The ultimate guide to what to wear this fall 2023
What is quiet luxury?
Autumn is upon us and with it comes the most recent revitalization of 90s dressing - quiet luxury.
After a tumultuous past couple of years in fashion, from the loud, bright patterns of 2020 to the ballet-inspired stylings of 2022, we are seeing a return to simplicity. Enter quiet luxury.
During the economic downturn of the 1990s, fashion figureheads toned down their clothing in an effort to protect their public appearance. After all - no one wants to see celebrities toting clearly expensive ensembles whilst the rest of the county struggles financially. This resulted in a change in trends away from the extravagance of the 80s and towards well-crafted, yet simple pieces. Fashion icons of the era included Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Kate Moss.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy
Known for her minimalistic style, Carolyn was undoubtedly one of the most influential fashion icons of the 1990s. Her paired-down wardrobe was made up of mainly simple, well-tailored pieces that could be mixed and matched in a plethora of ways.
Get her look
Her favourite pieces included medium wash straight or boot cut jeans, black or brown leather boots, a black trench coat, midi length pencil skirts in neutral colours, black or tortoiseshell sunglasses, a black leather bag and a tortoiseshell headband.
Gwenyth Paltrow
Much of the now Goop founder's outfits in the 90s followed a simple formula: monochrome. From street style to film premieres, Gwyneth could often be spotted in an outfit of one consistent colour. Gwenyth had a knack for sprucing up minimalistic stylings while still maintaining the quiet luxury look. For example, rather than sporting classic black trousers with a black top she often opted for a leather pant.
Pictured to the right is her now infamous green matching set - just another example of how simple styling can still be fun and unique.
Get her look
Pair your Aritzia Melina pants or equivalent (come on I know you have them) with a well-fitted black crew neck tee. Tie a black knit sweater around your neck and you're dressing like 90s Gwen.
Kate Moss
No one exuded the 90s cool girl energy quite like supermodel Kate Moss. Always effortless and never overdone, Kate loved well-fitted muscle tees, low-rise straight jeans, black boots and sandals. Plus she always made sure to accessorize with some bad boy arm candy.
Get her look
Find a pair of jeans that flatters you the most. High waist, low waist, straight cut, skinny, mom jeans - whatever you like. As long as they fit you well and you feel good wearing them. Pair that with a white muscle tee (if you don't have one cut the sleeves off a tee shirt) and black boots. Accessorize with a black or leopard print and don't forget the idgaf attitude - that's half the look in itself.
So here we are again. After a period of fashion characterized by eccentricity, and staring down the barrel of another downturn in the economy, we are heading back to basics.
What is trending this fall?
Modern Uniform: Navy Blue
With a resurgence in quiet luxury comes a refined colour palette. We will be seeing many neutrals this fall: white, beige, black etc. But the most notable colour of the season has to be navy blue.
Over the past few years navy blue has been a much under-appreciated neutral but now it is coming back in full force. We are seeing this colour and khaki in a plethora of classic pieces such as schoolgirl-style midi skirts, chunky knits, crewneck tee shirts, and even socks.
To spruce things up, mix your navy pieces with a powder blue top, socks, or tights.
Modern Uniform: Black Preppy Footwear
Pairing these navy pieces with a pair of Mary Janes, ballet flats, kitten heels, or loafers makes for an elevated version of the schoolgirl aesthetic.
Better yet, these are extremely versatile shoes that can go with nearly anything in your fall wardrobe.
Kitten Heels
Kitten heels are also quite trendy. However, buying a simple, black leather pair can prolong their time in season. But if you love kitten heels by all means - wear them well beyond their so-called expiration date.
Pictured
Steve Madden 'CHERISH' shoes in patent black leather
Mary Janes
Mary Jane shoes are probably the trendiest of this bunch. If you are going to buy into this trend, I suggest going for a more timeless style of Mary Janes with a single strap and a block heel or opting for a flat variation that doubles as a ballet flat.
Pictured
ALOHAS 'Luke' patent leather flat
Loafers
The most timeless of them all is the ever-classic black leather loafer. An absolute closet staple and the ultimate representation of 90s minimalism. This shoe is a great way to lean into the new uniform trend while being sure you will be able to wear them again and again. Pair them with a matching thin black belt and a black leather bag for a chic and put-together look.
Pictured
Calvin Klein 'Farrel' black leather loafer
Modern Uniform: Pleated Skirt
Nothing says uniform quite like a pleated skirt. Whereas pleated mini skirts are already a fall staple, autumn 2023 is welcoming a more sophisticated sister. Whether it is plain navy, black, beige, or a classic plaid, this piece is a great way to spice up a simple outfit.
A Pop of Red
Carrying over from the summer is another colour trend - a pop of red. From dark cherry red to bright maraschino, red accessories are a great way to make your outfit pop this fall.
Red leather handbags, shoes, and jackets are all great options if you are looking to spruce up an already-existing capsule wardrobe.
Wool
Wool, wool, and more wool. This is the answer to a cozy and stylish autumn. Wool sweaters, wool skirts, wool jackets. It's functional, looks great, and looks expensive.
Wool: Sweaters
The most popular sweater styles this autumn include those with horizontal stripes, collared necklines, and/or are of a chunky variety. I must admit - at first I was a bit averse to the idea of horizontal stripes. It felt a bit too reminiscent of the 2010s nautical trend (I can never again look at a sweater with an anchor on it). But... it's starting to grow on me.
The only downside of wool is that oftentimes times what you see is what you get - to get an expensive-looking sweater you must pay a hefty price tag. But fear not! The sweater of your Gilmore Girl dreams is not yet lost. Here is a wide range of wool (and wool looking) sweaters you could be rocking this fall, and for foreseeable autumns to come.
Oak + Fort ($$)
Aritzia ($$$)
Abercrombie ($$$)
Wool: Jacket
The ultimate staple piece of any quiet luxury wardrobe is a black trench coat. The ideal jacket for fall, it is perfect for layering as the temperature changes. Not only that, it can be dressed up or down and goes with next to everything. Get into it.
Slouchy Bags
From slightly less structured to hobo-bags, we are seeing a major shift this season from the teeny baguette bags of recent fame to something more grown up. Finally - a purse I can fit all of my things in! The great thing about this trend is that it is a bit of a nod to the not-so-distant late 2000s. This means many of these bags are easily thriftable! Yay, sustainability!
If super slouchy isn't your thing, don't worry. I recently picked up this Calvin Klein mid-sized black bag and I am absolutely loving it. It's up with the times, certainly sophisticated, but also very timeless. My favourite way to wear it is with a simple black sweater, medium-wash jeans, and black ballet flats or loafers. I recommend picking this one up if you're in the market (and it's on sale too!)
Biker Boots
One of the most stand-out pieces trending this season has to be biker boots. Inspired by an original Miu Miu design featuring a chunky shape and bold silver hardware, many brands have been replicating the look that has been spotted on models and influencers alike.
But be wary - this is likely the trendiest and simultaneously most expensive trend on this list.
That's all for now - talk soon darlings Xx
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