I’ve been in the mood for fall fashion ever since August. And one way I satisfy the craving before the first chilly day is by keeping a pulse on fall fashion trends. I’m not someone who leans heavily into trends just for the sake of it. But it’s fun to see what’s trickling down from runways into retail. There are usually a few that resonate with my personal style.
Below, I’m sharing the 2023 fall fashion trends I’ve been seeing everywhere and how to incorporate them into your everyday wardrobe in preparation for the season. As always, just because something is trending doesn’t mean you have to wear it! At the end of the day, wear what you love, no matter what the trend reports say. You can shop pieces from the collage above here.
6 Fall Fashion Trends 2023
Red
Bold reds are the most “trendy” fall trend this year, with staple fall pieces like knits, ballet flats, boots, and jackets being released in eye-catching cherry, ruby, and scarlet for a pop of color. I tend to prefer traditional fall reds like burgundy and wine (see some of my favorites in this High/Low edit), but the bold reds are growing on me. You could dive in and wear red apparel head to toe or experiment with adding a pop via a lipstick, nail polish, or a bag.
Power Suiting
Strong suiting is a trend that tends to be reinvented year after year. And this season, it’s showing up in everything from matching suits to separates (blazers, trousers, skirts). Styling a suit for fall doesn’t have to be limited to a 9 to 5 job. You can combine separates, like an oversized blazer and relaxed trousers, with pieces that read less work and more weekend, like a cashmere sweater, leather booties, and gold hoops. Wearing suiting separates is my favorite approach though. You can pair a strong blazer with a simple white tee and denim to lean into the trend without a full-on blazer and pant ensemble.
Everyday Metallics
Nearly every retailer I’ve browsed has a selection of metallics (some even release edits with pages and pages of them). Gold lame, shiny silver, and sequins are popping up everywhere from Prada to Reformation in unexpected pieces, like Mary Janes, day bags, everyday tops, and fall jackets. I think the easiest way to lean into this trend is with footwear. A shimmering gold ballet flat with jeans or foil-effect heel with your fall floral dresses adds a shiny touch without overwhelming your look. The best part about metallic shoes and bags is that you can wear them into the holiday season.
Sleeveless Sweaters and Vests
The tailoring trend of spring/summer is crossing over into fall by way of sleeveless vests, sleeveless fall sweaters, and sleeveless knit bodysuits. This is one of my personal favorite fall 2023 fashion trends because a) a top without sleeves can make layering less bulky, b) it’s flattering to show skin in a covered look, and c) it’s practical for those early fall days when temps are still warm. My two favorite styles for this trend are sleek bodysuits and sweaters with a fitted silhouette for tucking into denim and skirts, and I’m a huge fan of vests with peplum hems (a micro-trend this fall) like this one at Reformation, which will flatter the waist and offer a less boxy finish.
Elevated Basics
Quiet luxury is a trend that took social media by storm and that I personally love. It’s a focus on high-quality, elevated basics with excellent craftsmanship—the essential items at the core of your wardrobe that you’ll have for 10, 20 years. Think a well-tailored pair of jeans, a timeless white tee, a luxe cashmere sweater, or a crisp white blouse. Brands like Nili Lotan, The Row, Toteme, and Khaite are great examples of this trend.
Wide Leg Jeans
The denim trends have stayed wide for several seasons now and that continues! Wide leg jeans definitely aren’t the only style we’re seeing in fall 2023. But they’re the most fashion-forward option at the moment. I’m seeing light, medium, dark, and black wide washes in addition to wide-leg autumnal pants in faux leather, corduroy, and coating. For fall, I shift away from cropped tstyles toward ankle-length and full-length styles. They’re easier to pair with sneakers, booties, heels, loafers, and flats. Some of my favorite brands for wide leg at the moment are DL1961, J.Crew, Madewell, Veronica Beard, and Paige.
Maxi Moment
I’ll always love my mini skirts, but midi and maxi skirts had a moment this spring/summer. This autumn, the floor-sweeping hemline trend continues with maxi dresses and long outerwear. Most of what I’m seeing leans more toward the minimalist/quiet luxury trend rather than the traditional bohemian shapes and floral prints. The new look is long but minimal and streamlined. Like solid creamy knit dresses with a pleat or two but nothing extra. I always know when a style shows up at places like Zara, LOFT, and MANGO that it’s hit mainstream. And there are plenty of wearable maxi styles to choose from at both designer stores and budget-friendlier shops.
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