In the world of fashion, the term “dated” is thrown around pretty haphazardly and doesn’t hold quite the same impact as it does in other aspects of our lives. Out with, it’s considered pretty negative and is often used to sum up tired traditions and points of view. However, in fashion, it’s more of a quiet observation. Trends go in and out of style at such a rapid rate you could argue that everything, even things considered to be wardrobe staples, goes through a phase where it feels a little “dated” in comparison.
Looking at my own clothing collection, many of my most-cherished pieces might be considered “dated” right now, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop wearing them; to be honest, who could or would want to sustain keeping up with what’s trending? You would have no sartorial identity of your own; you’d merely be mirroring what the runway and social media are telling you is “in.” In my 12 years writing about fashion, I’ve come to realise that the best dressed people are the ones open to embracing new aesthetics that serve them but don’t turn their back on the looks and items they really love either. Like almost all things, it’s about the balance.
This is why I do think it’s useful for us to talk about the trends, although they may have excited us last year, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend investing in, going by the way 2023 has shaped up. This, of course, is completely subjective, which is why I’ve asked some of my knowledgeable colleagues to tell me which trends they personally feel are “dated” right now and which they think feel fresh in comparison. I’ll be transparent: Many of us couldn’t agree with one another, so if you don’t agree with the below, that’s okay by us! It’s serves as further proof of how subjective these trends can be.
Scroll on to discover the trends our editors are passing on this season, countered with the trends they’re looking forward to wearing. I might be biased, but I think it makes for an interesting read.
“No matter how hard TikTok may try to convince me that a Y2K revival is the trend we need we right now, I am old enough to have lived through it the first time, and it’s not something I’m keen to repeat. The low-slung jeans, glitter, pencil thin eyebrows and butterfly motifs had their time and place, but if my current wardrobe is any reflection, I’ll still be wearing ’90s minimalism for the rest of 2023. The long lines, refined colour palette and back-to-basics approach always looks impossibly chic, and it ages far better than a chainmail halter top. Give me Calvin Klein slip dresses, Helmut Lang tanks and Gwyneth Paltrow–esque column skirts any of the week.” — Remy Farrell, shopping editor
The print feels very of the time.
The perfect ’90s minimalist silhouette.
The next handbag on my wish list.
Jersey skirts complete the aesthetic.
“Okay, so the Miu Miu miniskirt really was the main character last year, but I think we’re all ready to move on to something, erm, more elevated? And perhaps a little warmer? 2023, please welcome the maxi skirt. Just as fashion-forward as her little sister and long enough to wear with a belt (shock!), she’s drenched deeply in noughties nostalgia, which is a trend that’s definitely here to stay. So whether you’re doing it in denim, leather or whatever, just make it longer than your knees, please.” — Rebecca Rhys-Evans, branded content editor
Such a cool set.
Try pairing this with tan leather accessories and a white linen shirt.
The perfect throw-on.
This skirt keeps cropping up on my Instagram feed.
“For much of the past decade, it seems as though gold jewellery has dominated our fingertips, adorned our necklines and dangled from our ears. Whether it be hardware on accessories or the precious metals in fine jewellery, gold has been everywhere. And while it will forever remain a classic (especially in my jewellery box), I predict that we’ll see the pendulum swing back to silver jewellery in 2023. WGSN predicts we’ll see ‘space junk silver’ everywhere this year, and it feels like a refreshing antidote to the saturation of gold jewellery we’ve been seeing in the past couple of years. What’s more, silver is generally budget-friendlier than gold, and perhaps that’s a reflection of our societal circumstances at the moment.” — Eleanor Vousden, beauty editor
Black cord necklaces feel so current.
These also come in a gold hue.
A sleek addition to any jewellery collection.
Just add a fresh mani.
“You may or may not remember the squiggle-print trend that we saw pop up in S/S collections from both big name designers and high-street giants just a few seasons ago? You know, the playful, slightly bohemian pattern that graced everything from floaty midi dresses to artwork and denim to tops. Well, 2023 is the year I wave goodbye to wiggles and try something new. This year, I’m loving the resurgence of polka dots and plan to dip my toe into the trend by adding some neutral heroes adorned with spots into my spring/summer wardrobe. Think pretty summer dresses and romantic blouses, both worn with raffia accessories and classic sandals. Now all I need is the right weather…” — Poppy Nash, managing editor
Just add your favourite pair of jeans.
I’m into this entire outfit.
Taking a leaf out of my colleague’s book with this skirt.
Asymmetric necklines are very much a thing right now.
“Don’t get me wrong; a high heel will always be chic. Nothing really beats its versatility, especially for more formal events paired with a pretty dress. But for 2023, I’m giving my high heels a well-deserved break, and instead, I’ll be investing in a polished pointed-toe, low- and demi-heel slingback to wear with my jeans outfits especially. You can blame Saint Laurent and Gucci.” — Emily Dawes, affiliate editor
So classic.
For the classicists amongst you.
The shoes every fashion editor wants to own.
Gold shoes will elevate every outfit.
“Looking at my handbag collection, all of my current styles are on the smaller side, which is probably why I end up having to cart the inevitable overspill in a canvas tote bag. Instead, this year, I’m considering investing in a premium, woven-leather tote bag that will allow me to carry one thing at a time. Sometimes the simplest changes are the ones that can have the biggest impact.” — Maxine Eggenberger, deputy editor
I’ve had my eye on this bag for so long.
Another hero piece that also comes in timeless black.
This feels so different to anything I already own.
