2023 Trend Predictions: Fashion & Beauty
Welp, it’s been awhile. I spent the first part of the summer taking a Fashion Construction course in New York at Parsons and the second half sleeping and trying to keep anything in my stomach - first trimester is a real killer. From there we ended up in the fall, where priorities shifted, things got busy, and (almost) the last thing on my mind was updating here.
Fashion and style, however, remained top of mind. There’s been lots to navigate with maternity and postpartum style. Hopefully, I’ll document a bit more of that process here in the future.
Now, with another year well underway, I’m hopping on the trend forecasting bandwagon.
Fashion
You’ve heard about the headliners: denim on denim, BIG bags, ballet core, sheer textiles (yep), and moto (yep again)… What follows are the more under-the-radar trends I think will define the year ahead.
3D: Obscuring, deforming, and adorning the body, we’ll see everything from dimensional knits and fabrics (welcome back popcorn, peplums, and flower flourishes) all the way to fully sculptural pieces a la Loewe and Schiaparelli.
Blue: Pale blue, steel blue, royal blue, navy, all the way to aquamarine. From denim to knits to eyeliner, I foresee our collective love of green shifting to blue. Shop your closet, choose your shade.
Layers: We’re seeing this already with multiple bags. Next up, multiple jackets, layered socks, underwear as a layer, sheer pants under skirts, etc. Combine textures, tones, patterns… endless possibilities already hanging in your closet.
Power Jewelry: Way more impactful than your dainty and delicate layering pieces, all eyes are on statement jewelry pieces that can amp up jeans and a tee or take you to a black tie affair. Personality leads here, with everything from metal heavy designs to gemstones and enamel working well. Big earrings, chunky bangles, thick sculptural necklaces, big watches… accessories take centre stage.
Vintage: We’re moving on from vintage that’s purely about aesthetics (think the Y2K mall brands) and onto pieces imbued with (personal or social) history, story, and exclusivity. Encompassing everything worn out, frayed, handmade, and straight up Victorian, get your hands on anything you can say, “They don’t make ‘em like this anymore” about. Forget limited edition drops, vintage is the ultimate exclusive.
Apocalypse Now: Coined ‘recession core’ (ick) by some, and bound to be further shaped by The Last of Us, this end of the world attire will combine paired back practicality with grunge aesthetics. It’s an evolution of the technical gear we’ve seen make its way into streetwear: hiking, camping, and other technical gear is comfortable, practical, holds up, and looks cool. For this next iteration, think military inspiration (not literal - no camo, but hello many cargo pockets), performance-driven textiles and designs, and good ol’ fashion work wear. Picture durability and wearability, in palettes ranging from restrained to safety fluro.
Back It Up: Back details return with a vengeance, with low backs, back jewelry, strap configurations, bows, bustles, keyholes, and seams adding new appeal to your exit. With the shift toward photo dumps of candid blurry shots and away from overly posed photos in our feeds, back details say less: ‘I’m not even trying, but you’re definitely looking.’
Beauty
The foundations will remain: good dewy skin and brows that match your face, but I think these techniques and colours will get a boost.
Diffused: Think soft lips, soft eyes, and soft edges, from the dramatic to the subtle. Blend away.
Bare with a Pop: Picture a bare ‘no makeup’ face with a little something. A sweep of shimmer, a bold lip, a crystal. With the rise of de-influencing and all that mascara pushback, I’m anticipating a real skin movement with focus on touches that add personality.
Short, Dark Nails: Yep, we’re back. Soft, muted talons will be replaced with deep, moody short nails that are immaculately maintained and shaped.
Now, let’s see if I’m right…
Until next time,
