As Living360’s Fashion meets… series continues, we look at the hottest style trends that will shape our spending choices this year, from striking blue jackets to sheer slip dresses.
Last year was all about gradually reclaiming our fashion identity — with 2022’s flashiest trend probably being colour-blocking — following two years of lockdowns, restrictions and a need to favour comfort over style. Now, 2023 urges us to be even bolder, experimenting with sheer, sequins and corsets, while maintaining our desire for casual, laid-back outfits. It’s all part of a toned-down luxury that makes us stand out but remains attainable during the current cost-of-living crisis, too.
Here are the prominent trends worth following in 2023 to elevate your wardrobe.
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Add a splash of cobalt blue
Following the ‘barbie pink’ explosion that took over 2022 — which isn’t going to go away anytime soon with the highly anticipated Barbie film out this summer — there’s a new colour vying for attention. Shades of blue have been around since autumn 2022, with cobalt blue likely to stay a little longer, on anything from dresses to jackets and boots. The colour stands out from the otherwise neutral, gloomier 2023 palette (including shades of beige and magenta), bringing a much-needed sense of joy back into our lives. Take a page out of actor Anya Taylor-Joy’s book — she was seen wearing this Alexander McQueen showstopper at the premiere of her new film The Menu.
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Glam it up with sequins and silver
If the holiday season proved anything, it’s that we can never have too many sequins. And while Christmas may be over, we deserve to shine all year round. The sequin trend is predicted to continue well into 2023, with high-octane sequins taking centre stage, adding a touch of sparkle to your evening dresses. To dial up the glamour, give silver a go, too, which is a great, more pop alternative to deluxe gold. How about a pair of extra-shimmery Michael Kors boots?
Read more: How to nail the goth look
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Look like a 1950s starlet with ‘boudoir chic’
Looking to add some playfulness to your wardrobe in 2023? Good news — ‘boudoir chic’ is making a comeback. Marked by ruffled frill dresses and form-fitting bodices that reflect 1950s ‘old Hollywood’, it’s been given a sexy spin by houses like Versace, with celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner already jumping on the bandwagon. While maybe a tad too daring for a casual outing (though no one’s stopping you), it’s definitely one to consider for a party or a night out with your beau. This trend is set to inspire some of 2023’s most alluring looks.
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Trust in the power of denim
Remember that time Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears showed up on the red carpet in matching all-denim attire? Relax, this kitschy early-2000s look isn’t making a comeback, but denim lovers will appreciate the fact that jeans are making a resurgence, with a few of the more tasteful millennium flourishes to boot. Think baggy, distressed and even studded jeans, with low-rise waistlines exposing the belly. Keep your eyes on Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta for inspiration.
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Swap your old balloon skirt for a relaxed bubble skirt
There are some trends you hope will never see the light of day again. Still, like it or loathe it, the bubble skirt is very much alive. Tulle, voluminous skirts from the 1990s and 2000s now give way to slimmer lines with a bubble hem, less reminiscent of a princess at the ball and more like its cooler, less formal cousin at the gala. You’ll find some of the most representative pieces of the trend in Khaite and Proenza Schouler’s designs.
Read more: Fashion meets… Black History Month: the best ethical designers
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Welcome spring with a supersized, leather blazer
Oversized blazers were all the rage in 2022, but this year they make a bigger statement; all covered in leather, they’re roomier than your typical strict blazer and slouchier than your average moto jacket. Spring will be the perfect time to flaunt your grungy leather jacket and even give your old one new life, just like Coach did for its spring 2023 collection, having repurposed previously worn leather jackets sourced from vintage shops. The looser the better.
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Choose sheer fabrics for an eccentric look
Also one for the warmer months, this trend will keep you cool no matter what. From dresses and tops to daring skirts, sheer is bound to dominate spring and summer looks, allowing your skin to breathe and your personality to shine through. Depending on how much skin you’re willing to reveal, there are several options to choose from — think off-beat dress overlays, lingerie-baring slip dresses and skirts or even sheer night gowns from the likes of Chanel, Prada, Maryam Nassir Zadeh and many more.
Fashion meets… is Living360’s new fashion series, which explores how fashion intersects with different movements, cultures and aspects of daily life. Each story highlights a unique theme — from punk rock music to architecture and art — diving into its history or cultural background alongside exclusive interviews, fashion trends and styling tips.
