At Who What Wear, a significant portion of our efforts is directed towards presenting you with the most prominent trends of the current season—in this instance, autumn/winter 2023. And although we remain committed to that cause, there also exist numerous smaller, under-the-radar microtrends that deserve recognition. While these aren’t causing major style moves on the scale of the runways, what they are are offshoots of what we saw way back in February—wearable interpretations of some of the more directional looks from the designer collections.
After hours of Instagram scrolling and online shopping (all in the name of research, I promise!), I feel pretty confident when I say that, for autumn 2023, these microtrends are going to be a big deal. From the jacket that’s bringing back all that was good from the ’80s to the new detail that’s defining fall’s It flats, I’ve assembled a selection of cool autumn 2023 microtrends that will make your outfits feel more current for the season ahead. Though they may look very different, one thing binds them; they’ve all have an air of timelessness about them. Sure, they’re trending hard now but they’ve also been popular in the past and, even after this season and next, I guarantee you’ll see them peak again in the not so distance future. Scroll on to see and shop them.
Style Notes: Tube and jersey dresses aren’t exactly new, but the way in which people are styling theirs for autumn certainly feels fresh. Akin to the low-rise trousers we saw make a comeback this year, now, it’s the low-slung, completely unnecessary belt that taking centre stage. Look for loose styles that hang from the hips to really achieve this aesthetic.
This also comes in bright blue and classic black.
I’ve had my eye on this outfit-elevating belt for months.
Just add a leather jacket and loafers (see below).
This is great as it allows you to choose how loosely to style it.
Style Notes: The underwear-as-outerwear look was hot for a few years but cooled over the past season or two. However, the 2023 runways have encouraged us to tap into our sensual selves once more, woth sheer fabrications and sexy silhouettes dominating the majority of collections. Though far from demure, perhaps one of the easiest ways to integrate this trend into your outfits is with a lace-trimmed skirt, the sort of which I’m seeing consistently on my feed.
Such a pretty colour.
This skirt comes in sizes 6 to 26.
Even Arket is in on the lace-slip action.
Style Notes: If Sofia Richie Grainge wears it, chances are we’ll pay attention, and this sentiment certainly applies to her latest look. Shot from the back of a car, this ensemble might have passed us by if it weren’t for the highlighter-yellow, ’80s-style blazer she’s wearing. Statement being, well, an understatement, there are plenty of retro blazers on the market right now that will help you encapsulate Richie Grainge’s style (though I’m yet to find one quite as bright).
This also comes in a sweet powder pink colourway.
A nod to Sofia’s yellow.
The gold buttons are integral to nailing this trend.
Style Notes: If autumn/winter 2023 were a single colour, it would be fiery red. Easily the most prevalent colour on the runway, we saw everything from coats to tailoring to evening gowns splashed in chilli hues. Most notable, however, were the accessories; I haven’t seen red shoes and bags on this scale since the early 00s where they really had a moment. Now, their time has come once again, and I’d argue a handbag is the quickest way to integrate it into your wardrobe.
Cool NYC girls all carry Savette bags.
No one will guess this bag came from the high street.
Mock-croc finishes go hand-in-hand with quiet luxury.
Style Notes: Trouser trends seemed to have slowed for a second but the pause has helped us identify the style that keeps cropping up. While wide-leg and cigarette trousers will always be a mainstay, having their moment right now is parachute pants; strides that look very much like cargos but are typically made from lightweight fabrications and come complete with gathers to the ankles. Proof that the Y2K aesthetic is alive and well as we head into autumn.
This pair comes in a selection of hues—take your pick!
Well played, M&S.
If you’re a minimalist, this is the parachute pant for you.
Style Notes: Where there is autumn, you can guarantee that loafers will never be too far behind. Over the years we’ve seen just about every loafer iteration break through, from patent to bright to chunky. However, for 2023, the loafer agenda looks set to be led by two-tone pairs, which the market is littered with. Trust me, now that I’ve pointed them out, you’re going to start seeing them everywhere.
The square toe gives this “old” trend a new lease of life.
Throw in a chunky sole and you’ve got instant edge.
Sleek and sophisticated.
Style Notes: If it wasn’t already apparent, the ’80s have a major hold on the 2023 fashion forecast. And another trend from the decade that’s been revived right along with the others is zebra print. Although leopard often makes a comeback for autumn, I’d go as far as to say zebra better suits the season, what with its largely black-and-white palette (save for Réalisation’s cult Gia dress which boasts a combination of brown and cream).
That’s it—after months of deliberation, I’m going to take the plunge.
The perfect way to pep up your jeans and jumpers this season.
The sheer fabrication loans itself so well to this print.
