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Back-to-school inspiration: autumn/winter 2023 fashion trends

By Eleonore Dresch on 4/9/2023

As summer draws close, we bid farewell to the carefree days of beach tans and light nonchalance to gently welcome September with its warm tea breaks, cashmere jumpers and shearling Birkenstocks.
As we start to unearth our autumn wardrobe from the back of our cupboards, it's good to rely on last year's staples: a quality blazer paired with tailored trousers, ultra-wide denim, and some good retro trainers. As for ‘quiet luxury,’ it is still a popular trend; just don’t utter the name!
But this season, colours and shapes may differ from what we had anticipated. Did you love the Barbie movie? Forget about pink; this autumn is about 70s shades and wearable black. Were you finally getting ready to embrace Y2K style? It's best to pedal back to the 90s and get your working girls' attire.
So, in preparation for the new season and with no further ado, here are 12 trends inspired by Milan, NYC, London, and Paris fashion weeks that you should know about.

My name is red

Red is this season's must-have colour for any minimalist wardrobe: a perfect shade to highlight pared-back outfits without stealing the show.

If in doubt, check The Row or Hermès, demonstrating the understated power and elegance of a head-to-toe red ensemble.

Alternatively, a touch of red – a dark red handbag or leather skirt, a pair of bright cherry boots, or a chunky vermillion cashmere sweater – brings the perfect zing to a muted attire.

Photos: AW23 Burberry, The Row, Hermès

Cardi revisited

Cardigans have been trying to make a comeback for quite a while, but we were not entirely convinced.

This season, they are the staple you need to add to your wardrobe. Silky, skinny and ribbed à la Prada, in true English grandma-core style à la Miu Miu (provided you wear them with sheer trousers!), or long and enveloping à la Loewe: they work wonders with the low-rise denim trend, which is returning this year.

Photos: AW23: Prada, Miu Miu, Loewe

90s pencil silhouettes

High-rise, cargo (our current favourite) or fluid: pencil skirts elongate 2023 silhouettes. They are ultra feminine and flattering, styled with comfy cashmere jumpers, tiny bomber jackets or parkas.

And they give ample opportunity to showcase your new knee-high pointy boots and kitten stilettos.

Photos: AW23 Prada, Fendi, Eudon Choi

Working-girl energy

Aspiring boardroom lifestyle is overtaking our hybrid working life. During Paris Fashion Week, all eyes were on Saint Laurent's nostalgia for sharp suiting, power shoulders and pencil skirts for a full-on 'working girl' energy – the 1988 movie starring Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver was the inspiration behind Anthony Vaccarello's collection.

But should you wish to tone down the '80s influence, take inspiration from Ami's Charlotte Rampling oversized navy suit or Eudon Choi's fluid double-breasted blazer.

Photos: AW23 Ami, Eudon Choi, Victoria Beckham

Slim belts with everything

Beyond boardroom aesthetic, classic 90s reign supreme, with voluminous silhouettes clinched at the waist by simple, slim belts: the fastest way to give some of your oversized coats or blazers a new life.

Photos: AW23 Emporio Armani, Hermès, Max Mara

Buttery is the new quiet

A soft transition from quiet luxury, butter-yellow overtakes the muted aesthetic that filled last winter's timeline.

The delicate shade fits our transitional mood and will lighten up our grey autumn mornings.

Photos: AW23 Givenchy, Prada, Loewe

The biggest wrap

Ultimate cosiness ahead!

Gigantic scarves, chunky jumpers and blanket capes layered above our coats, jackets, and trousers to comfort us in those uncertain times to come.

Photos: AW23 Altuzzara, Coperni, YSL

Off-the-shoulder ensemble

The contrast between a knitted ensemble and a bit of flesh brings a glimpse of structure and sexiness to the autumn season. A great welcome!

Photos: AW23 Alberta Ferretti, Altuzzara

Knitted minidresses

Knitted dresses are everywhere this autumn.

More specifically, knitted minidresses have been spotted on the Milan catwalks, worn with stompy boots and dramatic tights.

Photos: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Valentino

XXL shopper bags

The more is more bag trend is confidently settling in.

Jonathan Anderson at Loewe and Demna at Balenciaga have been championing the maxi tote for some time.

This year, aggrandised bags are everywhere – from Alberta Ferretti's red number to Matthieu Blazy's intrecciato – and worn on the shoulder or under the arm.

Photos: Alberta Ferretti, Eudon Choi, Loewe

Always denim

Denim remains a versatile wardrobe essential for this autumn season.

From seemingly plain baggy jeans championed by Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Y Project to dramatic maxiskirts at Victoria Beckham and double-denim ensembles at Balenciaga, denim is a key statement piece in your wardrobe this autumn.

Photos: AW23 Victoria Beckham, Balenciaga, Y Project