6 Of Our Favourite AW23 Trends You Can Wear Now
As Fashion Weeks across the globe roll out the latest creations from both established and emerging designers, we can’t help but be tempted by all the newness – except these pieces are for autumn/winter 2023. So, if you’re not feeling too patient, we’ve picked out the key trends for you to snap up ahead of the crowd…
A new season is exciting, but never more so than when you’re at the unveiling; the big reveal, so to speak. We’ve had Copenhagen, New York, London, Milan and now Paris fashion week, when the style set convenes in their sartorial best to view models sashay down runways in the very latest designs. Within hours, trends are predicted and spotted both on and off the catwalks.
This year, perhaps following seasons of uncertainty, felt like the fashion world rediscovered its mojo. There was a buzz; a glitziness and most definitely plenty of glamour. Note an abundance of feathers, sequins and opera gloves. AW23 is set to be a delicious mix of oversized tailoring and diaphanous dresses, low-slung baggy jeans and barely-there slips, heavy boots and the return to the ‘90s pointy heel. Never mind spring/summer, from Gucci to 16 Arlington, David Koma to Prada, autumn/winter looks pretty fabulous already.
Shop Our Top AW23 Fashion Trends
1. Fancy Feathers
There’s been a flurry of feathers in recent seasons, however a full flock is incoming for AW23. Sultry in black at Gucci, icy white against silk and sequins at 16 Arlington and fiery reds at David Koma, more is definitely key. The Annie’s Ibiza debut collection – which you could buy straight from the catwalk – from iconic boutique owner turned designer, Annie Doble, also displayed not just crystal embellishment and Oriental embroidery, but the finest plumes in cobalt blue. Love this trend? Then discover luxe pieces right now at cult brand Sleeper or high street fave, Mango.
Feathers add drama, opulence and glamour, so there's no surprising every designer from Gucci and Bottega Veneta to 16 Arlington and David Koma added them to their AW23 collections.
2. Fiery Red
It’s time to turn up the drama, as Pantone has announced Fiery Red as one of its dynamic colours on the Autumn/Winter 2023/2024 LFW Colour Palette. Calling it sexy and sensual, we’ve seen this bold shade bring passion and power to our wardrobes for many years, however this season the message is clear. Confidence, adventure and excitement are back. From Bottega Veneta’s architecturally stunning dress to Prada and Ferragamo’s suiting, red is making a play for promotion and we’re here for it.
Turn up the heat in the boldest shade to emerge from the AW23 catwalks. Go for the top-to-toe look, as seen at David Koma, Ferragamo and Tory Burch.
3. Pointy Heels
There was no hiding the return of the pointed-toe court. Spotted at Prada, Gucci, Christopher Kane, Tory Burch… the list is endless. Once deemed tawdry or dull, the classic heel has since been elevated; glorified, even. Much like our love for tailoring, there’s something elegant and safe about these, and yet we can give them a contemporary feel by wearing with jeans or slouchy wide-leg trousers. You know this look is a guaranteed style win, when they begin to appear in the high street’s coolest stores, namely & Other Stories.
4. Back To Work
Not exactly a trend, more of a statement. We’ve embraced oversized tailoring for some time now, counting Hailey Bieber and Kaia Gerber as early adopters. However, this season designers combine insouciant elegance with ‘don’t-mess-with-me’ vibes. It’s all about self assurance and an air of entitlement. These beautifully cut pieces from Gucci, Jonathan Simkhai, Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, are for those looking for sharp, yet timeless class. Thankfully this mastery can also be found at Arket and All Saints.
Drama isn't always about colour and pomp. As shown by these design masters, nothing beats the workmanship behind excellent tailoring.
5. Canary Yellow
Less Big Bird, more super classy bright. Like Fiery Red, this shade also made the cut on the Pantone Autumn/Winter 2023/2024 LFW Colour Palette. Although technically they went for the more highbrow name of Spectra Yellow. They described this hue as ‘illuminating’, highlighting ‘innovation, enlightenment and energy’ of which we witnessed much of at all the fashion weeks. From the golden coat at David Koma to the figure-enhancing gown at Ferragamo, this sunshine shade is here to brighten our wardrobe.
It was impossible to ignore this vibrant shade at fashion week. Even the normally pared back Jil Sander rolled out the canary co-ord, while Richard Quinn's yellow taffeta gown was a scene stealer.
6. Giant Shoppers
Go big or go home. A cliché, but true. After so much time at home, it seems we can’t leave home without everything in it… so designers have helped us out. Supersized totes are the order of the day, allowing us to carry everything from our extra heels to our pet. With YSL’s maxed out Icare bag stealing our hearts – for a mere £3620 – our eyes were on the huge carry-alls for the upcoming season. Joseph and Jil Sander did not disappoint, while Topshop and Arket certainly delivered on the more budget-friendly iterations.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
