco, I got the inside scoop on the shift from the high-end nightlife aesthetic we saw in her Fall/Winter ’22 collection to the earth-tone glam we saw for spring. /Summer ’23, “Since our resort collection was super bright Y colorful, we keep the palate neutral Y calming with blacks Y beiges That said, color will not be lacking. We’re wearing hints of electric peach, coral lipstick Y neon lime to add excitement to the collection.”
Textured tassel trim will be the latest party trick in spring 2023, but there’s no reason you have to wait to rock the trend. Tassels and fringe look amazing when incorporated with a neutral sweater, hanging from suede boots, and on the back of a thick suede or leather jacket.
Altuzarra, Proenza Schouler, Tom Ford; iMaxTree.
leather lengths
Leather jackets have been a mainstay during fashion week for decades and this season was no exception. Heavy (and colorful) leather jackets were seen at Coach, but the trend was overshadowed by a more playful iteration: leather skirts. From mini to maxi, leather skirts rocked the runway at NYFW. Designers like Altuzarra took a longer, more structured approach to styling, while designers like TK kept it short and sweet. Since leather is traditionally a fall and winter textile, it’s nice to see a piece that works year-round. The style goes well with everything, so this trend is definitely worth investing in for 2023.
Tom Ford, Carolina Herrera, Pat Bo; iMaxTree.
oh yeah obliques
Last summer, cutouts were everywhere, specifically a double slash cutout (as in this viral dress from Cult Gaia). Cutouts continued to dominate formal wear on the New York runways, but this time, designers chose a side. Side-swept undercuts were everywhere and everyone: Gigi Hadid rocked the Tom Ford look and Karlie Kloss wore a one-shoulder iteration at Carolina Herrera. The style is a great way to emphasize her waist, show some skin, and enhance any simple dress.
Tibi, Sandy Liang, Peter Do; iMaxTree.
High stakes, low rise
According to the designers, the boardroom may be undergoing a facelift. Low-rise suit options were found on some of NYFW’s most anticipated runways, including Tibi, Sandy Liang and Peter Do. The two-piece suit has been riding the trends for the past two years, and thankfully, it’s not going anywhere. While you can still wear your regular or high-waisted pants, designers offer low-rise fans a third option. Low-rise pants follow the low-rise jean trend of having an exceptionally short inseam. This gives them a well-tailored look instead of looking baggy (although if you like a baggy look, just wear regular pants and wear them lower on the waist).
Coach, Maya Seyferth, Sandy Liang; iMaxTree.
city school girl
If you visit the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan right now, you’ll see a strong presence of the city’s school aesthetic. The look takes elements of demure, girly school aesthetics (checkered skirts, ruffled collars, and pink bows) and fuses them with grunge street style (heavy piercings, jagged-soled shoes, and mesh layers). In the heart of the neighborhood, you’ll also find Sandy Liang’s store, which fronts the street with a front-row view of the aesthetic she helped create. It’s no wonder then that Sandy Liang’s S/S ’23 collection was a direct reflection of the mood with pastel girly-grunge minidresses. Liang paired the looks with ballet flats (the trend is here to stay!) or sleek sneakers. Similar versions of the ensemble were also seen on Coach and Maya Seyferth. If she’s eager to create her own take on the city school aesthetic, I recommend browsing the shelves at her local vintage store first.
Peter Do, Ulla Johnson, Altuzarra; iMaxTree.
Dip dye dress
It seems like yesterday that we were all wearing homemade tie-dyed tracksuits as a result of quarantine-induced boredom. Designers seem to think enough time has passed to overcome any tie-dye exhaustion and have introduced a dressier take on the trend for 2023 with dip-dye. Dip-dye encompasses the same multi-tone color story as tie-dye without all the neon swirls. The subdued ombré color gives the garments a unique look and naturally appeared on Ulla Johnson’s bohemian runway and, surprisingly, on Peter Do’s. Although dip-dye may seem like a more casual trend, designers like Altuzarra updated the look to formal wear with dip-dyed dresses.
Source: stylecaster.com