The Fall 2023 Trends Our Editors Are *Actually* Buying
Despite their name, ready-to-wear collections aren't always wearable. A lot of the time, designers use their biannual runway shows to craft a viral moment or buzzy selection as opposed to pieces that a majority of people will be keen on buying and wearing on a regular basis. So it says a lot about a piece and/or trend when my fellow editors and I either consider purchasing or actually purchase something that's runway inspired.
Because of the significance of a shopping event such as this one, I decided that I'd ask my team to tell me about the fall/winter trends that they genuinely have their eyes on for the season ahead, as fall 2023 is approaching fast. To clarify, these aren't just areas that they enjoyed. They're wardrobe genres that have a 99% chance of entering the closets of the Who What Wear edit team. Basically, I'm giving you a view into the future. You're welcome.
Scroll down to find out which seven trends from the fall/winter 2023 shows will be coming home with us in the next few months.
Fiery Red
"One fall trend I've already started integrating into my wardrobe and can't wait to wear more of this upcoming season is fiery red—which is unquestionably one of the most dominant hues we saw on the fall/winter 2023 runways. In fact, practically every designer, from The Row to Tory Burch, featured the vibrant shade in their collections. An effortless knit sweater or a statement coat is a chic way to add the color trend to my wardrobe this fall." — Judith Jones, Senior Market Editor
Shop the trend:
Heavy Hardware
"Following the fall/winter 2023 runway shows, I'm fully under the impression that oversize and slightly showy metal hardware makes any item 100 times chicer than it would've been without it. At Khaite, trousers were embellished with chrome studs, while Alaïa's signature body-con dresses were dolled up with silver upper-arm bracelets and neck cuffs. The trend has me in such a choke hold, in fact, that I invested in one of Bottega Veneta's gold-handled Sardine bags when I was in Milan earlier this summer. I simply couldn't resist." — Eliza Huber, Editor
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Voluminous Skirting
"I've already started wearing them again, but I think that full skirts will be my most-worn skirt style this fall. I'm very much inspired by the styling at Prada's F/W 23 show and will be pairing them with sweaters and kitten heels. Given that the style was also seen in other major collections for fall (Bottega Veneta, Khaite, and Schiaparelli included), I think it's poised to be one of the biggest trends of the season." — Allyson Payer, Senior Editor
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'80s Power Suiting
"Boxy, relaxed blazers may have been the leading silhouette in recent years, but suiting is making a departure from the status quo for fall 2023, and I, for one, am intrigued. Designers like Versace and Alaïa presented styles with nipped-in waists and strong shoulders this season that highlight the waistline, and I love the reference to '80s power suiting that this shape evokes. I'll probably skip the pencil skirt and pair them with jeans and oversize earrings instead for a modern twist." — Anna LaPlaca, Editor
Shop the trend:
Double Denim
"Denim on denim was a major trend during Copenhagen Fashion Week's fall/winter 2023 season. Seen at Ganni, Gestuz, Skall Studio, and Stine Goya, the simple yet impactful trend is so easy to wear. Should it be rebranded to the Scandi tuxedo?" — Erin Fitzpatrick, Associate Director, Fashion News
Shop the trend:
A Silver Renaissance
"Silver is the fall 2023 trend that has captivated me the most. From Alexander McQueen's silver statement earrings to Dior's bold decision to bring silver into its ready-to-wear, designers are backing this trend up with troves of options. Whenever I add silver to my look, it's like my outfit is instantly elevated and screaming '2023.'" — Sierra Mayhew, Associate Editor
Shop the trend:
Fall Flats
"There have already been conversations swirling around the Who What Wear offices about how flat shoes will take over in a major way this fall—continued momentum for the rise of the mesh ballet shoes and bedazzled Mary Janes that have been everywhere this summer. I'm typically not big on flats but have just added a new pair to my closet, so I've already committed to the trend." — Kristen Nichols, Associate Director, Special Projects
Shop the trend:
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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