5 trends that confirm 2023 is going to be a bold year for fashion

When Viva Magenta was declared the colour of 2023, it signalled something in fashion that we haven’t seen in a while—bold maturity.

If our fashion journies mirror life’s cycles, the past two years for most of us were reinventing our styles, figuring out what we actually like without society’s gaze, and then getting comfortable merging those two worlds when the world came alive again.

And, it’s safe to say that 2023’s fashion sphere is holding its own.

Although we haven’t quite yet moved away from borrowed trends, 2023 is already shifting to use bygone-era approved pieces as elements of a look, not the look in its entirety.

With that being said, there’s plenty of room for 2023 to find its own voice in fashion, and it sounds a lot more like an elegant older woman.

Here are 5 trends that dominated January and are set to set the tone for the next year:

1. Vanillacore

If 2022 was all about how bright and bold we could go, Vanillacore (which quite literally plays on creamy colours) said ‘let’s take a break.’ Vanillacore was the minimalist’s prayer answered as more structured, neutral toned pieces started to pop up onto the scene again.

The real key to this trend is keeping the colour palette soft and in the range from off-white to full-on cream dreams. Think monochrome feel, but with structured pieces.

Knits were especially hot on the ‘vanillacore’ enthusiast’s radar, with a special focus on knit sweats.

2. Daytime shimmer

You didn’t think the disco diva revolution disappeared, did you? Instead of keeping glitz and glam looks for an evening special, runway collections (like Michael Kors) and upmarket retailers have turned their gazes to making shimmer more accessible, and doable for the daytime.

Think shimmer wrap skirts, statement tops or heels that pay homage to the mighty disco ball.

Daytime shimmer is all about creating a seamless flow for daytime looks that merge subtle and chic seamlessly.

Pro tip: Look for silhouette pieces to avoid any frumpycore mishaps.

3.Drop waists have moved back in

We all love high-waisted, well, anything. However, drop-waist finishes seem to be having their moment in the sun once again— don’t clutch your pearls just yet.

Contrary to popular belief, drop-waist cuts can actually be nifty figure extenuating pieces, especially if you have a longer torseo. Reminiscient of regancycore and cottagecore looks, the return of this style shares how fashion is reshifting it’s focus to clothes that shape or mishape fashionably—something that we’ve sorely lacked in the 2020s.

4.Cargo is still here, but with a little more effort

Cargo and fashion have had a love-hate-relationship since the late 90s. However, take away ultra-low waist lines, add some new colours and textures and you’ve got something a little more stylish.

Taking cues from 2019, oversized cargos are in the spotlight once again but the real kicker in 2023 is what they’re styled with.

It’s all about the shoes when it comes to cargo. Don’t bring flipflops into the conversations. If you’re trying to embrace your inner Instagram influencer, opt for grandad approved sneakers (like New Balance). If you’re trying to embrace your inner stylist, opt for pointed heel boots or any statement heels.

5.The Wednesday movement

After a year of dopamine dressing, it’s understandable that some of us grew tired of endless colour blocking. Then Wednesday hit Netflix and the world became obsessed with all things Wednesday Addams.

Not all of the looks inspired by the smashit were full on gothic or stoic. Instead, the preppy style in darker shades was what held people’s attention.

Black silhouette, functional pieces and darker palettes made a swift but necessary return to our wardrobes. Dark Academia aesthetics reigned supreme, with faux leather and tailored leather pieces making their way back onto the dresscode, especially in skirts and blazer styles.

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Feature Image: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty