The Most Wearable Fall Fashion Trends for 2023
Hey there! It's that time of year again—yep, I'm talking about my annual fall trend report. If you know me, you know I'm a total fashion nerd. I just love checking out what all the designers are up to and what the big stores are actually selling.
But here's the deal…I am a personal stylist for real people, so I care about what you can actually wear. You won't see me talking about wild outfits that only make sense on a runway. Like, have you seen those shows where the models aren't even wearing pants? Fun to look at, sure, but who's gonna wear that to grab coffee or go to work? So, if it's not something you can really wear, it's not making my list. Simple as that!
Why Being Trend Informed Beats Being Trendy
Before we get into the trends, I want to make sure the intention behind my trend reports is clear. My goal isn't to turn you into a fashion victim or make you feel "untrendy" if a particular trend doesn't resonate with you. My ultimate goal is to make you trend informed. Understanding what's on-trend allows you to make empowered sartorial choices. You can wholeheartedly embrace a trend, ignore it entirely, or adapt it to suit your taste, body shape, budget, and lifestyle. Now, that’s what I call style empowerment!
The Three Categories of Fall Trends
I like to classify seasonal trends into three categories:
This Season's Trends: The essential trends that are making waves right now.
Continuing Trends: Trends that have persisted over the past few years and continue to hold sway.
Emerging Trends: Emerging trends that might not have hit the mainstream yet but are worth watching.
For example, I originally wrote about white booties in 2016 and updated it in 2018 when the trend gained more traction. And it’s 2023, and you’re still seeing them. That first blog post is an example of an up and comer trend.
This Season’s Trends
Quiet Luxury
Also referred to as "stealth wealth," this trend is all about investing in well-tailored, elevated basics that exude understated opulence without flaunting brand logos. It’s more of a IYKYK vibe. For style inspiration, think along the lines of the TV show "Succession" or Gwyneth Paltrow's recent courtroom appearances.
Shop Quiet Luxury
Ballet Flats (Especially with Straps)
Ballet flats are having a renaissance, hurray! The girls that hate heels are celebrating. Both classic ballet flats and those with extra straps are showing up everywhere and at all different price points.
Shop Ballet Flats
Red: The Hue of the Season
Color trends are usually the easiest to incorporate into your existing wardrobe, and this season, red is undoubtedly the hue to watch. Whether it's an entire outfit or a statement piece, a splash of red is what you need.
Shop Red
Statement Earrings
After years of delicate jewelry, the pendulum is swinging back to more statement pieces. Specifically earrings. And specifically architectural and organic shapes. Think of the Bottega earrings (at over $1300) kicked off the craze. And while there are many dupes out there, it is more of achieving that chunky metal feel than wearing that exact earring.
Shop Statement Earrings
Longer Hemlines for Pants
You’ve probably noticed that pant lengths have been getting longer - both for denim and slacks. It is more of a change of proportion that is occurring more globally fashion wise, than an exact trend. And the good news is this is an easy one to try.
This does not mean you need to throw out your kick crops and ankle pants straight away. It does, however mean, if you’re going to purchase new pants, think about opting for a longer length. Or consider not having it shortened (at least right away) and try wearing it a bit longer. They’ll look more modern. They also create a longer leg, visually, so that’s a bonus!
Shop Longer Pants
Lady Jackets
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know I’ve been wearing lady jackets a lot recently. Lady jackets are qualified as a topper or third piece, similar to a blazer. But lady jackets are typically shorter, slightly boxier, collarless and often have piping details. They have a very lady-like, Chanelesque look. The good news is that they do not only come at Chanel prices. This trend can be found at all different price points, and no matter the price tag, they add a luxe look to your wardrobe.
Shop Lady Jackets
Cropped Button-Ups
I like to call these no tuck tops. They’re a new take on the button up style that has really taken hold over the past few years. And this style has solved a problem. Often it’s difficult to tuck in a button up because it adds bulk. These cropped versions solve that! And they look fantastic with jeans, slacks, skirts and also over dresses.
Shop Cropped Button-Ups
Statement Socks, Tights, and Stockings
I’ve got to be honest, this is a trend I am seeing, and loving how it looks on others, but have struggles with myself. And that’s ok. Because we are not meant to buy into every single trend of the season.
I adore how girls are wearing socks with loafers, or fishnet ankle socks with sandals and even brightly colored tights with dresses. And it looks super cool on them, but not so much on me. I’m going to keep playing to see how I can make it work so it fills me with joy when I wear it. And until then, If it works for you - continue rocking it!
Shop Statement Socks
Continuing Trends
You might recognize these trends from my Fall/Winter 2022 Trend Report or other previous blog posts. While you may not be seeing these for the first time, they still pack a punch:
Leather
Sheer Fabrics
Tall and Cowboy Boots
White Tank Tops
Puddle Pants
Maxi Dresses and Skirts
Tailored Suiting
Boxy Blazers
Cargo Pants
Emerging Trends
For the early adopters among you, keep an eye on:
Skinny Belts
Peplum Details
Off-the-Shoulder Styles
Cinched-Waist Blazers
Oversized Pant Cuffs
Mesh Footwear
Butter Yellow Shades
Note: Low-rise jeans are also creeping back. While they may suit some, they're not universally flattering, so I won’t delve into them here.
So there you have it—your comprehensive guide to being not just trendy but trend informed this fall. Happy styling!
