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Minus some certain robotic dogs (hello, Coperni), the autumn/winter 2023 catwalks were largely free from algorithm-grabbing tricks, and more focused on timeless, classic clothing, appropriate for everyday life, and not merely the merits of Instagram. From the power-shouldered blazer to the black court shoe, here we present seven new season essentials that will also last a lifetime and be forever purchases. You might just have them in your wardrobe already.
The black court shoe
Read more: Fall 2023 Fashion Trends To Know
For autumn/winter 2023 the black court shoe – the calling card of Kate Middleton and smart city workers – has taken on a new allure. Superfluous sparkle has been replaced with a more pared-back take on glamour, courtesy of a plethora of brands, from Saint Laurent to Christopher Kane, Balmain to Louis Vuitton. Our one styling rule? “Don’t wear them with anything prim, like shift dresses,” says British Vogue contributing editor, Ellie Pithers.
The grey coat
Bow down to boardroom grey! The Wall Street shade reigned supreme on the autumn/winter 2023 catwalks, where the tailored coat in charcoal, taupe, slate or pewter became the only outerwear piece of the season. A longtime wardrobe basic doesn’t have to be banal, just ask Prada, Bottega Veneta, Michael Kors, Emporio Armani and Gucci. Wear to work, at the weekend and even buttoned over a ballgown.
The bumper handbag
The micro bag is dead, long live the XL tote! Yes, the trend for impossibly practical pochettes is finally waning in favour of handbags that can hold everything. Just look to 16Arlington’s giant take on its signature Kikka bag, Ferragamo’s generous interpretation of a slouchy shoulder bag, and the Mary Poppins-proportioned Kalimero bucket bag at Bottega Veneta. A day bag that caters to your laptop and your yoga gear too.
A more relaxed take on cigarette pants
After what feels like a lifetime of baggy trousers, cigarette pants are back on the agenda. Get to know one of this season’s most popular silhouettes, which nips in at the waist (high) and the ankle, with a tapered trouser that skims the leg. Slipping into a slim-fit trouser may seem a daunting prospect at first, but Prada and Ferragamo bring the fusty workwear item right up to date. Style with a boxy shirt for maximum elegance.
The power blazer
The ’80s blazer is the tailoring staple du jour for autumn/winter 2023 – the general vibe is the bigger, the bolder, the better. From Alexander McQueen’s pristine angular suits to Saint Laurent’s pinstripe separates, this trend is for both maximalists and minimalists alike, depending on how you choose to style it.
The white shirt dress
White shirt dresses act as the perfect base for any outfit – a foundation that can be styled in lots of interesting ways, as seen at Fendi, Loewe and Valentino. The key to this look is to ensure your shirt is steam or pressed to look polished.
The luxe loafers
Models put their best feet forward on the runways, wearing polished loafers with stacked platform soles. At Tod’s, chunky styles came with braided accents, while Gucci debuted suede versions adorned with the brand’s trademark horsebit hardware. Take your pick.
The skinny black tie
What’s that you spied peeping beneath the collars of shirting – and even dresses – at the autumn/winter 2023 shows? Chest-snaking skinny black ties, as posited by Alexander McQueen and David Koma. Whether tucked away neatly under a blazer or tracing plackets, simple black ties were a surprise addition to many of the smartest looks this season.
The punkish kilt
Chopova Lowena called it. The London brand’s cult carabiner clip kilt – beloved by Dua Lipa and Chloe Sevigny – signalled the return of the plaid classic, which with thick tights, will take you seamlessly from summer to autumn. Look to Vivienne Westwood, Anna Sui and Akris for a trio of tartan inspirations, whether you’re more inclined to rebellious punk parameters of the aesthetics of a highland fling