Another season, another whirlwind fashion month already flashing before our eyes—but not without us catching a handful of the biggest trends to make it down the runways. New York Fashion Week is already well in the past (by the way, did you see this season’s happenings in our editor dispatch?), which means our team has already begun tracking the best fall 2023 trends to look forward to when temperatures start to drop…again. If you aren’t ready to think about the next round of cooler weather just yet, you can still shop our favorite spring 2023 fashion trends while there’s still time to prep your wardrobes.
Now that we’ve seen all the shows from New York, London, Milan, and Paris, let this be your comprehensive guide to the best fall 2023 fashion trends to look forward to (and shop now). Without further ado, here are the best trends from fashion month.
Tailoring
Without a doubt in the world, designers have returned to the tried-and-true staples of classic tailoring—and it comes as a breath of fresh air. From Brandon Maxwell’s shorts suits to the pared-down blazers at Proenza Schouler, designers are adding a little more structure to our lives this fall. Amid all the noise of micro-trends, this might be just what the doctor ordered.
Reformation Devin Twill Vest
Proenza Schouler Cotton and Wool-Blend Jacquard Peplum Blazer
Seeing Red
Every season, there’s a color that takes the industry by storm. This go-around, it’s safe to say red will be a big one for fall and winter. While some designers added a quick flash of the fiery shade to looks, others, like Sandy Liang, PatBo, Silvia Tcherrasi, and Alejandro Alonso Rojas, swathed their models in red. Suffice to say, you’ll be seeing this color more and more.
Charles & Keith Boaz Geometric Front Flap Bag
Dark Romance
You may already be familiar with the viral TikTok trend of dark academia, but now the fashion world is exploring its romantic side. Rodarte returned to NYFW doing what it does best: dreamy, ethereal looks—only this time, it took a darker turn, calling to mind its costumes for Black Swan. The American brand wasn’t the only one to take on the theme, though—Adeam and Sandy Liang, among others, also touched on it with rosettes, Victorian-inspired details, lace, and more.
Urban Outfitters Rosette Cord Wrap Choker Necklace
Shushu Tong Black Lace Trim Minidress
SIR. Selita Maxi Skirt
Leather Sets
Everyone knows that the early drop in temperature calls for a classic leather jacket. But when you’re looking to take the leather look up a notch, why not consider a coordinated set à la Brandon Maxwell or Coach? Leather blazers and matching maxi skirts were a recurring theme on the runways, and no one is upset about it. Think of this as the sophisticated big sister to your favorite biker jacket.
CULTNAKED Killa Bandeau
CULTNAKED Killa Trousers
Frankie Shop Olympia Faux Leather Blazer
No Pants, No Problem
Pants? I don’t know them—and apparently, neither will you come fall 2023. Bottega Veneta, by way of Kendall Jenner, may have sparked the trend for spring, but rest assured: fall and winter 2023 will be all about showing off your legs—every inch of them. The trend popped up at Miu Miu, Theory, Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung, Sergio Hudson, and LaQuan Smith. If that range of designers tells you anything, it’s that this trend is for everyone.
Alo Yoga Airlift Record-Breaker Boyshort
A Sheer Thing
Perhaps you’ve already caught on, but it seems to me that the FW2023 fashion collections seem to be gearing you up for warmer days ahead (take that for what you will). At Heron Preston, Coach, Proenza, and others, sheer paneling—whether it be in the form of classic mesh or romantic lace—marched down the runways. You’ll find it in slip dresses, on blouses, and so much more. Be prepared: this trend may be more appropriate for your transitional weather looks than those dead-on winter ones.
Maison Essentiele Lace Maxi
Intimately Under It All Bodysuit
Fancì Blue Puckered Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Free the Nipple (Almost)
Last season, we saw an emphasis on derrières. But this time around, designers are bringing the focus forward. Whether it’s an avant-garde bra featuring fried eggs à la Puppets and Puppets or artful appliqués—like those at Gucci, Christian Siriano, and Bronx and Banco—be prepared to see some unique coverings. Sure, it may not be the most accessible trend out there, but it does bring a new sense of focus to the female form—and an easy way to pull this trend off is with a decorative bra.
For Love & Lemons Cora Bra Top
Savage x Fenty Mutha Nature Satin Unlined Demi Bra
Fleur du Mal Butterfly Embroidery Balconette Bra
Circle Back
Yes, there were miniskirts, but this season there were also circle skirts. The 1950s-era style made an appearance on the runways for Prada, Armani, and Dior, and in ways that felt fresh for 2023. Prepare to see this feminine piece everywhere come fall, whether it’s paired with chic over-the-knee boots (one of the major fall 2023 shoe trends our team saw this season) or with easy kitten heels. You can’t go wrong here.
Alexander McQueen High-Waisted Full Skirt
Staud Sea Skirt
Sachin & Babi Ava A-Line Maxi Skirt
Butter Up
Another major color trend we saw on the runways? Butter yellow. Blame it on the “stick of butter” chatter that made social media waves a few seasons back, or the simple need to have something with a little more pop than a neutral. Either way, this creamy hue—which was included in the collections for Givenchy, Chloé, and Aeron—is a welcome contrast to our go-to tones.
Sandro Loire Stripe Wool & Cashmere Polo Sweater
Tibi The Slip Dress
Aritzia The Super Fleece™ Relaxed Sweatpant
Cool and Cozy
I’m always happy to see stylish outerwear on the runways, and this season was no exception. As someone who will see through any winter with a trusty shearling piece, I can attest that this trend is one to have and hold along with your best wool coats and puffers. Designers like Chloé, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Isabel Marant put their own spins on the classic cold-weather staple, only reinforcing that this ultra-warm coat is a definitive classic.
Overland Galina Hooded Sheepskin Coat with Tigrado Trim
Toteme Signature Shearling Jacket
Back to Basics
It’s official: After months and months of come-and-go trends, wardrobe basics and uniform dressing are officially back. Gucci’s runway felt unexpected when models walked in classic button-down shirts, oversized blazers, and wide-leg jeans. But the label wasn’t the only one to showcase beautiful staples. We saw them at The Row, Prada, Dior, and Bottega Veneta. Just looking at that list alone should tell you that the fashion industry is veering towards the ordinary, also known as nouveau normcore.
Asket The Shirt
Dal the Label Signature Linen Double-Breasted Blazer
Tooty Fruity
Feeling fruity this fall? I thought you might be. In the past, juicy themes like fruit were seemingly reserved for summer, but no more! According to brands like Area, Jil Sander, and Puppets and Puppets, the fruit basket is full for fall 2023, so why not take a bite into this trend while you can?
Storrow Grover + Strawberry 14-karat Gold, Rhodochrosite and Emerald necklace
Puppets and Puppets Fruit Tree Print Straight Leg Trousers
Duvet Coats
Now this is a fall 2023 trend I can definitely get behind. Fluffy, puffy, and long quilted coats were featured in the collections of Schiaparelli, FFORME, Lauren Manoogian, and Prada, making a strong case to swap out your go-to puffer jacket for something more sophisticated. (I recommend wearing this trend ASAP while the temperatures are on the lower side!)
Offhours Homecoat
Pretty Peplums
As I live and breathe, peplum tops are back—and are seriously good. At Tory Burch, Jil Sander, Brandon Maxwell, Dior, and Tove, the silhouette made an unexpected return. Before you knock the early aughts trend’s triumphant comeback, know that it can look undeniably chic for 2023—especially when styled with coordinating skirts or shorts, as seen on the runways.
Bec & Bridge Heidi Peplum Top
Deveaux New York Lace-up Peplum Top
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.
