10 Winter 2023/2024 Fashion Trends You'll Want To Know
As we wave goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024, there are plenty of fashion trends we'll be seeing a lot more of. It seems like the months ahead will be all about quality clothing you can actually wear, rather than some of the more impractical trends we've seen in months gone by. "From sharp tailoring to capsule wardrobe must-haves and '90s minimalism, the winter 2023 shows marked the return of 'wearable' clothes and confirmed quiet luxury as one of the biggest trends of the year," fashion expert and content editor at Lyst, Morgane Le Caer, told Who What Wear UK.
So, what should you add to your wardrobe to be on trend as the winter months roll around once again? From oversized clutch bags (yep, they're back), to bows, to light butter yellow ensembles, these are the fashion trends you need on your radar as we head into the New Year and beyond.
Clutch bags are making a comeback
Love a clutch bag? Then you're in luck, because the teenie handheld bag will be a big trend for winter 2023/2024. "We all know that clutch bags aren't practical, but there's clearly enough of that in fashion circles right now — some things just need to be chic and a little bit fabulous," Hannah Almassi, editor-in-chief at Who What Wear UK, said. The way to put a modern update on the bag we've seen come and go before? Almassi recommended going bigger and adding a little texture to your bag. "In short, a good clutch will add extra polish to smart, tailored ensembles, which this season has in abundance," she shared.
Red dresses will also be a staple
The red dress has long been a symbol of sultry, sexy confidence, and it's going to be strutting its way into 2024. Red dresses made appearances on a few fall/winter 2023/2024 runways. So much so that, according to Tagwalk, there was a 33% uptake in red clothes on the runway when compared to Autumn/Winter 2022 shows. Just some of the big-name designers who showed off stunning red gowns on the runway? Alexander McQueen, Valentino, and Fendi. As for the way to wear it to be on trend for the season, that's totally up to you. But if you need a little inspiration, Alexander McQueen presented a leather version of the red dress during its fall/winter 2023/2024 show, while Michael Kors gave us a full-on maroon sequin number.
Gathered clothing has also been all over the runways
To be on-trend for winter, you may also want to get your hands on garments with gathered fabric. The likes of Altuzarra, Jason Wu, and Ferragamo all sent outfits with gathered material down the runway when showing off designs for the season, as well as looks that included ruching and draped sections. A fashionable and flattering way to wear the trend as we head into 2024 is to sport it via a midi skirt to keep you that little bit warmer.
And bows will be popular in the colder months
Another big trend you can expect to see more of? Bows! Yep, the traditionally feminine addition to your clothing and accessories will be around a lot for winter 2023/2024. "If there's one clear message I took away from the recent fashion trends and shows, it's that bows are back," Poppy Nash, Who What Wear UK's managing editor, said. The best part of this trend though is that it's so versatile. You could wear a bow on your outfit, like a dress or a sweater, or even strut with a cute bow on your shoes or bag.
Tailored pants are in, too
Fendi and Tori Burch are just two of the big fashion houses that showed off tailored pants in their winter 2023/2024 winter runway shows. Fendi put gray pants on the map, while Tori Burch went the tan and khaki route. These are a more dressed-up alternative to jeans (including the black jeans we've seen a lot of in the colder months over the past few years) and are seemingly the next step in the return of cargo pants. The great thing about tailored pants though is they can still be dressed up or down depending on what you pair them with.
And so are white button down shirts
Another classic wardrobe staple making its way back for the winter? White button-down shirts. This staple (which, fortunately, so many of us already have in our wardrobes), was seen on the runway during shows from the likes of Prada, Christian Dior, Sacai, and Proenza Schouler. The shirt was styled in a number of different ways during the shows (and we already know a white shirt can be a versatile addition to your wardrobe), though we particularly loved the way Proenza Schouler styled it with a skirt and blazer.
Leather coats (or faux leather) will be all over the place
Leather, or at least leather-look coats are another garment you can expect to see plenty of for winter 2023/2024. Perfect for those braving the winter in colder climates. Long, leather-looking coats like this one have been spotted on the runways of Alexander McQueen and Bally, with black in particular being a hot shade. But that doesn't mean you can't go a little bolder with the color if you're ready to make a statement, while you can also experiment with more matte and shiny finishes.
Butter yellow will be a hot color for the cold season
We saw butter yellow make a big splash in fall 2023, but it looks like it'll be getting even bigger for the winter. Remy Farrell, shopping editor at Who What Wear UK, dished on this trend, explaining the super light yellow shade is expected to be everywhere as 2023 comes to a close and we welcome 2024. "Every season, we get a color trend so divisive it's the equivalent of sartorial Marmite, and if you weren't on board with last year's Barbiecore, you might want to look away now. Yellow is having a moment, and it's as sugary sweet as it comes," Farrell said. Want to know how to wear the shade? Then look no further than Women.com's butter yellow outfit round-up.
While bright tights will be brightening up the bleak months
Staying with the colorful theme, bright tights have been spotted all over the fashion runways for winter 2023/2024. If you're looking to have some fun with color, this is the trend for you. And Gucci, Miu Miu, and Versace are all clearly on board, as they're just a few of the fashion houses who sent models down the runway in colorful tights. One of the most popular ways to wear this trend is with an outfit in the same color for a bright monochrome look or with another bold shade for a super dramatic contrast.
And don't forget about Beyoncé silver!
If you were lucky enough to get tickets to Beyoncé's "Renaissance Tour," you'll know exactly why silver fashion is trending. There's a reason the brand Sequin Fans told TMZ it had seen a whopping 200% increase in sales of silver clothing (plus a 400% increase in overall traffic). Thanks to the superstar's huge stage show (and the resurgence of 90s fashion), silver ensembles have been all over the place in 2023 — and the trend isn't predicted to fade away before 2024 gets here. The way to wear it for winter? Try silver cargo pants or a shiny silver coat to keep you cozy. If you don't want to make such a statement though, try a silver clutch bag for two trends in one fashion look.