A new year has begun. Out with the old in with the new. And that means fashion too. No matter our age or even if we’ll incorporate any of the trends into our wardrobes it’s important to stay abreast of trends. It’s what keeps us modern, fresh, and relevant. And while today is a look at the 2023 fashion trends I'm wearing this year, I think it's important to share where I'm even sourcing these trends to begin with.
Runway Shows are a prime example of fashion experts. They’re creating the designs after all. Each of the couture designers trot out their latest collections every year during Fashion Week with shows in New York, Paris, London and Milan. What’s spotted on the runways can be over the top for the average woman but we catch a glimpse of what will trickle down to everyday clothes that our favorite brands and retailers will have on hand.
Fashion Magazines also share what’s on trend. I grew up with subscriptions to Seventeen, Glamour, Marie Claire, Vogue and Cosmo. I couldn’t wait to flip through the pages to see what was new and trendy in fashion and what products I just had to try for myself. And I loved to read their articles.
Fashion magazines were a wealth of information back in the day. Whenever I traveled by plane I always made a pit stop to the airport newsstand to buy a fashion magazine to bring along on my trip. Or if I had to wait in line at the grocery store I was always lured to throw the latest edition in my cart. It was also common for my Dr. to have copies of fashion magazines in his or her waiting room. It was a great way to stay preoccupied if the wait became too long…which happens more times than we’d like.
But these days it can be tricky to track down fashion magazines that are still in print. Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Elle, and InStyle all saw readers of their print magazine or online magazine editions decline to varying degrees in recent years. These days most fashion magazines have transitioned to digital online affairs that aren’t half as entertaining to me as I can’t thumb through, dog-ear particular pages or rip one out for my mood board.
Watching Essential Events can also cue us in on what’s on trend. The Golden Globes and The Grammys showcase new and upcoming talents on stage and seated in the audience. Or the granddaddy of them all The Oscars where celebrity after celebrity sashay down the red carpet.
These shows are always entertaining to watch. Or they used to be. Viewership is down across all platforms. Maybe we’re getting bored? Or they’re too politicized? Or maybe Hollywood stars are a thing of the past?
Famous Fashion Stylists like Rachel Zoe or Monica Rose can also keep us in the loop with what’s trending. And they each have an online presence. Their clientele includes Chrissy Teigen, Iman, Cara Delevingne, Gigi Hadid, and more.
Google Fashion Trends. Simply typing in Fashion Trends 2023 in your Google search bar or even here on YouTube will produce all sorts of articles you can read about 2023 fashion trends. Or you can even plug in a different year to see what’s already come and gone.
Today, I'm talking about the 2023 fashion trends I'm wearing
From oversized everything to denim-on-denim, these are the looks I'm loving
For each trend, I've pulled in a bunch of inspiration outfits
Everything is shoppable via text- and image-widgets
Gen Z has definitely embraced this trend kicking skinny jeans out of their closets and sporting oversized blazers, extra large shirts, and baggy jeans and now we can add giant-sized handbags to the list. This particular trend is one we can attempt to add to our wardrobe.
If you want to experiment with an oversized look here’s my tip: take one element like an oversized blazer and pair it with slim jeans. Or flip the script and choose a pair of wide-leg or flare denim then add a slim-fit sweater or blouse to the outfit. Just keep your proportions in mind. Also, ONE oversized statement piece is definitely doable whereas two or three in the same outfit will be over the top and best reserved for supermodels and celebrities who want to make a statement with their outfits.
But when it comes to oversized shirts they’re a fashion “do” all year long and look fantastic with leggings, skinny jeans, or shorts. For me, an oversized shirt is part of my style uniform all spring and summer and I have several on rotation.
Oversized handbags might be the easiest way to incorporate the oversized everything trend into your wardrobe. I’ve always loved large handbags as you can easily fit all of your personal items inside, umbrellas, first aid kit, makeup bag, and maybe even the kitchen sink with room to spare. That’s not always the case, especially with micro bags that only fit your keys, phone, and lipstick.
As far as an oversized handbag is concerned choose one that’s in proportion to your body. I’m 5’8” so I can get away with a fairly large handbag. But if you’re petite you will have to adjust the size of the handbag to suit your frame.
Since 1873 denim has been going strong. That’s the year Levi Strauss introduced this humble workwear trouser. It’s morphed over the years to become not only a cultural symbol but a hardworking wardrobe staple.
We all know that investing in a great pair of jeans will make us feel incredible and take us just about anywhere as you can dress them up or down with ease.
If one pair of jeans is good then why not double the fun by wearing a Canadian Tuxedo: denim on denim that’s on trend for 2023. The double take on denim is an easy trend to incorporate as it takes wardrobe essentials and puts them together.
