FW23 Trend Report: Our Fashion Director’s Rundown of the 8 Standouts
“As our tour of fashion’s major capitals comes to a close, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the continuing and emerging FW23 trends. From oversized blazers and evening-ready parkas to playful fringing and daringly sheer fabrics, there’s plenty of closet inspiration for the coming season. Read on for my edit of the latest.”— Jing Leng, ModeSens Fashion Director
In a nod to the 80s business-chic aesthetic of iconic movies like Working Girl and Baby Boom, oversized blazers with exaggerated drop-shoulders strutted down the runways at Saint Laurent, The Row, Prada, and Max Mara.
In an abrupt about-turn following a season of ostentatious, celebratory looks, wearability took its turn in the spotlight as designers like Prada, Christian Dior, The Row, and Tory Burch reimagined clothing with real life in mind.
Take it from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Altuzarra, and Prada: the coat of choice next winter is a chic update on the utilitarian parka. Dramatic lengths and cozy fur collars give this enduring silhouette an evening-ready update.
Metallics have been around for a couple of seasons, but sequins specifically are taking their turn to shine for FW23. Michael Kors Collection, Balmain, Paco Rabanne, and 16Arlington all delivered sparkling examples.
With the industry’s continuing focus on sustainability, designers have banded together to create stunning fur alternatives that are indeterminable from the real thing. There were chic, sumptuous offerings at Gucci, JW Anderson, Balmain, and Dolce & Gabbana, that are guaranteed to turn heads next season.
A chic evolution of SS23’s western trend, Alexander Wang, Gucci, Michael Kors Collection, Balmain, Paco Rabanne, and Vaquera are among the designers suggesting we add a playful swish to our steps.
This daring trend emerged for SS23 and continues its momentum as an FW23 trend. While traditionally it makes more sense in spring, designers had inventive ideas of how to bring it into their FW23 collections—under floor-sweeping tuxedos at Nensi Dojaka and beneath dazzling coats at Gucci, for example.
Each season delivers a standout color or two, and the FW23 trends were no different. Bright, confident reds at Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Tory Burch. Cool khakis at Max Mara and Loro Piana. Classic navy at Saint Laurent and Michael Kors Collection. And soothing pastels at Courrèges, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Jil Sander, Dion Lee, Fendi, and 16Arlington.
