The summer months, glimpses at the end of the pandemic, and crises like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have left their traces on the fashion industry and its statements. Though physical fashion shows have returned, many lacked a festive feeling thanks to current world events.
These movements have led to two contrasting styles for the coming fall/winter season of 2022/23: colorful and sexy outfits that escape the pandemic restrictions and practical, comfortable clothes that help us through this tough time. Here are the top fashion trends for the fall and winter season 2022/23.
The Fashion Industry Between the Pandemic and War
It’s been a couple of rocky years and although the pandemic cooled down a little in the warmer months, society is still in the middle of several crises. Real-life events like this are always mirrored by the fashion industry. The big names have presented collections that comment on Russia’s invasion ofUkraine and include criticism of the current status quo.
- Giorgio Armani canceled his plans for big showcases to present a silent show instead, and DemnaGvasaliarecounted his own traumatic experiences as a Georgian refugee in his childhood. Inspired by his past, the models carried heavy tote bags and struggled against wind and snow.
At the same time, designers, fashion brands, and retailers put out clear statements against Putin’s decisions and overhauled their supply chains to boycott Russian connections.
- Many of today’s collections feature practical, comfortable shapes in muted colors, that are fitted to the struggle and survival in today’s dystopian world.
- Contrasting to this movement, manyfashion trends focus on free self-expression and the wish to escape the restrictions of the pandemic. Numerous current styles feature a celebration of life which include playful silhouettes, patterns, and colors. While much of our private life is restricted, we can use our clothing to bring fresh wind into our day-to-day.
Current & Coming Fashion Trends for Fall/Winter 2022/23
Current fashion trends are rooted in nostalgia, practicability, and escapism. Today’s clothing is either useful to us, through practical cuts and comfortable shapes, or helps us escape the restrictions of the pandemic. Here are the most common trends seen in fall/winter showcases:
Y2K
It’s not rare to see fashion collections inspired by past decades. However, the early 2000s style has been ridiculed and ignored for a long time. Still, in the past few months, we could see a resurrection of the Y2K style, which might be rooted in the wish for “the good old times”, when the internet was new, and the world seemed less dystopian.
There are several styles from the turn of the millennium that are reappearing, from the preppy schoolgirl outfits that followed iconic movies like Clueless (1995) to transparent clothing, studded big buckle belts, rhinestones, and colorful adornments.
The Y2K revival brings back:
- lowwaistskirtsandtrousers
- bell bottomsilhouettes
- spaghetti, bandeau, andcroppedtops
- tie-dyeshirts
- chunkysneakers
- baggyorstraightjeans
- asymmetricalcuts
- mini andnanoskirts
- bandanasandbuckethats
- colorfulbanglesandsunglasses
- vibrantcoordinatedsets
- tracksuits
Over theKnee Boots
As the temperatures dip, trends like the mini skirt might seem impractical. However, combined with another current renaissance, they create the perfect pair for autumn. The short skirts can be combined with thigh-high boots, as they are seen more and more in showcases for the fall & winter season of 2022/23.
Born from the restrictions of the pandemic, these risky and bold aesthetics are a cry for more excitement in our lives.
Balaclavas & Bandanas
Balaclavas, bandanas, and pieces of clothing that include a cover for the entire head have been spotted in showcases more and more.
There are several movements that might have inspired this trend, from the mask mandates to the practical gear that is needed in the many civil rights movements and demonstrations in the last years.
As such, the balaclava and similarly bandanas are less rooted in the colorful escapist fashion trends caused by the pandemic and more in the need for practical clothing kicked off by global crises like war and political unrest.
For some designers, the headgear might be a play on the need for masks and distancing during the pandemic.
Web searches for balaclavas have risen by 344 % from 2021 to 2022. Thanks to this popularity, the practical headpiece has found its way into high-fashion shows, proving it is here to stay for a while longer.
Long Leather & Faux Fur Coats
Warm jackets for the fall/winter season of 2022/23 are a mix of practical clothing and statement pieces. Long coats with practical cuts and warm fabrics like faux fur are designed to keep us warm in the cold months. The trend leans towards full-length silhouettes and maxi cuts, making the coats both simple yet impactful.
These coats like to include a multitude of surface and fabric options, from leather to tweed, vinyl, or knits. While some designers heavily feature straight cuts with muted brown tones, many of the current trends feature vibrant colors and soft, plush shapes.
Conclusion
As always, trends in beauty and fashion are inspired by real-life events. Since the last couple of years have been eventful and often dystopian, we can recognize hints at these crises in today’s fashion showcases. This leads to two current trends for the fall/winter season 2022/23: colorful and playful escapist fantasies in response to the restrictions of the pandemic and more practical and sustainable clothing rooted in needs created by war and civil rights movements.
For the fall and winter 2022/23, we can look to Y2K fashion trends, their slew of colors, playful accessories, and low waist cuts. Mini and nano skirts are combined with over the knee boots for a sexy but warm twist. Balaclavas and long coats bring more practical items into our winter closet. As for colors, typical fall tones are always in trend during the colder seasons. However, many designers include vibrant and bold statement pieces to contrast the muted coloration.