Diving headfirst into the latest fall trends feels a lot like hitting a fashion reset button, especially when designers deliver exciting runway shows. This year’s Fall/Winter collections were full of bold colors, statement silhouettes, and updated basics you can mix and match in endless fresh fall ‘fit combos.
While there’s always a brand new seasonal piece worth splurging on, brands like Moschino, Vivienne Westwood, and Gucci went so far above and beyond that we’re worried for our bank accounts. Fall 2023’s biggest fashion trends were luxe enough to make our mouths water. Don’t ask us to pick our favorite look. It simply can’t be done.
Along with covetable fall pieces, this season’s runway shows featured plenty of clothing you likely already own. While many designers focused on layering seasonal go-to’s like cardigans and blazers, there were plenty of looks that relied on summer staples, including slinky dresses and strapless tops. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best fall fashion trends of 2023 to get your ‘fit rotation primed for sweaters weather and beyond.
RichRed
The boldest color trend to walk this season’s runway, red was everywhere during fall Fashion Week. This year, monochromatic looks reign supreme, from Stella McCartney’s cool-toned separates to Ester Manas’s warm-toned halter and fringe skirt.
The Peplum 2.0
We saw this one coming. The return of the peplum is well underway and, for fall, the divisive design isn’t limited to tops. At Christopher Kane, Edwardian-adjacent ruffles added flounce to pencil skirts. Paco Rabanne gave a nod to Victorian pocket hoops with ultra-modern metallic fringe while Balmain and Moschino’s peplum tops took cues from the hip fins and panniers of old-school corsetry.
High Water Hemlines
2023 has seen maxiskirts become more dramatic while minis have gotten even shorter and more online. For fall, designers offered an alternative ankle-skimming hemline that combines the best of both worlds. At Prada, the tea-length skirts had a flirty, petticoat flounce to them, while Dior delivered a sweeping, pleated variation with tons of movement.
Olive Oil Green
A close cousin of celeb-loved vintage chartreuse, olive oil green has a creamy, yellowish tint that can skew towards neon vibrancy or read as a subtle near-neutral.
Mellow Yellow
Fall/winter runways were rife with a full spectrum of yellow shades from muted mustard to zesty lemon. We were especially taken by the sunny yellow sweaters spotted at Christopher Kane and Prada, which will offer a much-needed dose of vitamin D brightness come winter.
Navel Grazers
Designers brought the drama with plunging v-neck tops, dresses, and outerwear this year. Lean into the vampy glamor of it all (with boob tape!) à la Stella McCartney, or layer the look for a lot of contrast and a touch more modesty.
Sweater Dresses
Sweater dresses come in and out of style, but the intricate cable knit and curve-hugging rib styles spotted on this season’s runways just might become classics. Designers like Isabel Marant, Max Mara, and Tod’s didn’t just use a muted, dreamy color palette, they delivered sweater dresses in elevated silhouettes.
Top-Shelf Tartan
Much like flannel, tartan’s plaid patterns and woven texture feel inherently cozy and casual, but that didn’t stop designers from delivering high-fashion takes on tartan. From sleek pencil skirts to sweeping shawls and luxe streetwear separates, this fall’s wooly plaid pieces are decidedly top-shelf.
Fit to Be Tied
If you ethically sourced skinny ties from Hot Topic way back when, get ready for a heavy hit of nostalgia. A logical tie-in to the business-chic aesthetic that dominated the fall runways, this unassuming accessory was frequently spotted tucked into an outer layer, cultivating a buttoned-up, but not too formal vibe.
Scoop-Neck Tops
In a sea of turtlenecks and dramatic off-the-shoulder looks, it was refreshing to see the humble scoop neck make multiple appearances. This basic wardrobe staple is the ideal basic to pair with boldly printed pants, belted skirts, or statement boots.
Hot Fuzz
The return of colder weather doesn’t guarantee any cozy fall collections, but Germainer, Gucci, and Undercover seem to have snuggles on the mind. And, while teddy bear chic wasn’t on our 2023 fall trend bingo card, we’re not complaining about this season’s influx of plush faux fur dresses and fluffy jackets.
Cold Shoulders
The sheer number of off-the-shoulder tops seen on this season’s runways was enough to make us add several strapless bras to our online shopping carts. If a new shoulder-baring blouse or dress isn’t in your fall budget, you can always slip a sweater off your shoulders to get in on this trend.
Bust Couplets
Sculpted bust cups were front and center on this season’s runways. From clever cut-outs to feminine draping, decolletage was on full display at Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, and Rokh.
Sculpted Sleeves
Designers like Louis Vuitton, AWAKE Mode, and Anteprima answered the call for sweater weather with rounded and whimsical sleeves that are styled with puff and padding. This subtle trend can instantly elevate a casual look and takes exactly zero effort to pull off. That’s a win in our book.
Summer Sheers
Don’t pack up your favorite summer maxidress just yet. Instead, make the most of this slinky warm-weather staple by layering it over longer-sleeved layers. Create a monochromatic moment à la Anteprima or enhance the contrast with a sheer printed top in the style of Chanel and Missoni.
’80s Business Chic
The ’80s vibes were strong at Balmain, Emporio Armani, and Moschino, where fall’s suited-up aesthetic featured throwback silhouettes. High-contrast black-and-white skirt sets and dresses were cinched and curve-hugging at Balmain and Moschino, while Emporio Armani delivered a loose-fitting velvet power suit.
Boxy Blazers
You could hardly watch a runway show without spotting at least one oversized blazer this year. Exaggerated shoulders, dramatic lapels, and double-breasted buttons add depth and detail to the already celeb-loved XXL blazer trend.