Whether or not you’re dreading the end of summer, there’s no doubt about it: the next season is coming fast—and with it, new trends to outfit your wardrobes. Our team has been closely tracking the best fall 2023 trends since they first debuted on the runways, and since then, we’ve been eagerly waiting for temperatures to drop. And it’s almost that time of the year again.
If you’re in the market to invest in a new set of closet staples (like high-quality suiting and everyday basics) or simply just want to try something new, we’ve ID’ed the best trends to wear come fall. Check them out, bookmark them; these are the ones you need to know. Keep scrolling to see—and shop—them now.
Classic Tailoring
Without a doubt in the world, designers have returned to the tried-and-true staples of classic tailoring—and it comes as a breath of fresh air. From Brandon Maxwell’s shorts suits to the pared-down blazers at Proenza Schouler, designers are adding a little more structure to our lives this fall. Amid all the noise of micro-trends, this might be just what the doctor ordered.
Reformation Cienna Vest
Vince Casual Wide Leg Pants
Red All Over
Every season, there’s a color that takes the industry by storm. This go-around, it’s safe to say red will be a big one for fall and winter. While some designers added a quick flash of the fiery shade to looks, others, like Sandy Liang, PatBo, Silvia Tcherrasi, and Alejandro Alonso Rojas, swathed their models in red. Suffice to say, you’ll be seeing this color more and more.
The Drop Maya Silky Slip Skirt
Ferragamo Geometric Mini Bag
Dark Romance
You may already be familiar with the viral TikTok trend of dark academia, but now the fashion world is exploring its romantic side. Rodarte returned to NYFW doing what it does best: dreamy, ethereal looks—only this time, it took a darker turn, calling to mind its costumes for Black Swan. The American brand wasn’t the only one to take on the theme, though—Adeam and Sandy Liang, among others, also touched on it with rosettes, Victorian-inspired details, lace, and more.
SIR. Selita Maxi Skirt
Leather Sets
Everyone knows that the early drop in temperature calls for a classic leather jacket. But when you’re looking to take the leather look up a notch, why not consider a coordinated set à la Brandon Maxwell or Coach? Leather blazers and matching maxi skirts were a recurring theme on the runways, and no one is upset about it. Think of this as the sophisticated big sister to your favorite biker jacket.
CULTNAKED Killa Bandeau
CULTNAKED Killa Trousers
Frankie Shop Olympia Faux Leather Blazer
No Pants, No Problem
Pants? I don’t know them—and apparently, neither will you this fall. Bottega Veneta, by way of Kendall Jenner, may have sparked the trend for spring, but rest assured: fall and winter 2023 will be all about showing off your legs—every inch of them. The trend popped up at Miu Miu, Theory, Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung, Sergio Hudson, and LaQuan Smith. If that range of designers tells you anything, it’s that this trend is for everyone.
Collina Strada Vitelli Plaid Tap Shorts
Alo Yoga Airlift Record-Breaker Boyshort
A Sheer Thing
At Heron Preston, Coach, Proenza, and others, sheer paneling—whether it be in the form of classic mesh or romantic lace—marched down the runways. You’ll find it in slip dresses, on blouses, and so much more. Be prepared: This trend may be more appropriate for your transitional weather looks than those dead-on winter ones.
Maison Essentiele ’90s It Girl Maxi
Intimately Under It All Bodysuit
Miaou Purple Fig Miniskirt
Free the Nipple (Almost)
Last season, we saw an emphasis on derrières. But this time around, designers are bringing the focus forward. Whether it’s an avant-garde bra featuring fried eggs à la Puppets and Puppets or artful appliqués—like those at Gucci, Christian Siriano, and Bronx and Banco—be prepared to see some unique coverings. Sure, it may not be the most accessible trend out there, but it does bring a new sense of focus to the female form—and an easy way to pull this trend off is with a decorative bra.
Savage x Fenty Free Spirit Floral Embroidery Unlined Balconette Bra
Fleur du Mal Rose Cup Bustier
Circle Back
Yes, there were miniskirts, but this season there were also circle skirts. The 1950s-era style made an appearance on the runways for Prada, Armani, and Dior, and in ways that felt fresh for 2023. Prepare to see this feminine piece everywhere come fall, whether it’s paired with chic over-the-knee boots (one of the major fall 2023 shoe trends our team saw this season) or with easy kitten heels. You can’t go wrong here.
Alexander McQueen High-Waisted Full Skirt
Staud Sea Skirt
Sachin & Babi Ava A-Line Maxi Skirt
Butter Up
Another major color trend we saw on the runways? Butter yellow. Blame it on the “stick of butter” chatter that made social media waves a few seasons back, or the simple need to have something with a little more pop than a neutral. Either way, this creamy hue—which was included in the collections for Givenchy, Chloé, and Aeron—is a welcome contrast to our go-to tones.
Madewell Resort Linen Crop Shirt
Aritzia Cozy Fleece Perfect Sweatpant
Cool and Cozy
I’m always happy to see stylish outerwear on the runways, and this upcoming season is no exception. As someone who will see through any winter with a trusty shearling piece, I can attest that this trend is one to have and hold along with your best wool coats and puffers. Designers like Chloé, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Isabel Marant put their own spins on the classic cold-weather staple, only reinforcing that this ultra-warm coat is a definitive classic.
Overland Galina Hooded Sheepskin Coat with Tigrado Trim
Toteme Signature Shearling Jacket
MOTHER Faux Leather Pilot Jacket with Faux Fur Lining
Back to Basics
It’s official: after months and months of come-and-go trends, wardrobe basics, and uniform dressing are officially back. Gucci’s runway felt unexpected when models walked in classic button-down shirts, oversized blazers, and wide-leg jeans. But the label wasn’t the only one to showcase beautiful staples. We saw them at The Row, Prada, Dior, and Bottega Veneta. Just looking at that list alone should tell you that the fashion industry is veering towards the ordinary, also known as nouveau normcore.
Still Here Walker Straight Mid-Rise Jeans
Asket The Shirt
Dal the Label Signature Linen Double-Breasted Blazer
Tooty Fruity
Feeling fruity this fall? I thought you might be. In the past, juicy themes like fruit were seemingly reserved for summer (and, I will say, the summer fruit fashion trend is still alive and well), but no more! According to brands like Area, Jil Sander, and Puppets and Puppets, the fruit basket is full for the cold-weather season, so why not take a bite into this trend while you can?
Storrow Grover + Strawberry 14-karat Gold, Rhodochrosite and Emerald necklace
Farm Rio Fruit Forest Open-Back Floral-Print Linen-Blend Maxi Dress
Duvet Coats
Now this is a fall trend I can definitely get behind. Fluffy, puffy, and long quilted coats were featured in the collections of Schiaparelli, FFORME, Lauren Manoogian, and Prada, making a strong case to swap out your go-to puffer jacket for something more sophisticated. (I recommend wearing this trend ASAP while the temperatures are on the lower side!)
Offhours Homecoat
Pretty Peplums
As I live and breathe, peplum tops are back—and are seriously good. At Tory Burch, Jil Sander, Brandon Maxwell, Dior, and Tove, the silhouette made an unexpected return. Before you knock the early aughts trend’s triumphant comeback, know that it can look undeniably chic—especially when styled with coordinating skirts or shorts, as seen on the runways.
WAYF Tie Front Peplum Top
Brandon Maxwell Daria Wool-Blend Peplum Top
Ganni Striped Bow-Trimmed Peplum Denim Blouse
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.
