There’s nothing like a fresh wardrobe update to welcome the new season in style, but it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start. While the past few seasons have been all about making a statement, luckily for autumn/winter 23 the trends are far more wearable – without compromising on drama. From winter florals and power suits to the new clutch bag and XXL totes, we break down the top trends for you, and where to shop them on Oxford Street.
Seeing red
Hero product: Red blazer (£75), River Island
You can always expect a bold colour to be high on the agenda for autumn/winter. Last year was all about cobalt blue, and this time round red is taking centre stage. You can dip your toe in with a small accessory like a red bag, or embrace it fully with a head-to-toe look like a red coat layered over a matching dress.
Shop the trend: Reserved, Mango, Matalan
Power suits
Hero product: Open suit blazer (£149), Massimo Dutti
Suits, but with an attitude. On the runway at fashion week, designers elevated the basic wardrobe staple with details like playful fabrics like velvet and corduroy, pinstripes, shirts with ties, bold shoulders, and fitted waists as well as masculine, oversized tailoring. There’s something for everyone with this ultimate back-to-work trend.
Shop the trend: Moss, Reiss, BOSS
Winter florals
Hero product: French Connection floral dress (£95), John Lewis
Floral prints are nothing new, and yet this season they take on an unexpected moody vibe, perhaps inspired by Netflix’s hit show Wednesday (based on the Addams Family daughter). We’re still seeing a lot of dresses and shirts with all-over floral prints and embroidery, but they’re now more muted and in darker shades with a decidedly gothic – but wearable – vibe.
Shop the trend: M&S, Monsoon at John Lewis, Next
The exaggerated waist
Hero product: Draped body dress (£79.99), Mango
While we might have embraced masculine, oversized silhouettes for a few seasons now (and that trend is still going strong), for autumn/winter 23, we’re putting the focus firmly back on the feminine, specifically on the hourglass silhouette. On the catwalk and now in stores, this translates into tops, jackets and dresses with nipped-in waists and flared hips. Think of it as a grown-up version of the peplum trend.
Shop the trend: House of CB at Selfridges, River Island, Mango, Zara
Elevated basics
Hero product: C trench coat (£109.90), Uniqlo
Perhaps the most wearable trend to come out of fashion month, this one puts the spotlight on the unsung heroes of your wardrobe, the hardworking items that lay the very foundations of your everyday outfits. The white t-shirt, the blazer, the low-rise jeans, the trench coat, the cashmere knit… this trend is about pairing it all back. Less is definitely more.
Shop the trend: Superdry, Calzedonia, United Colours of Benetton
Hell for leather
Hero product: Leather pants (£168), Reiss
Few fabrics are as durable and timeless as leather, so it’s no surprise it was one of the biggest trends to come out of fashion month. From trousers to skirts, shirts to coats, leather was everywhere in hues ranging from classic black and camel to bold plum and blue. While we love the Victoria and David Beckham hell-for-leather circa 90s look, this time around it’s best teamed with softer fabrics like cashmere and silk.
Shop the trend: Reiss, Dune, Stradivarius, AllSaints at Selfridges
Clutch bags
Hero product: Clean bar clutch bag (£15.40), Accessorize
Clutch bags have a bit of a bad rep for being the wedding guest accessory of choice, thrown on as an afterthought. However this season, they’re making a comeback, and there’s not a feather or rhinestone in sight. Think slouchy shapes, muted tones and paired back designs. Clutch bags have never been the most practical of bags, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear that this season they come in a slightly bigger size that fit more than just a phone.
Shop the trend: & Other Stories, Zara, ALDO
XXL totes
Hero product: Marc Jacobs The Tote Bag (£200), Flannels
In a tale of two extremes, large tote bags were also one of the major accessory trends to come out of the fashion capitals earlier this year. The larger the better, so if you’re the type of person who carries their life with them, this trend is for you. I love the slouchy, pastel-coloured bags on the market right now.
Shop the trend: Dune, John Lewis, Selfridges
We hope this trend guide has got you excited for the winter season, and you don’t need to go all-out either, just a nod here and there with a hero piece or accessory will instantly elevate your look. If you’re looking for more inspiration, here are the key pieces to buy to update your wardrobe on a budget.
Share the love
Back to What’s happening
