As Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023 comes to a close, we’re looking back at the shows designers have put on and the street style the fashion set have worn, taking cues for the season ahead.
We’re all in the process of investing in new wardrobe pieces, and never before have we had so much inspiration. This year, we’re seeing new takes on Y2K, the championing of denim and a more artisanal approach towards apparel, with details, textures and tailoring key between nailing or failing the look.
Here, we run through some of the key trends spotted across the week, and how you can integrate them into your own existing wardrobe.
1. Ballet Flats
If 2022 was the year of the chunky slide, 2023 is the year of the ballet flat. Naturally, Miu Miu popularised this trend with their printed point-toe ballet flats, and we’ve seen the trend trickle down onto the high street, with Zara offering a really beautiful set.
We saw this on the runway at Albus Lumen, and in a lot of our street style snaps as well.
Unlike the ballet flats of the 00’s, we’re looking for a strap across the bridge of the foot like an actual pair of ballet shoes, and opt for them in blush tones, black or cream.
The Row Black Ava Ballerina Flats, $1415, SSENSE
Miu Miu Logo-Printed Point-Toe Ballet Flats, $1,384, Cettire
GANNI Black Scrunchie Ballerina Flats, $375, SSENSE
2. Backwards Clothes
Why wear your clothes straight when you can button your shirt in the back and wear the collar of your blazer at the front?
At fashion week we saw a lot of clothing worn backwards, showcasing the details at the back and keeping the front very plain. We saw blazers worn backwards at St Agni and even more backwards clothing at Alix Higgins.
3. Skin Baring
Sheer clothing and skin baring designs were everywhere at fashion week, with designer Anna Quan debuting a bejewelled white naked dress and Michael Lo Sordo championing what we’re calling the ‘butt-cowl’, showcasing a pair of velvet undies.
If you’re keen to try this trend but unsure how to pair it with your undergarments, we have a whole article with expert styling opinion on how to nail it here.
Third Form Net Strapless Dress, $300, The Iconic
4. Ruffles and Texture
If the ethereal runways of Acler, Bec + Bridge and Aje taught us anything, it’s that a little ruffle, pleat or texture will go a long way this season. Play with your materiality, opting for unique elements that will add interest and layers to a classic silhouette.
Forever New Bonnie Ruffle Long Sleeve Dress, $199, The Iconic
5. Low back
Forget a plunging neckline, this season we’re opting for low back dresses, tops, you name it. Seen featured on the runways at Aje, Cue and Michael Lo Sordo, the low back is well and truly the new cut-out this season.
Significant Other Darcy Backless Dress, $270, The Iconic
Shona Joy Okala Low Back Halter Neck Midi Dress, $420, David Jones
6. Double Denim
During fashion week there was no denying that double denim was everywhere, featuring jeans, jorts, denim maxi skirts and denim bodices alongside denim trench coats. It’s a denim fest and Diesel should be pretty pleased about that.
Basically you can choose pretty much any denim you have and wear it all together with reckless abandon, and we have to admit, we love the sound of that.
M.N.G Rio Sandals, $129.95, The Iconic
Ragyard x Hotfix denim maxi skirt in multi patchwork, $105, ASOS
7. Oversized Sunglasses
Time to pop your teeny weeny sunglasses on stand by because statement bug-eyed lenses were all the rage on the streets of Carriageworks this season. The more alien in nature, the better, with coloured and translucent lenses also cemented as a go-to.
Dries Van Noten Black Linda Farrow Edition Shield Sunglasses, $555, SSENSE
8. Oversized Blazers And Coats
When it comes to outerwear, the bigger, the better. Seen on the runways for Saint Laurent earlier in the year, we’re going for oversized shoulder pads, big billowing coats and longline trenches (read: nearly hitting the floor).
The Frankie Shop Taupe Gelso Blazer, $644.95, NET-A-PORTER
Maggie Marilyn Here To Stay 2.0 Coat Brown, $1795, Maggie Marilyn
9. Knee High Boots
If you’re purchasing boots this season, it would be a good idea to consider the knee high styles. Seen as a consistent staple on the street style scene over fashion week, it’s a great way to add a little style to a classic boot shape.
And, of course, we have a whole buying guide on knee high boots that you can find here.
Billini May Boot, $139.95, The Iconic
10. Bold Colour
While the fashion set often favours a neutral, across the runways and street style at AAFW 2023, we saw pops of colour with greens, blues and pinks really coming to the fore.
We loved the bold colours used at the Blanca, Aje, and Bondi Born shows, and of course, all the colourful coats seen at Carriageworks over the last week.
Alémais Lou Balloon Sleeve Shirtdress, $895, David Jones
Aje Gabrielle Plunge Mini Dress, $525, David Jones
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