A pretty important part of being a fashion editor is being able to predict what will be big before, well, it gets big. And how do we predict correctly? Well, it’s a lot more than just guesswork or relying on our personal taste. We spend a huge amount of time analysing the runways—my most recent efforts have been chronicled into our overarching spring/summer 2023 fashion trend report, should you fancy a read—and generally soaking up everything that’s trending in the industry at that time. Often, we’ll also seek out insights from brands, buyers and analysts to reinforce our findings. Today, I’ve done all three to bring you a comprehensive list of the very best designer buys 2023 has to offer.
Of course, cult buys and new brands can emerge at any moment, surprising even the most seasoned of editors when they do. However, I’m willing to put my reputation on the fact that below are the luxury investments devoted dressers and collectors will be looking to make this year. From the latest It bags to enter the arena to the most current clothing, with some truly unexpected (but utterly brilliant) accessories thrown in, behold the 14 best designer buys of 2023.
We might be in the midst of boot season, but mark my words, these flats are going to define spring 2023. Ballet pumps were one of the biggest shoe trends of last year, and for the one ahead, The Row’s refined pair will set the barre.
While staples such as the Classic Flap handbag and two-tone slingback shoes will always rank highly on our best-designer-buys list, there’s a new Chanel item that all our fashion editors are coveting for their 2023 wardrobes—the chunky gold heart pendant.
Thanks to TikTok, the Y2K aesthetic spread like wildfire in 2022, with anything reminiscent of the late ’90s and early ’00s still proving hot for 2023. Atop of the sartorial agenda is, Diesel which, with its revisioned D logo that now emblazons everything from belts to jumpers, has become instantly recognisable once more.
“Loewe has been going from strength to strength over the past few years, and it’s a luxury brand that genuinely gets me excited about fashion. Searches for Loewe have increased 21% on Lyst over the past three months,” says Morgane Le Caer, fashion expert and content editor at Lyst. Right now, the Loewe piece we’re seeing most regularly on social media is, without a doubt, its giant silver bow sandals.
Tube dresses made a monumental comeback last year, and they are set to be just as prevalent in 2023; you need only look to the incredible Jean Paul Gaultier Dots dress that’s currently going viral on Instagram for proof. It’s already incredibly difficult to get your hands on, but I’ve just unearthed a fresh batch via MyTheresa. Pause on it at your own peril.
“Loewe has seen a surge in popularity over the last few years, mainly thanks to hoards of influencers, editors and celebs donning the now iconic basket bag, Puzzle cross-body and, more recently, the logo-emblazoned tank top. Everything is supersizing for the new season, especially bags, so it makes sense that the brand’s latest addition to its roster of beautiful handbags—the Goya—is a classic shoulder flap bag with a jumbo puffer twist. Expect to see the style on plenty of arms as we head into spring/summer 2023,” says Poppy Nash, managing editor at Who What Wear UK.
This season, expect dresses, skirts and tops to be given the sheer treatment. Plenty of fashion insiders donned Prada’s panelled take during Fashion Month, and frankly, I’m surprised it hasn’t completely sold out yet.
Sometimes the tiniest tweaks can make the biggest difference to your style, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to La Manso’s rings. Brightly coloured and oversized, these baubles are hard to miss, and that’s precisely the point! Throw these on with even the most basic items in your wardrobe, and you’ll look on-trend in two seconds flat. That’s a Who What Wear promise.
Miu Miu is never short of must-haves. Take those ballet flats that have been firmly fixed to the feet of those in the know since July. But now it’s the brand’s bags’ turn to take to the stage and soak up that spotlight. In particular we’re talking about the fashion house’s key style for spring/summer 2023: the Wander. Featuring the brand’s signature quilting, this is on its way to being a bona fide status symbol.
“I never thought I would say this, but the moment I saw Kate Moss walk down the Bottega Veneta runway in a lumberjack flannel and loose jeans, I knew I would need to re-create the look for spring. In fact, searches for flannels have increased 22% on Lyst since the Bottega Veneta show. While there are loads of options available out there, this Étoile Isabel Marant design immediately went into my basket because of its classic colours. I can already see myself tucking it into a pair of cream jeans for a nonchalant, Parisian-inspired look,” says Le Caer.
“I’m excited to see a resurgence of chic flats. Although sneakers have been dominating searches for a while now, it’s fair to say that they aren’t appropriate for all occasions. From ballet flats to loafers and mules, my wish list is bursting with elevated but comfortable shoe options. This Saint Laurent pair is as classic as it gets and will look great paired with trending preppy looks. The overall appetite is there, too; searches for flats increased by 33% in November,” says Barbara Janeczek, curation manager at Lyst.
“When it comes to designer buys, I like to look for pieces I know will make an impact on the items I already own, and for 2023, I think a necktie with a corsage on will be everywhere. Scandi girls started investing in this trend a few months back, and I’m already beginning to see homages pop up on the high street. Me? I’d very much like to invest in the original from Magda Butrym,” says Hannah Almassi, editor in chief at Who What Wear UK.
“Visible underwear is my favourite styling trick for the upcoming seasons. And no, don’t worry; it’s got nothing to do with the dreaded Y2K ‘whale tale.’ Whether pulled over low-rise pieces or guarding your modesty under micro skirts and sheer pieces, big knickers are making the hottest trends of 2023 a lot more wearable. If you dare, take notes from the Jenner sisters’ recent Bottega Veneta and Loewe looks, and style them with just a pair of black tights. Searches for pieces within the underwear category on Lyst increased 51% in November,” says Janeczek.
“A 2023 update to the ever-popular Prada handbag that I’ve already seen on the arms of the best dressed people I know. I usually like to keep my handbags on the classic side, but the clean lines of this angular silhouette are too good to ignore,” says Emily Dawes, affiliate editor at Who What Wear UK.
