2023 Trend Predictions

A few weeks ago, I spent a couple hours watching a lot of content from multiple different creators over trend predictions for fashion in 2023. I compiled a list of the trends that were mentioned by multiple of the different sources I found. It is often said that the trend cycle repeats every 20 to 30 years, so a lot of these trends are on their way back from the 2000s. The vast majority of these predictions were made based on what we saw on designers’ runways for 2023. So without further ado, I’ll give you the rundown on what we’re likely going to be seeing in the world of fashion over the next year of our lives. 

The BIGGEST trend I saw throughout the videos I watched, something that every single video mentioned without fail, was the return of SHEER. Sheer everything. Layering of sheer clothes, wearing only your undergarments under sheer dresses, the “no pants look” that we’ve already seen on countless celebrities and influencers, and more. Personally- I am SO excited about this. It is so flattering and you can use it in literally a million different ways. Sheer clothing is anyone’s biggest asset- show what you want and hide what you don’t. Similarly, lace and crocheted pieces are coming in as well. Styled in very similar ways, these pieces serve a purpose just like that of sheer- something that you can see through just enough to see the curves of the body. While it wasn’t as shocking on the runways, multiple celebrities and influencers have already put the “no pants look” to good use in their “off duty” looks. Probably not something I’ll wear walking around campus in West Lafayette, but if you’re for it- I’m your biggest supporter.

The next trend mentioned was utilitarian looks. This means clothing that has functional use- but make it FASHION. These styles would include cargo pants, cargo skirts, really anything with those big cargo pockets, lots of buckles on clothing, anything with functional use. Cargo pants are such a staple for me, I feel like they can improve any look and add a lot to even the simplest top. My go to “going out” fit lately has been cargo pants with literally ANY little top. Imagine wearing a t-shirt. Nothing special- right? Now picture the same T-shirt, but with cargo pants. It’s immediately so much cooler. Cargo pants have been in for a little while already, but I’m here to tell you that they aren’t going anywhere. 

Utilitarian styles draw inspiration from the functionality of clothing, and often the looks are unisex too. Similar to the utilitarian style, a couple of sources also mentioned the return of gorpcore. Gorpcore comes from GORP with is actually an acronym for “good ‘ole raisins and peanuts.” This is a reference to the trail mix that is often found in hiker’s pockets. Gorpcore also styles utilitarian clothing, but is more of the clothing you would see in an outdoor brand. I think CNN put it perfectly when they referred to it as, “the camping-chic fashion trend.” This isn’t something I plan on incorporating too much to my own wardrobe, simply because it isn’t my thing. But for those of you who are a bit more outdoorsy than someone like me- I think this is a huge win. 

What I have personally ranked third on my list of “most-mentioned-predictions” is silver. Everything silver. To specify, I don’t mean gray but I actually do mean silver. These metallic/shiny colors are IN. Speaking of colors- monochromatic is out. Bold colors are in. Vogue mentioned in their trend predictions that ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) is on the come up, to mention one source alone. Through various other sources, I found that digital lavender is going to be big, others mentioned cobalt blue, a few mentioned various shades of green, and yellow was often brought up. 

One of the biggest overarching things mentioned throughout all of this content was femininity. 2023 is the year to express your feminine side in the way you dress, more than ever before. The sheer and lace trends are self-explanatory, but imagine a feminine take on utilitarianism. Imagine making sports looks feminine- sports attire was also mentioned a few times in the content I found. This means mini skirts, tighter silhouettes, ruffles, fringes, rosettes (Matilda Djerf has already been seen wearing rosette chokers), light/flowy clothing, and more. If you know me at all- you know I’m SO way beyond excited for this one. Girly? Light and feminine? SAY LESS.

Another hot topic? Grunge. A punk resurgence. One of my favorite visualizations of this I found on Tik Tok, in a video by @soypablopng. He mentioned that artists like Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert have been at the forefront of this for years. Grunge has never completely gone away in the world of fashion, but it sounds like it’s on its way back up. Vogue also mentioned this in their predictions, and who doesn’t trust Vogue? My take on this? Grunge isn’t really for me. I’m a very happy and upbeat person- and I like to express that through my clothing. Me, wearing grunge looks, would simply be a misrepresentation. However, if grunge is your thing, and black is your comfort color- this is your time to shine.

I won’t bore you and drone on and on in depth any more, but there are a few more that I want to mention at the least. For starters, denim. Denim everything. Think Canadian tuxedo. Business Attire. Business attire was mentioned in a few different ways throughout the content I found- some said elevated business, some said relaxed formal or soft suiting. Again, Voguementioned this as well saying that suits are on their way up. Fur was brought up more than once, as in fur coats. To the despair of everyone who hated it in the early 2000s, another trend mentioned was layering dresses over pants. Yes, dresses. Over. Pants. Could be interesting I think? Something I loved was a couple of the creators I watched compared 2023 to a “Serena Vanderwoodsen era”- fashion, but a bit messier. As an avid fan of Gossip Girl, this really excited me. Capris were also mentioned several times, they aren’t my favorite thing but this might be a win for tall girls like me- I sometimes struggle to find pants that are long enough on my legs anyway. As much as I hate to mention this one, I would like to say that futuristic, galaxy, dystopian, sci-fi, are HOT right now. Specifically for Dior. Their 2023 men’s collection screams all of those things, although obviously done in a very tasteful way- because it wouldn’t be Dior any other way. 

    Well, there you have it. A complete rundown of 2023 trend predictions, not predicted by me- but compiled by me. I found a lot of these really interesting, a few very exciting, and a few, well, I’m hoping they don’t come back. Please please please, let me know your thoughts! Are you super excited about any of these? Dreading a few? Intrigued by any? Let me know in the comments either here or on Instagram. Can’t wait to hear your take!