New year, new wardrobe?

Lisette Reed gives a helpful insight into some returning fashion trends in the new season

WHILST 2022 was a year of early 2000s y2k fashion repeats, with clothes such as low-rise jeans re-emerging, 2023 is set to be a year full of vibrant, yet classic statement pieces, with some ‘90s fan favourites making a comeback, earning them a well-deserved place as wardrobe staples.

Sustainability is essential so there’s no wonder that modern fashion is being strongly influenced by previous trends. The pattern of re-surfacing fashion is clear to see when looking back at past years, but who can fault it? For different reasons, these pieces will forever be iconic and with the stigma attached to charity shopping diminishing, all trend followers are able to achieve their desired looks for affordable prices, with original designs, while being environmentally friendly.

One particular wardrobe essential for 2023 is any form of maxi clothing — whether it’s a maxi skirt or dress, this item has been waiting in the back of your wardrobe for its comeback and the time is now. This 1990s statement piece is incredibly flexible as it can be paired with anything to heighten it or to make it a casual dayto-day outfit. Moreover, due to its long length, it can be worn in all seasons as your legs will always be shielded from the cold. Though the maxi dress has also been popular in some way or another, the iconic ‘90s maxi dress, with thin straps, is re-emerging once more. With ‘90s 'It' girls, such as Kate Moss wearing the piece, it will become a staple of the 2023 'It' girls' wardrobe.

Another ‘90s staple re-surfacing in this new season is bomber jackets, specifically the classic ‘90s Britpop bomber jackets originally popularised by both Blur and Oasis. Stylish but also warm, these jackets are accessible to everyone as all British charity shops sell them in the men’s coat section. Furthermore, many fashion trends of recent years have included some kind of eccentric, incredibly impractical feature, for example parachute pants with straps, whilst also being particularly unsustainable and expensive. This classic statement piece with its cropped style paired with the forever trending baggy jeans secures a fashionable yet comfortable fit for all wearers.

On top of this, wide-webbed crochet has come back into style, in all forms. One key example of trending crochet is crocheted tops and cardigans. Whilst these are pretty and delicate and can be styled in a range of ways, they are also incredibly cheap to make — all you need is a crochet hook, wool and some patience. Though crocheting your own clothes may not appeal to all, the beauty of crochet is that anyone can do it and therefore there are many small businesses who sell them for much less than fast fashion brands, saving you money. Bright and vibrant pieces are very trendy currently and allow the wearer to create an outfit around the crochet itself.

2023’s recycling of trends allows us to be environmentally conscious and sustainable in our fashion choices — and you can never go wrong with the originals.