In my 12 years spent working in the fashion industry, I've seen a monumental shift in the way we talk about trends. From Instagram's formative years, when some considered it taboo to wear the same outfit twice on their grid (what was all that about?) to the new-season looks from the runway that would be replicated on the market almost overnight, the stance was very clear: new = good. Thankfully, things have come a long way in that time, and now everyone, from editors to buyers to consumers, has shifted their focus to longevity. Every purchase we make, be it high-end or affordable, should be done so with consideration. Does said purchase speak to my personal taste? Do I already own something like this? Will it go with the pieces I own? These are just some of the questions I ask myself whenever I feel the urge to break out my bank card, and they help guide me to more sensible shopping decisions.
Still, I understand the desire to feel current; to make your clothes feel fresh for a new season. This, however, doesn't mean that you need to copy-and-paste the latest (and, let's face it, sometimes bonkers) ensembles from the catwalk. Instead, I like to look for microtrends—the looks that are bubbling under the surface of the season's overarching aesthetics—to find items that fit the above description but don't require sacrificing your style. As someone who dresses quite seriously most of the time, I like to weave in a couple of unexpected pieces here and there to make my outfits more unique—and the below will undoubtedly do just that.
Below, I've assembled seven trends that might seem small but are, in fact, pretty impactful. From the cute jewellery that keeps cropping up to the latest way to wear your flat shoes, scroll on to see the low-key microtrends I love for 2023 that have track records of coming back in style again and again.
1. Folksy Knits
Turns out there's life beyond the greige jumper I've worn day in day out since October. Bright, folksy-style knits will keep you toasty now but also help transition your winter wares into spring.
Patchwork weaves immediately fit the folk-knit bill, but stripes in retro and pastel tones also work.
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I'm into these desaturated pastel tones.
So fun, but the cashmere fabrication keeps this knit in investment-buy territory.
2. White Socks + Flat Shoes
It's preppy and will make even your oldest pair of loafers feel fresh this season. The trick? Just add white socks.
This trend works with just about every flat shoe out there; my preference, however, is a pair of classic Mary Janes.
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Chances are you already have a pair of white socks in your underwear drawer, but here's a pair from Arket just in case.
The addition of the square toe sets these Mary Janes apart from others on the market, while the sleek design makes them look so high-end.
3. Knee Skirts
If you've already read our breakdown of the biggest 2023 runway looks, then you'll already know that knee-length skirts featured heavily in the designer collections.
What I love most about this trend is, well, that it's not really a trend at all! It's a shape that we haven't seen saturating the market for a while, but it's never gone "out" of fashion. And, honestly, I doubt it ever will. Either take a midi skirt you already own to your tailor for a hemline lift, or invest in a timeless iteration, such as black faux leather or woollen box pleats.
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A skirt you can genuinely wear 365 days in the year.
This knee-grazing skirt also comes in a sleek beige colourway.
4. Sports Tees
Another trend that hasn't gone out of style, I'd still go as far as to say that graphic printed tees have taken a backseat to simpler iterations over the past few years. However, as Monikh Dale's latest post pulled in a whopping 17,000 likes, suffice it to say I think we're collectively ready to embrace logo jersey tops once more.
After looking around, I can concur that sports-themed printed tees are where it's at, but that's not to say you can't show your appreciation for your favourite band with some merch.
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The menswear section always has the best graphic tees.
Free People is another place you'll find graphic tees that look well-worn.
5. Puffy Hearts
Prada resurrected chunky heart jewellery last year with its now-sold-out style, but it's clear this is a look that's sticking around for 2023, as so many fashion people are wearing them non-stop.
Allison Ho has two necklaces she wears on rotation, which give her basics a joyful feel.
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This also comes in a yellow-gold tone, should you prefer that.
Why stick to necklaces when rings can be this fun too?
6. Two-Tone Jeans
Jeans are one of the most well-worn pieces in my wardrobe, so I'm generally more open to being experimental with denim than I am anything else. This season's two-tone jeans strike the perfect balance between feeling current and not being 2023 specific.
Knowing how much wear Fia Hamelijnck has gotten out of her Levi's in such a short space of time is giving me the confidence I need to give them a whirl.
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The perfect mix of blues.
The contrast waistband is a nice touch on this designer pair.
7. Bright Bags
I wear a lot of neutrals, but lately I've been looking for an easy way to add some colour into my outfits. Cue a bright bag!
Every handbag collection—even one owned by a self-confessed classicist like me—has room for one bright bag. Never get rid of it, as I guarantee you'll always have outfits that call for it.
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I own this bag in black and wear it all the time; perhaps the green will give it a run for its money.
This shade of orange will never go out of style.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See
