Wearable Autumn/Winter 2023 Trends

Despite some late surges of sunshine, we’re officially in Autumn in the UK. The clocks may not ‘fall’ back until October 29 but the autumn equinox took place on Saturday 23rd September 2023. Shorter days and longer nights are already upon us.

While we mourn the end of what has felt like a particularly patchy Summer here in the North West of England, Autumn brings its own benefits.

New fruits and vegetables come into season, the leaves turn golden, red and orange, and we can pull our warmer clothes out of hiding. Yes, a new season to us says ‘new clothes’.

Image by JD Designs at Unsplash

Remember ‘new’ doesn’t have to mean newly manufactured. Second-hand September has just ended and clothes that are ‘new to you’ are just as exciting.

But back to the matter at hand. Happily, many of the new season trends are easily achievable and infinitely wearable. You’ve probably already got most of the basics in your wardrobe. 

This is an ‘everyday style’ elevated by the finest fabrics and it is the perfect time to invest in some key pieces. 

Some of the top trends for Spring and Summer still linger, embellishments and lingerie are going nowhere, and shimmery materials such as liquid lame joined sequins bring a welcome disco vibe in plenty of time for the party season.  

So without further ado, let’s delve into some of the hottest wearable trends for Autumn/Winter 2023. 

 

Black Coats 

Perhaps the overall hero piece of the new season trends is the humble black coat. Except that it is not really humble. The keys to this trend are the quality and the cut. Your coat should be inky black and tailored. Beyond that, there is room to play.

Victoria Beckham showcased an androgynous shape, while Dolce & Gabbana’s nipped-in waist created an ultra-feminine hourglass figure. 

Alaia featured oversized collars and a bubble shape, while Max Mara, Givenchy, and Khaite chose ankle-skimming oversized fits.

The black coat is the ideal backdrop for this season’s oversized scarf (think more Lenny Kravitz, less Doctor Who) or a stunning handbag. Handmade is good for both, so get those knitting needles out.

In terms of bags, you could opt for a contrast or keep it tonal with the gorgeous Tokyo Gold special edition bucket bag from CHILA BAGS. Better yet, it’s currently on sale with a massive £94 reduction.   

 

White Shirts

Another capsule wardrobe staple, the classic white shirt was given a new lease of life with new lengths, shapes and styling. 

Models at Valentino strutted down the catwalks in floor-skimming white shirts broken up by thigh-high side slits and bell sleeves. Loewe, Simone Rocha and Max Mara also embraced new lengths while Zimmermann’s white shirts had a lacy kaftan feel. We saw ruffles at Sacai, and white shirt co-ords at Bottega Veneta. 

You can pair a white shirt with just about anything and still look chic but we think the Gustoko by Paula Figueras Baguio Beach pouch offers just the right pop of colour. 

A key piece such as a classic white shirt is always worth spending a little more on as you’ll wear it year after year. 

  

LRD (Little Red Dress)

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the season's catwalks were monochromatic. But several shows heated things up with a flash of red, specifically red dresses.

More overtly sexy than the classic little black dress, the little red dress is having a moment.

Part punk, part goth, part femme fatale, red dresses were seen in an abundance of fabrics. From velvet at Alberta Ferretti and blood-red satin at Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s first show for Ann Demeulemeester to Valentino’s punky shirt dress featuring a wide slit, red is the colour of the season.

Gauzy red dresses with lace and ruffles graced Gucci, Mugler, Ester Manas, Blumarine and Dilara Findikoglu, while Alexander McQueen, Loewe, Fendi and Courreges favoured leather.

Keep your accessories simple but elegant, such as the Wicker Wings Kuai in Cream, and finish with a bold red lip. 

 

Spring Florals 

Yes, you read that right. While florals might not be ‘groundbreaking’ specifically spring-associated blooms adorning autumn and winter fashions add interest. 

Bright white camellias adorned Virginie Viard’s black ensembles, with black also acting as a backdrop for colourful blooks at Christopher Kane and Carolina Herrera. Alexander McQueen and MSGM opted for abstract florals on geometric designs with spring flowers also seen at Paco Rabanne, Chanel, Balenciaga, Emilia Wickstead, Christian Dior and more. 

Burberry and Erdem offered a slightly gothic take on the trend, while Noir Kei Ninomiya went futuristic. 

The timeless Kaya Clutch from Gustoko subtly picks up the foliage theme while letting the flowers on your clothes take centre stage. 

 

Vivienne Westwood

With the December passing of the late great grand dame of punk, Vivienne Westwood, many collections made homage. 

Westwood’s influence was everywhere, with tartan, corsets, and bustles plenty across this season’s runways. 

 

A A K S yellow Bika leather-trimmed shoulder bag with its vibrant shades and ‘check’ pattern would look fabulous with a Westwood-esque tartan skirt in paintbox shades as seen at Anna Sui, Burberry, Dior and Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood.

Westwood’s mantra was ‘Buy less, choose well, make it last”, wise words for modern living. 

 

Other trends to try:

• Innovative leather - Think embroidered, padding, embossing and feathers!
• Pinstripes - There was a distinctly corporate feel to many of this season’s looks, with pinstripes at Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton among others
• The bow tie/necktie - An accompaniment to a host of outfits at Balmain, Valentino, Nina Ricci, Moschino and more
• Feathers - Don’t be afraid, let out your inner peacock with a flash of feathers as seen at Gucci, Loewe and Valentino

And some less wearable:

• The micro bra - Strictly for those who don’t need a bra, or who are okay with letting it all hang out!
• Short shorts - Essentially large knickers seen at Miu Miu, Ferragamo via GoRunway and Andreas Kronthaler these are best left to those blessed with perfect bodies (and the inability to feel the cold!

You can shop the Sophie Summer collection and may even grab yourself a bargain with some big discounts on some of our bestsellers.  

Happy new season!

 

* Featured image by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash