At Who What Wear UK, we put a lot of effort into presenting you with the most prominent trends of the current season—at right now, it's all about autumn/winter 2023. And although we remain committed to that cause, there also exist numerous smaller, under-the-radar microtrends that deserve recognition. Whilst these aren't making any major, season-defining style moves on the runways, they're wearable interpretations of some of the more directional looks from the designer collections that we saw way back in February.
After hours of Instagram scrolling and online shopping (all in the name of research, of course), I feel pretty confident when I say that for autumn 2023, these microtrends are going to be a big deal. From the jacket that's bringing back all that was good from the '80s, to the new detail that's defining autumn's It flats, I've assembled a selection of cool autumn 2023 microtrends that will make your outfits feel more current for the season ahead. And though they may look very different to each other, they all have an air of timelessness about them.
Sure—they'll be trending hard very soon, but they've also been popular in the past, and even after this coming season and the next, I guarantee you'll see them peak again in the not-so-distant future. Scroll on to see and shop them.
1. DRESSES + LOW-SLUNG BELTS
Style Notes: Tube and jersey dresses aren't exactly new, but the way in which fashion people are styling theirs for autumn certainly feels fresh. Akin to the low-rise trousers we saw make a comeback this year, now, it's the low-slung, completely unnecessary belt that's taking centre stage. Look for loose styles that hang from the hips to really achieve this aesthetic.
Shop the Microtrend:
This also comes in bright blue and classic black.
I've had my eye on this outfit-elevating belt for months.
Just add a leather jacket and loafers (see below).
This belt allows you to choose how loosely you want to wear it.
2. LACE-TRIM SLIPS
Style Notes: The underwear-as-outerwear look was hot for a few years but cooled over the past season or two. However, the 2023 runways have encouraged us to tap into our sensual selves once more, with sheer fabrics and sexy silhouettes dominating the majority of collections. Though far from demure, perhaps one of the easiest ways to integrate this trend into your outfits is with a lace-trimmed skirt, the sort of which I'm seeing consistently on my feed at the moment.
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Such a pretty colour.
This skirt comes in sizes 6 to 26.
Even ARKET is in on the lace-slip action.
3. '80S BLAZERS
Style Notes: If Sofia Richie Grainge wears it, chances are that we're paying attention, and this sentiment certainly applies to her latest look. This ensemble might have passed us by if it weren't for the highlighter-yellow, '80s-style blazer she's wearing. To call this jacket a statement would be, well, an understatement, and there are plenty of retro blazers on the market right now that will help you encapsulate Richie Grainge's style (though I'm yet to find one quite as bright).
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This also comes in a sweet powder-pink colourway.
Banana-milk yellow will be huge for autumn.
The gold buttons are integral to nailing this trend.
4. RED BAGS
Style Notes: If autumn/winter 2023 were a single colour, it would be fiery red. Easily the most prevalent colour on the runway, we saw everything from coats to tailoring to evening gowns splashed in chilli hues. Most notable, however, were the accessories. I haven't seen red shoes and bags on this scale since the early '00s, where they really had a moment. Now, their time has come back around, and I think a handbag is the quickest way to integrate the colour into your wardrobe.
Shop the Microtrend:
Cool NYC girls all carry Savette bags.
No one will guess this bag came from the high street.
Mock-croc finishes go hand in hand with quiet luxury.
5. PARACHUTE PANTS
Style Notes: Trouser trends seemed to have slowed for a second, but the pause has helped us identify the styles that keep cropping up. Whilst wide-leg and cigarette trousers will always be a mainstay, parachute pants are really in their moment right now. This style looks very much like cargos but are typically made from lightweight fabrics and come with elasticated gathers to the ankles—proof that the Y2K aesthetic is alive and well as we head into autumn.
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This pair comes in a selection of colourways, so you can take your pick.
Well played, M&S.
If you're a minimalist, these are the parachute pants for you.
6. TWO-TONE LOAFERS
Style Notes: When autumn rolls around, you can guarantee that loafers will never be too far behind. Over the years we've seen just about every loafer iteration break through, from patent to bright to chunky. However, for 2023, the loafer agenda looks set to be led by two-tone pairs, which are already everywhere. Trust me, now that I've pointed them out, you're going to start seeing them everywhere.
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The square toe gives this "old" trend a new lease of life.
Throw in a chunky sole and you've got instant edge.
Simply sleek and sophisticated.
7. ZEBRA PRINT
Style Notes: If it wasn't already apparent, the '80s have a major hold on the 2023 fashion forecast, and another trend from the decade that's been revived is zebra print. Although leopard often makes a comeback for autumn, I'd go as far as to say that zebra better suits the season, what with its largely black-and-white palette (save for Réalisation Par's cult Gia dress, which does it in brown and cream).
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That's it—after months of deliberation, I'm going to take the plunge.
The perfect way to pep up your jeans and jumpers this autumn.
This sheer fabric loans itself so well to zebra print.
Next Up: Experts Agree: These Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends Really Count
