Hey there, fashion friends! ✨
Fall has finally arrived in New York City, and with it comes that familiar excitement of transitioning our wardrobes. As someone who’s been following fashion trends for over a decade and attending both New York and London Fashion Weeks since 2016, I wanted to share my thoughts on this season’s standout trends in a way that feels both accessible and mindful.
Before we dive in, I want to emphasize that this isn’t your typical «must-have» list. Instead, I’m encouraging you to consider which trends actually speak to you and align with your personal style. The goal isn’t to rush out and buy everything new, but rather to thoughtfully consider what might enhance your existing wardrobe and bring you joy for seasons to come.
The Video Breakdown
If you prefer to watch rather than read, check out my detailed video breakdown of these trends right here:
Top 10 Fall Fashion Trends for 2023
1. Red Alert 🔴
Fall typically brings to mind muted earth tones—think browns, mustards, and camels. But this year, red is making a bold statement. From Stella McCartney to Tory Burch, Ferragamo, and Wiederhoeft, designers are embracing various shades of this powerful color.
What I love about this trend is its versatility. You can go for a bright, true red (like what I’m wearing in the video!), or opt for something with more orange or pink undertones. And if a head-to-toe red look feels too daring, accessories are a perfect way to incorporate this trend more subtly—think a red bag, shoes, or statement earrings.
How to wear it: For those of us who already have red pieces in our closet, now’s the time to pull them out! And if you’re looking to add something new, consider a red item that could work beyond this season, like a quality sweater or a versatile blazer.
2. Off-Shoulder Elegance 💃
The off-shoulder silhouette is making a strong comeback this season. Designers like Tory Burch, Paloma Wool, and Jonathan Simkhai all showcased this neckline in their collections.
I find this trend particularly flattering as it draws attention to the collarbone and neck area, creating an elegant and slightly sensual look that works beautifully for date nights or evening events.
Styling hack: If you’re not looking to invest in new pieces, check if any of your existing sweaters or tops can be styled off-shoulder. Many knits can be gently pulled down to create this effect—an instant update without the expense!
3. ’80s Business Chic 👔
One of my absolute favorite trends this season is what I’m calling «’80s Business Chic.» Think structured blazers with pronounced shoulder pads, bold lapels, and cinched waists creating that iconic hourglass silhouette.
Balmain, Armani, Moschino, and Saint Laurent all leaned into this powerful look on the runway. There’s something about these pieces that instantly makes you feel confident and put-together.
How to make it work: If you already own blazers, consider adding shoulder pads for extra structure. Another option is to belt your blazer to create that defined waist. And don’t be afraid to go bold with this trend—pair a structured blazer with a shorter skirt for a night out, or even add a tie for that full power-dressing effect.
4. Bow Mania 🎀
Bows are having a major moment this fall. Designers like Simone Rocha have featured them prominently, and they’re an easy way to add femininity and whimsy to your looks.
What I love about this trend is how accessible it is. You can incorporate bows into your outfits through hairpieces, bag details, shoe embellishments, or as accents on clothing.
Budget-friendly approach: Rather than spending a fortune on designer pieces with bow details (The Cut recently published an article about how much these embellishments can inflate prices!), consider a DIY approach. Purchasing ribbon and creating your own bow accessories is both economical and lets you customize the look to your preference.
5. The Return of Peplum 🌹
I’ll be honest here—as someone who grew up in the 2010s, I have a complicated relationship with peplum. That flared silhouette around the waist and hips doesn’t work for everyone (myself included!), but it’s undeniably making a comeback.
Christopher Kane, Paco Rabanne, Tory Burch, and Brandon Maxwell all featured peplum details in their collections, appearing in both tops and skirts.
My take: This is one trend I might personally skip, and that’s completely okay! Fashion should be about choosing what makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you’re curious about peplum but not ready to commit, try thrifting a piece first to see how it works for you.
6. Gothic Romance 🖤
Rodarte led the charge with this darkly romantic trend at New York Fashion Week. Think lace, velvet, Victorian-inspired details, ribbons, and high collars—all with a slightly edgy, mysterious vibe.
