Edited by Ciaran Howley
Image courtesy of Prémium Paris
Trends: they remain absolutely central to the world of fashion, even in spite of recent welcome shifts towards slower fashion and sustainable spending.
Although endless ‘-core’ aesthetics and microtrends seen on the likes of TikTok have played a concerning role in fuelling the damaging cycles of fast fashion, the last year has seen the birth of a number of trends that defy this.
What these trends offer is real longevity and the promotion of solid investments and timeless staples, as opposed to excessive consumption
So, what exactly were these standout trends which encapsulated 2022’s fashion, and what ones can we expect to see in 2023?
2022’s standout trends
1) The continuing reign of Y2K
Noughties fashion has proven itself to be far more than a mere microtrend over the past couple of years. Looks inspired by ‘00s fashion - think low-waists, micro mini skirts, cut-outs, cargo pants, velour, baguette bags - continued to dominate in 2022 after taking social media and the fashion world by storm in 2021, and have solidified their place as a Gen Z favourite.
Fashion it-girls like Bella Hadid frequently sported Y2K-influenced street style throughout the year, fuelling its popularity and allowing it to continue strongly into 2023.
The continuing popularity of Y2K fashion has also brought the resurgence of a number of brands and designers. These include Ed Hardy, Juicy Couture, and perhaps most notably Diesel, who experienced a surge in popularity in 2022 thanks to its 00’s inspired mini shoulder bag which became last summer’s IT bag on social media.
2) The low-rise waist
One of the most significant trends occurring over recent years has been the shift from high-waist to low-waist, something which is only set to continue in 2023.
We can at least partially thank the widespread obsession with Y2K fashion for this, as the incredibly popular aesthetic launched the likes of low-waisted jeans and track pants into the mainstream.
But whilst low-rise still remained far less popular than our long-trusted high-waist throughout 2021, it saw itself fully come into the mainstream in 2022. Low-waisted styles are no longer limited to bold, out-there Y2K looks – the new low-waist involves flattering low-slung tailored trousers, fitted denim, and mini and maxi skirts, all of which became fashion staples in 2022.
3) The corset
Every Gen Z-er knows that Urban Outfitters corset all too well. Paired with any length of skirt, any style of jean, or any colour of cargo or parachute pant, the versatile corset became a firm favourite – and a going-out staple - in 2022 for an entire generation.
Although some cite the popular Bridgerton for the resurgence of the style, 2022’s corset was nothing like the ones of a long-gone past. The corset is now fully about style and not at all about restriction, and has been made in just about every style imaginable: bright colours, leather, metallic, lacy, and satin, to name a few.
Given the flattering nature of the corset’s silhouette and its undeniable versatility as a wardrobe staple, it is another 2022 trend which is very likely here to stay.
4) The chunky loafer
There were a number of shoes which had standout moments in 2022 – the Nike Dunk and New Balance 550 were the sneakers of the year, UGGs and Crocs had huge resurgences in popularity and became ‘cool’ again, and platform Versace-inspired heels became the most sought-after going out shoe. This makes it difficult to pick one shoe trend, but the most consistently popular has to be the loafer.
When Emma Chamberlain shared her outfit formula of a long skirt, basic tank top, and a pair of loafers last summer, the already popular shoe totally blew up on TikTok and beyond. Yet despite the speed with which the loafer trend gained traction, it is a piece which can definitely be seen as an investment piece: a timeless staple can go with just about anything, with a chunkier sole adding a modern twist.
Whether one’s loafer of choice is one of Prada or Gucci’s high-end classics or a bargain vintage or high street find, the look it creates is classic, extremely versatile, and utterly timeless.
5) Fuchsia pink
Valentino’s autumn/winter 2022 runway catapulted the colour of bright, bold fuschia pink into the fashion spotlight, and the shade quickly became the undeniable colour of 2022.
Whether it took the form of heels or a bag providing a pop of colour, or a full-on monochrome outfit, pink became the star of the colour wheel this year and found its way into runways and high-street stores alike.
