2023 Fashion Trends Straight from the Runway

Fashion week and fashion in general aims to maintain a delicate balance between trends and longevity. Designers strive to create collections that are cohesive with their previous work, but also break down some barriers. This allows them to push their designs forward and inspire a new season. We begin to see fashion trends for 2023 emerging as new collections by designers are released around the globe during fashion month.

We are left with many opinions, criticisms, and questions, including TikTok’s “hot take” fashion week, Anna Wintour’s subtle reactions (she seemed very happy at the Tom Ford show), as well as TikTok’s analysis of Anna Wintour’s subtle reactions, and many designers’ inept attempts to incorporate realistic body types onto the runway. When it comes to trends, the only question that matters is “Would you wear it?”

We, as consumers, go through the same tug and pull of trends that designers do. But we are on the receiving end. Are we looking to be fashionable or more affordable? Do we shop for the moment or are we aspirational? It’s exhilarating but also fleeting. Or do we shop to secure the future? At the risk of being a little safe, curate for ever. Spoiler alert! There is no right answer.

Being a conscious consumer means being hyper-aware about trends and the changing landscape in your closet. Conscious consumers are those who seek out the latest trends before they appear on your Instagram. The trend cycle is changing at an alarming rate. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends. Fashion is about building your own style and art. This happens when you stop participating in the current trends conscious and instead choose to participate selectively. No designer should include every trend in their collections, and you shouldn’t either.

The fashion trends for 2023 will be diverse, however. The Spring/Summer ’23 collections of New York Fashion Week offer a variety of fashion options, including a continuation in controversial low-rise options as well as an influx of too-sheer for work slip dresses. They also feature heavy leather skirts and delicate dip dye. While you can look at every trend, only a few of them will make it into your closet. For you to choose from, I have compiled the top seven trends of New York Fashion Week.

Sheer Genius

Sometimes a single show can spark a wave of similar styles. Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2022 Collection is the trendetter in this instance. Although the Fendi collection was launched in February, its impact was felt in New York City last week. It is no longer considered taboo to show your undergarments through your frock. In fact, it is now a preferred option. Nearly every major NYFW collection featured see-through garments. Tory Burch demonstrated how to create a realistically wearable sheer and layer it strategically, while Kim Shui bared all.

Jason Wu showed us many examples of sheer formal wear, including some that would look great on the street or in dimly lit rooms. There were many sheer gowns on the runway, including jewel-toned, sparkly, lace, and lace. Jason Wu spoke to the backstage audience minutes before his show and said that although there were many dreamy gowns, you might also see a more sexy side to Jason Wu. But, just be patient.

Total Tassels

Remember the days when every sleeve was trimmed with feathers? They’ve been officially replaced by fringe and tassels. Tassel trim is a traditional neutral-toned option, making it an excellent choice for wardrobe minimalists and a broad range of designers. Long fringe is embraced by brands like Bevza, Bronx, and Banco.

Natalie De’Banco (Bronx and Banco) gave me an exclusive interview about the transition from the bright, colorful Fall/Winter 22 collection to the more earthy Spring/Summer 23 collection. “Since the resort collection was so vibrant and colorful, we are keeping it neutral and calming by using blacks and beige. There won’t be any shortage of color. To add some excitement, we are adding neon lime, lipstick coral, and electric peach to the collection.”

The spring 2023 trend for textured tassel trim is a party favorite, but you don’t have to wait to get your hands on it. When paired with a neutral sweater and hung from suede boots or on the back of a leather jacket, fringe and tassels look amazing.

You’re looking to escape the winter cold and go on a tropical vacation? The Jonathan Simkhai number is a must-have for anyone who’s heading to a tropical vacation. This dress is a show-stopper and it’s on major sale.

Lengths for Leather

For decades, leather jackets have been a staple of fashion week. This season was no different. Coach showcased heavy and colorful leather jackets, but this season the trend was overshadowed by leather skirts. At NYFW, leather skirts were all the rage. Altuzarra, for example, took a more structured approach to the style. Others kept it simple and sweet. It’s great to find leather pieces that work all year, since leather is traditionally a fall and winter textile. This style is easy to match with anything, so it’s definitely worth looking into for 2023.

Oh Yes, Obliques

Cut-outs were all the rage this summer, especially a double-oblique cut out (as seen on this Cult Gaia viral dress). While cut-outs dominated formal wear on New York’s runways, this season designers chose a different side. Cutouts with one-sided obliques were all the rage and could be seen on everyone. Gigi Hadid wore it at Tom Ford, while Karlie Kloss wore a Carolina Herrera version. This style can be used to highlight your waist, expose a little skin, and enhance any basic gown.

High-Stakes, Low-Rise

Designers believe that the boardroom is getting a facelift. Tibi, Sandy Liang, and Peter Do all wore low-rise suits on some of the most anticipated runways at NYFW. For the past two years, the two-piece suit has been a major trend and it’s not going away. Designers are offering low-rise lovers a third option. The low-rise trend for a shorter crotch makes low-rise trousers a good match for the low-rise jeans. They are more tailored than baggy, and look well-tailored. If you prefer a baggy look though, size up in regular slacks to wear them lower at your waist.

City School Girl

You’ll notice a strong presence in Manhattan’s Lower East Side neighborhood right now. This look combines elements of the feminine, girly school look (plaid skirts with ruffled collars, pink bows, and ruffled collars) with street-style grunge (heavy earrings, lug sole shoes, and mesh layering). Sandy Liang’s shopfront is located in the heart of the neighborhood. It looks out onto the street and gives you a first-row view of her vision of the aesthetic she has helped to create. Sandy Liang’s S/S’23 collection was no surprise. It featured pastel, girly-grunge mini dresses. The look was paired with ballet flats by Liang (the trend is here). Or sporty, sleek sneakers. Similar ensembles were also available at Maya Seyferth and Coach. I recommend first browsing the racks of your local vintage shop if you are keen to recreate the look at the city school.

Get dressed up for dip-dye

As a result, it seems like yesterday that we all wore homemade tie-dye sweatsuits. The designers believe enough time has passed to allow you to get past tie-dye burnout. They have created a more elegant version with dip-dye for 2023. The multi-toned color story of tie-dye is still available in dip-dye, but without the neon swirls. This subdued, ombre color gives garments an original appearance. It was featured on Ulla Johnson’s boho runway as well as Peter Do’s. Although dip-dye might seem more casual, Altuzarra elevated the look with formal wear by creating dip-dyed gowns.