Trend Report: NYFW Fall 2023

Flooding the streets of Manhattan in the past week, celebrities, designers, and their models returned for one of fashion’s most notable events: NYFW, to uncover the fall collections for the upcoming season. The trends, in summary, were optimistic, dramatic, and larger than life as many designers and A-list celebrities gathered, and the stakes were set high, filled with stages set in historic buildings throughout the city transformed into gorgeous backdrops for each runway event.

Pantone Colors

The key colors for the fall season are familiar ones. Notable colors included orange-red, bright yellow, and vivid green, all colors predicted by Pantone. These colors seemed almost nostalgic and mimicked characters from nostalgic children’s shows like Sesame Street. These colors appeared in fur coats, balloon-style dresses matched with corresponding puffers, and sequined ensembles.

Workwear for the Wild

The come up of workwear in fashion has steadily gained traction in recent years. Workwear, once just for business, is now much more versatile. Suiting continues to work its way into common wardrobes. Trousers for a night out or a blazer for a brunch with friends are easy to style, and designers took this runway season to play with fabrics and media, expanding the scope far beyond the workplace and special events.

Basics Reinvented

It’s hard to deny the chokehold that 90s nostalgia has on society, and fashion is firmly within its span. The affinity for recreating outfits and trends from the 90s continued on the runway as designers embraced pieces from the decade with modern touches. Designers like Tory Burch displayed looks with denim frayed midi skirts and relaxed sweaters in combinations with materials with a wide scope from glossy to matte, techy to sumptuous, and so on.

Hardware on Display

Fashion is always about the details, and the details worth noticing for fall 2023 fashion include hardware like exposed zippers, studs, and utilitarian style accessories complete with hardware. While some designers took a more punk rock approach, others incorporated zippers more softly, like Maria McManus, who added hardware to knits like a midi skirt with a zipper found centerstage down the middle.

Leather Up

With an obsession for moto-style and punk-inspired looks, it’s no surprise that leather looks continued to pop up on the runway given the place it holds in fashion. Leather appeared as often as denim, from accessories to trousers, coats, and beyond.

It’s all about the classics for fall, with a little bit of spice. New York is the first stop for fall trends, and I’m excited to see what’s next. I expect to see more suiting, bright colors, and tailored basics in the weeks to come.