2023 Trend Predictions
From tiny sunglasses to corset tops, cottagecore to Y2k, emo girl to clean girl: 2023 is trend whiplash.The speed that the fashion pendulum rampages back and forth through niche aesthetics and distinctly viral garments makes it hard as a consumer to know what’s worth investing in. If you're anything like me, you may find a haven away from this buzz in the self-titled “classics” corner of the internet, a place where “greige” (defined by @minale, as being a combination of gray and beige) and your tired-and-true Levi’s flourish. Simply pair subdued accessories with a well-fitted leather blazer, white button up, and blue jeans to achieve that “classic” look, and bite for that more expensive, yet more durable and long-lasting bag for a truly timeless piece. A simple Youtube search of the term “classic fashion” conjures swarms of influencers after influencers praising the longevity of these "trend-less" garments and accessories. But the thing is, "classics" no longer exist.
As fashion theorist Malcolm Barnard puts it in his book Fashion Theory, "... what is claimed to be 'classic' is always merely the passing taste of one group that is being passed off as the taste of all groups." Paraphrased, it's the imposing of a group's dominant and often class specific taste as the universal taste. That's not to say any of the garments recommended by magazines or influencers are “bad”, but that they shouldn’t be labeled as “classic.” We need to stop using the clout of the idea of a “classic” as some justification for letting a dominant group dictate what we should and shouldn’t wear. In many ways, labeling a garment as “classic” is another method of justifying one’s own consumption habits, and thus the consumer once again participates in toxic consumption habits that are leading to the death of our planet. As your instagram explore page gradually fills up with more target advertisements for the latest trend, the landfills full of piles of last week’s shein hall grow higher. Realizing the fallacy of the “classic” serves as a reminder of how subjective fashion is when removed from underneath the shadow of capitalism and marketing put forth by said group.
Source: Vogue
So what's trending for 2023? Nothing. Fashion Youtuber @lainiozark stated that "...nothing is trending right now because everything is trending...". What Ozark is referring to here is the idea that there are so many fashion trends happening all at once, whether it be distinctly on TikTok, a desolate niche of the internet, or on high fashion runways, that nothing is trendy. It’s like a trend overdose. Fashion TikToker @oldloserinbrooklyn concurred, "...we will reach a point where there will be so many micro-trends that they will be impossible to identify thus imploding the trend cycle as we know it and personal style will reign stronger than ever...". Nowadays, the best way to be “with it” is to be yourself.
Source: Vox
Sometimes that self might gravitate towards the latest predicted trends. That's okay. Guilting one’s self about falling into a micro trend, or shaming others for partaking in something newly in style merely promotes an even more active culture of hyper consumption. Self awareness is what’s necessary. Awareness of what clothes, colors, and cuts you prefer. Awareness of what new piece or “hot item" seems a little too popular to last long in your closet. But most importantly, awareness of what gives you that toxic “I need a new wardrobe” feeling in the first place. Though I love scrolling through Pinterest for outfit inspiration, I’ve personally learned to try and limit social media usage, as there’s only so much I can take in before the pictures flashing by merely read as blobs of amorphous color. Instead of looking outward for ideas and trends, look inward. You are long lasting. Not your clothes, not the latest trend, and not something deemed as “classic”. It’s your personal tastes that should dictate your closet. Whatever glorious cacophony that may look like for you.
Strike Out,
St. Louis
Author: Helen Ives
Editors: Emily Bekesh, Rosie Swidler, & Ellie Wells