Most of us have jeans and a jean jacket hanging in our closets. And some of us have blue jeans and a timeless denim shirt. So go ahead and start creating your own denim-on-denim look. It’s an easy outfit formula to create this season and beyond and one that I put together whether it’s on trend or not.
I’m always a sucker for the denim shirt + denim combo. I try to keep the denim rinse compatible or opt for a lighter rinse on top and darker on the bottom. Whichever way you choose feel free to add an oversized blazer to the mix and boots for a chic winter look.
But if you want to give your jeans a break add a denim skirt to your denim-on-denim style equation. Denim midi skirts are also trending this year so there’s a nice selection available if this piece is missing from your wardrobe. In the past, I’ve worn a light-rinse denim shirt with a darker-rinse denim skirt. Add a pair of flats and maybe even an oversized handbag.
This is one trend we can all get on board with, bright colors. Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue, and Verdigris are the colors you will see everywhere in 2023.
But it’s interesting to note fashion trends are influenced by current events. Rising inflation - rising hemlines. Calming and positive color palettes give us a much-needed boost to combat the current grim political and economic landscape.
So pick a color---any color---and incorporate it into your wardrobe. Bright hues and bold colors are a gorgeous contrast to neutrals. They’re attention-grabbing and dare I say FUN! And we all need to have fun with our wardrobes.
Honestly, is leopard print even a trend? I think of it as an evergreen pattern like plaid, gingham, polka dots, and florals.
Back when Jenna Lyons reigned supreme as the J.Crew Creative Director she proclaimed leopard print was a neutral that went with everything. I happen to agree.
But leopard print has been in vogue for centuries dating back to the Egyptians. In the 20th century classic style icons Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Jackie were all spotted wearing Leopard print whether it was a hat, coat, or scarf.
So it’s no surprise that leopard is trending again this season. If you’re new to this print or think you’ll end up looking like Peggy Bundy ease in slowly with a leopard print accessory. Try a belt, pair of shoes, or leopard print scarf.
Once you take a walk on the wild side there’s no going back! Soon you’ll be wearing a leopard print skirt with a black turtleneck or a leopard print blouse with a favorite skirt. And maybe just maybe you’ll go all out and add a leopard print coat to your wardrobe.
Leather has been around for decades. Leather blazers, leather pants, and my favorite: an iconic motorcycle jacket with a rich history dating back to WWI.
We have the military to thank once again for this classic wardrobe staple. German fighter pilots were the first to don bomber jackets. In the late 1920s, Irving Schott designed the first motorcycle jacket for Harley Davidson based on the bomber jacket. Schott incorporated a side zip and shortened the length of the jacket. It was an immediate hit with avid motorcycle enthusiasts as they could lean over their bikes with ease.
But this iconic jacket leapt into popularity in the 1950s when screen legend Marlon Brando embraced his tough-guy jacket in his performance as a motorcycle gang leader in The Wild Ones.
In 2023 the leather trend continues with oversized leather jackets, leather dresses, leather pants, leather shorts, boots, and bags. And head-to-toe leather is seen everywhere this year. But if a biker chic leather jacket isn’t your thing then I highly recommend a pair of leather or faux leather pants that are a nice departure from denim.
Looking to get away this winter to a warm-weather location? We've got you covered with What to Wear On a Beach Vacation. Click the title or image below to read the article.
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.
Thank you for this terrific article! I used to love pouring through fashion magazines too, and I treated myself by reserving issues to read or stopping at the news stand when traveling by air also. Over the past few years, however, they seem much less relevant to me and content like yours is particularly appreciated! I’m sure it’s a combination of “all of the above”…less travel, WFH, Covid, declining readership of actual hardcopy magazines that have lead to more ad pages than real content, and yes, AGE…I’m fully aware I’m no longer the target audience. Thank you for all you do for us, always with such grace and loveliness!
Love this post Beth! You ARE my fashion magazine now. You look terrific in all shown here. I just can’t do the leather pants myself, being 70…but. Everything else, I love!
I too use to enjoy pouring over the fashion magazines, Vogue, Cosmopolition and Glamour were my favorites. It just not the same on line as dog earing the pages as you said. You could spend hours flipping the pages back and forth and oooing and aaaahing. Like the leopard print and bold colors the best.
Very ,very well put together outfits
Like them all
My favorites are the skirt with the denim blouse.
Also like the outfit all black, with hot pink blazer.
Great article today! I used to do all of the same with magazines, etc. Not anymore…..not even as interested in the award shows anymore….would rather see real people such as you get awards!! Just my 2 cents…