My top 10 favorite fashion trends for winter 2023/24
My favorite season is the winter because, in my opinion, it is by far the most stylish in terms of clothing. I always feel way more elegant and sophisticated in the winter rather than in the summer. So, now that we are officially in winter time, I wanted to share some of my favorite trends with you guys that I think will be very prominent this winter. Although I don’t really focus on trends so much when I am dressing myself, as I would rather dress uniquely than following what is “trendy” at the moment, I do think it is important to keep track of what is relevant at the moment, specially when I am thinking in terms of business and not my own personal styling.
WHITe
White is one of the most loved and used colors by fashion houses all over the world. Recently, upon speaking to many of my friends, I realized something which, in my opinion, is a misconception people have that white is only a spring and summer color and should not be worn as much in winter. I have one friend that would always say she hates white pants in winter and I never really understood that. I believe in fashion there is no right or wrong answer, as people have different tastes and like different things, however upon analyzing recent fashion shows for the fall/winter 2023/24 I realized that I am not the only one that loves white for the winter, and the color is in fact as coveted during autumn and winter as it is in the summer.
Famous fashion houses such as Chanel, Loewe, Mia Miu, Prada, and Victoria Beckham chose white as one of the main colors for their Fall/Winter 2023/24 collections validating its relevance this season. This color was seen from clothing to accessories, as well as in the beauty sector, proving itself as a sophisticated and timeless choice.
Prada Fall/Winter 2023/24 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com
Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection.
Photos: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com
2. Polka dots
This season there was a lot of references to the 1950s. One of the main references to this time period was the use of the polka dot print, which was seen in many catwalks for the fall/winter ready-to-wear collections, and of course, modernized to stay relevant with the fashion demands of our current time. Polka dots were seen in mini dresses, maxi dresses, coats, bags, etc.
Valentina Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
Valentino is one of my favorite fashion houses. They always have the most well thought out, stunning collections, and this polka dot jacket was no exception. This timeless coat was one of my favorite pieces from their fall 2023 ready-to-wear collection.
3. XXL Shoulders
Alexander McQueen Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen
Courrèges Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Courtesy of Courrèges
The structured shoulder pads, as seen in the 80s, are making a major comeback this fall season and I am here for it. I love the look of the XXL shoulders as delivered by Saint Laurent, Courrèges, and Alexander McQueen, amongst others, on the runway this season.
4. Clutches
Although totes were seen in many collections for the spring/summer, clutch bags have amassed popularity this winter and I’m here for it. While these bags are definitely not the most practical, they help make outfits looks more chic and sophisticated. There is something timeless about an elegant clutch; rather that be for day or night wear. Looking at this seasons fashion shows, I can tell that this season’s clutches will have exaggerated sizes, shapes, and textures. Clutches are a good item to invest in this season to accessorize the more minimal, “quiet luxury” looks which as taking over.
Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Armando Grillo / Gorunway.com
Givenchy Fall/Winter 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Armando Grillo / Gorunway.com
5. studs
Backstage of Rokh Fall/Winter 2023 Fashion Show
Bottega Veneta Fall/Winter 2023 Fashion Show
One of the most prominent trends of this season are the jumbo stud earrings. I love this trend because I feel like earrings can really enhance a persons outfit as well as the features of their face. I have seen Bottega Veneta's giant-sized teardrops everywhere and loved seeing Rokh's jumbo pearls on the runway.
"When it comes to jewellery trends, it's rare for a simple stud to take centre stage. With many seasons dedicated to hoops, shoulder-skimming drops or multi-stacked ears, I couldn't be more excited for the revival of bold '80s-style studs. For autumn/winter, designers have played with oversized shapes and sculptural details, allowing the stud to dominate once again. Personally, I'll be styling mine with everything from simple jeans-and-T-shirt looks to elevated evening ensembles," says Florrie Alexander, commerce writer at Who What Wear UK.
6. Thigh-high boots
Thigh-high boots are making a comeback and this time they are taller and higher than ever; this is arguably one of my favorite trends this season. Stella McCartney and Isabel Morant were some of the designers to showcase this trend on the runway. Following the fashion month, searches for thigh-high boots have increased by 70% on Lyst. I believe over-the-knee boots are a staple item everyone should have in their wardrobes for 2024. I got a beautiful pair last month at Ermanno Scervino.
Ermanno Scervino Fall/Winter 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com
Bottega Veneta Fall/Winter 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Armando Grillo / Gorunway.com
7. Tights
This season tights have been present in the main fashion houses collections more than in past seasons.. Unique tights, be they fishnet, colorful, or any of the other numerous types will definitely be a trend we will see many people adopting this winter. Le Caer stated that "Worn with nothing but bejewelled knickers at Miu Miu, tights are slowly but surely replacing trousers, pushing the no-pants trend that's already been adopted by the likes of Kendall Jenner and Camille Charrière one step further."
Victoria Beckham Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com
Ahluwalia Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com
8. red
Victoria Beckham Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com
Alexander McQueen Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen
Bottega Veneta Fall/Winter 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Armando Grillo / Gorunway.com
The color red has been trending for quite some time, and that will stay the same this winter. Postbox red is a classic color which constantly remains in the fashion cycle, making it a good option to invest in if you are looking to spice up your wardrobe with more colors.
9. leather
Alexander McQueen Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen
Victoria Beckham Fall 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com
Leather stood out as one of the main materials featured in the collections this season. From jackets, to trousers, shirts, skirts, and coats leather dominated in all the fashion capitals; New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Lyst reported that after fashion month searches for leather clothing increased by 25%—an early indicator of the relevance it'll have on our wardrobes this season.
10. Back to Basics
In 2023 we saw a massive spike in the quiet luxury aesthetic and this hype will remain in 2024. Although there is some controversy around the term and its links to privilege and elitism, many designers were seen leaning into it for this season. “Less is more” was the phrase adopted by many of the big designers this season, take Bottega Veneta for example, their simple t-shirt and jeans looks on the runway did not fail to impress and neither did the immaculate tailoring on the pieces made by Gucci.
Gucci Fall/Winter 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
Gucci Fall/Winter 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
I hope you guys enjoyed my selection of my favorite fashion trends for winter 2023/23.
Xoxo,
Valentina Vontobel