Trends & Takeaways from NY Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2023

Like clockwork, fashion month has descended. From February 10 to 15, the fashion industry turned its eyes to the Big Apple for New York Fashion Week AW23. As we eagerly anticipate the start of spring, New York designers look even further ahead to the Fall and Winter 2023 season. 

Recently, the love-it-or-hate-it naughts style has dominated key fashion trends. We've seen everything—from the return of low-rise pants, Uggs, and Juicy Couture sweatsuits, Gen Z have certainly claimed the resurgence of the controversial trend.

But what's next? Observing the scene outside New York Fashion Week venues often gives us a sneak pick into the top trends before they even arrive on the runway. That said: NY Fashion Week has introduced a slew of key trends set to strut into our lives. It's time to start taking notes.

Seeing Red 

The colour experts at Pantone predicted a spicy lineup for the AW season—and the red-orange colour palette is perfect for those peacocking for the paparazzi! Red will undeniably be the colour of the season, as seen on runways including Christian Siriano, Proenza Schouler, Sandy Liang, Theory—the list goes on. 

Gen Z Yellow 

Easily the second most-spotted hue on the New York runway, yellow was seen at Gabriela Hearst and Sergio Hudson, to name a few. Don't be mistaken—there was no mellow yellow in sight. Instead, high-visibility Gen Z yellow served as everyone's shade of choice.

But don't worry, Pantone's Fall 2023 report has some more subdued shades for the colour-averse, including five New York Fashion Week "new classics" of creamy ivory, chic brown, a deep greyish blue, rich chocolate and metallic grey.

Put a Bow on it

With spring usually synonymous with more feminine styles, designers gravitated to major femme accents for the AW season. Rodarte and Khaite cinched necks with black bows, whilst Melke showed a statement-making sheer blue top drenched with black and blue bow adornments.

No pants, No problem

Kendall Jenner recently made waves for strutting around in public wearing sheer Calzedonia tights without pants—as it turns out, she was indeed onto something. Confirming the oops-I-forgot-something trend is going nowhere, Bottega Veneta, Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung and Dion Lee opted out of bottoms and styled models in tops and tights.

Statement Knits

Given temperatures were too warm for statement coats—knitwear took centre stage. Rodarte showcased gothic glamour with a collection of primarily black dresses, but their web-like knitted gowns captured the brand's true essence. Whilst exquisite knitwear in floor-length silhouettes flawlessly exhibited the quiet luxury of Khaite.

Maxi Moments

Maxi skirts and even floor-skimming dresses are easily usurping the micro mini and are sure to be spotted all about town. Sandy Liang, Saks Potts and Proenza Schouler all favoured the maxi hemline. 

Mary Jane's Must-haves

New York saw a steady stream of perfect ballet flats. Whether you prefer a pointy toe, almond toe, or round toe—Mary Jane's have proved to be a key trend. Whilst fashion does love a stiletto, sometimes you have to be practical, and attendees tip-toeing it atop six inches will indeed cause delays en route to the next show. 

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