Although cobalt blue has already been predicted to become the colour of 2023, pink’s moment is very likely not over – particularly in light of the hotly anticipated release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie starring Margot Robbie this summer.
Trends in 2023
Looking forward, trend cycles will of course keep spinning, and 2023 is set to bring us a new host of fresh fashion moments. Reflection upon the trends cropping up at last year’s fashion weeks in Paris, London, Milan, and New York, as well as a good look at social media patterns, gives a solid indication of what is to come.
1) Grunge 2.0
Trends based in nostalgia continue to reign supremely popular in the fashion world, particularly amongst Gen Z. 2022 saw the continuation of the insane popularity of Y2K-inspired fashion, a consistent love for 90s style, and, most recently, the revival of indie sleaze and the rise of the ‘rockstar girlfriend’ aesthetic.
Evoking many elements of indie sleaze – including lots of leather, denim, and intentional messiness - grunge is set to be the nostalgic style of 2023.
2023’s spring/summer runways saw grunge influences run rampant: lots of leather, tartan and plaid, distressed knits, statement boots, and slip dresses, to name but a few. However, all were done with a more polished, elevated approach which adds a freshness to yet another nostalgia-inspired trend.
2) Elevated casual
Google’s Year in Search report revealed that jeans and oversized shirts were the most searched pieces of 2022, and with the continuing shift towards investment in long-term staple pieces as a rejection of rapid fast fashion-based consumption, it seems that elevated casual wear is here to stay.
Think Kate Moss’ jeans and plaid shirt combo on Bottega’s spring/summer 2023 runway, or Hailey Beiber’s street style looks featuring jeans and casual trousers paired with tank tops, blazers, and simple leather jackets, which have dominated Pinterest boards all year.
The elevated casual trend will see the continued popularity of staple investment pieces, including high-quality denim, versatile t-shirts, simple shoes, and classic outerwear. This thus renders it less of a trend and more of a sustainable style movement.
3) Cargo everything
2022 may certainly have seemed like the year of the cargo – cargo trousers were and remain quite literally everywhere, in just about every form imaginable – but this trend is not set to slow down in 2023.
Recent runways saw functional, multi-pocket pieces everywhere from Fendi to Chanel, and high-street stores like H&M and Zara continue to offer shoppers endless cargo-style pieces including jeans, trousers, skirts, shirts, and even coats.
For now, cargo is firmly here to stay. Its popularity is likely to extend beyond the simple cargo pant this year, as we see cargo jeans, skirts, and dresses come more into the mainstream.
4) ‘Ballet core’
It’s no secret that Maison Margiela’s Tabi shoes and Miu Miu’s ballet flats were everywhere last year, and more affordable versions are sure to appear in the mainstream in 2023.
Feminine, elegant, delicate clothing and accessories - think ballet flats, leg warmers, tulle pieces, bodysuits and unitards, leggings, and tights - have been spotted all over 2022’s runways and, consequently, social media.
Indeed, ‘ballet core’ has already become an established aesthetic across TikTok and Pinterest, alongside similar ‘aesthetics’ such as the hyper-feminine ‘coquette’ trend. It is thus set to only grow in popularity as the year continues, and elements of it continue to seep into mainstream fashion.
5) Versatile sheer
Although sheer fabrics have been consistently on-trend for some time now, the spring/summer 2023 runways showed that this is another trend that is firmly here to stay.
Prada, Valentino, and Bottega were just some of the brands presenting sheer on the runways, whether it was in the form of dramatic overlays, risqué dresses, or unconventional two-pieces.
The sheer look is one which can seamlessly blend into off-runway wear – mesh tops and dresses are consistently trendy nights out pieces – and offers a means of adding sultry femininity or a unique edge to any look.
2023 is thus set to bring a host of exciting trends and fresh takes on existing styles. In doing so, it will hopefully continue the shift towards an increasingly sustainable trend cycle featuring a greater number of timeless styles and investment pieces.
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