This trend might feel a bit dramatic for everyday wear, but there are ways to incorporate elements without going full Victorian gothic.
How to try it: Start small with a lace-trimmed collar on an otherwise simple top, or a velvet accessory. Black lace details can be surprisingly versatile when paired with more casual pieces.
7. Metallics That Shine ✨
Metallic fabrics are moving beyond just holiday party wear this season. Shimmering sweaters, pants, and accessories are making their way into everyday fall fashion.
I used to have a pair of gold pants that became one of my most versatile pieces—paired with all-black everything else, they made such a statement while being surprisingly wearable.
Wearable ways: If you’re hesitant about shiny clothing, metallics work beautifully in accessories. A metallic handbag or pair of shoes can elevate even the simplest outfit. Or start with something small like a metallic headband or belt.
8. Ballet Flats & Mary Janes 👞
When it comes to footwear, two styles are dominating this fall: ballet flats and Mary Janes.
Ballet flats have been gaining momentum for a while now, with Chanel and Miu Miu versions leading the trend. They’re comfortable, versatile, and pair perfectly with the fuller skirts also trending this season.
Mary Janes—distinguished by their characteristic strap across the foot—are equally having a moment. Fun fact: they were originally called «bar shoes» because of that strap, but were renamed «Mary Janes» in 1904 when the Brown Shoe Company named them after a cartoon character who wore this style!
Why I love them: Both styles offer comfort without sacrificing style, making them perfect for city life when you’re on your feet all day. They also transition seamlessly from casual to more dressed-up looks.
9. Full Circle Skirts 🔄
Often referred to as «Prada skirts» this season (after the brand’s influential runway show), full circle skirts with generous fabric and movement are everywhere.
These skirts come in various lengths—from mini to ankle-grazing—and offer a feminine silhouette that works for many body types. They pair beautifully with both the ballet flats and the structured blazers that are also trending.
Styling options: For fall, these skirts look amazing with over-the-knee boots and a fitted sweater. As the weather gets cooler, add tights and continue enjoying this silhouette.
10. Sheers & Lingerie 👙
Rounding out our list is the continued presence of sheer fabrics and lingerie-inspired pieces. This trend offers a spectrum of boldness levels—from the subtlety of Chanel and Missoni’s layered sheers to the more daring underwear-as-outerwear approach seen at Miu Miu.
If you have sheer pieces from spring or summer, you can transition them to fall by layering them over long-sleeve tees or thin sweaters. Or embrace the lingerie aspect with beautiful, eye-catching underwear beneath more transparent pieces.
Finding your comfort zone: This trend especially requires finding what works for your personal comfort level. Maybe it’s just a hint of lace peeking out from under a blazer, or perhaps it’s a fully sheer dress over a slip. Whatever you choose, the key is feeling confident in your interpretation.
A Thoughtful Approach to Trends
As I mentioned at the beginning, I believe in approaching fashion trends mindfully. Before rushing to add new pieces to your wardrobe, consider:
- What do you already own that aligns with these trends? That red sweater from last year or the blazer that could use some shoulder pads—shopping your own closet is always the most sustainable option.
- Which trends genuinely speak to your personal style? Not every trend needs to be followed. I’ve openly shared that peplum isn’t for me, and that’s perfectly fine!
- How can you incorporate trends without overconsumption? Think about thrifting, clothing swaps with friends, DIY modifications, or strategic additions that will last beyond a single season.
Fashion should be a tool for self-expression and, ultimately, fun. Whether you embrace all ten trends or none of them, wear what makes you feel your best. When you feel comfortable and confident in your clothing choices, that energy is what people notice most.
I’d love to hear which of these trends you’re excited about incorporating into your fall wardrobe! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @flopereira with your trendy fall looks.
Until next time, stay stylish and true to yourself! ✨
P.S. If you enjoyed this seasonal trend analysis, let me know if you’d like to see a winter trends breakdown in a few months!
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