The Best and Worst Fashion Trends of 2023
As the fashion world continues its relentless pace, 2023 saw its fair share of memorable hits and regrettable misses. Each season presents an eclectic mix of the bold, the beautiful, and the baffling, while social media ensures trends rise and fall at lightning speed. As we look back at the past year, the enduring influence of pop culture, red carpet moments, and the footwear that caught everyone's eye are impossible to ignore. Here’s a reflection on some of the trends that defined the year, both for better and worse.
MSCHF Red Inflated Boots
MSCHF started the year with a bang, releasing its oversized, cartoonish red boots that dominated social media. For a short moment, these boots were everywhere—on influencers' feet, red carpets, and even splashed across news outlets. The surreal, playful nature of these boots captured a lot of attention. A collaboration with Crocs soon followed, pushing the design further into pop culture with a debut on Armani White at a major event. While their viral status was undeniable, whether these boots are remembered as a fashion win or a quirky misstep is still up for debate.
Adidas Samba
Few shoes had a moment in 2023 quite like the Adidas Samba. These classic sneakers, once a humble staple, became a must-have item, to the point where they were nearly impossible to find. Their surge in popularity speaks to their timeless design, versatility, and comfort, solidifying them as a wardrobe essential for years to come. With predictions that this trend will carry into 2024, the Adidas Samba continues to win over both seasoned fashionistas and newcomers alike.
Barbiecore
With the highly anticipated release of the new Barbie movie, 2023 saw a pink explosion. What began as a vibrant premiere in London, where celebrities embraced all shades of pink, quickly turned into a widespread phenomenon. The color became a signature of the year, sparking a craze for bold, head-to-toe pink looks. But like many color-driven trends, Barbiecore's momentum has already started to fade, and it’s unlikely to return with the same fervor in 2024.
Maison Margiela Tabi Boots
The Maison Margiela Tabi boots are nothing new, but in 2023 they experienced a fresh surge of interest. These divisive, split-toe shoes have been polarizing fashion lovers for decades, and last year was no exception. Despite their unconventional design, the Tabi boot’s ability to capture attention and spark conversation continues to be a testament to its staying power. While not everyone can pull them off, their place in the fashion landscape remains secure.
Denim Revival
Denim made a strong comeback in 2023, specifically denim skirts and full denim ensembles. Though this Y2K throwback began bubbling up in 2022, it wasn’t until this past year that it fully blossomed, thanks to the endorsement of celebrities and influencers. This trend took the double-denim look to new heights, reclaiming its spot in wardrobes everywhere.
Sheer Everything
The red carpet has always been a place for bold fashion choices, but 2023 saw a rise in sheer, near-naked looks. Whether to stand out in an increasingly crowded media landscape or simply make a statement, many celebrities opted for see-through fabrics and revealing designs. While this trend sparked debates about taste and style, it certainly kept the fashion conversation alive.
No-Pants Trend
The no-pants look was another bold move in 2023. Paired with oversized jumpers, blazers, or shirts, it became a favorite among street style enthusiasts. Some fashion insiders saw it as a nod to comfort and simplicity, while others viewed it as a deliberate, edgy rejection of conventional fashion norms. Whether this trend sticks around will depend on how daring future seasons get, but it certainly added an experimental edge to the year.
Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets found an unlikely place in the spotlight last year, riding a wave of nostalgia mixed with modern-day influence. These simple accessories, once associated with childhood, reappeared as a playful yet sentimental trend. Despite its whimsical appeal, this fad’s reign seems likely to end soon, proving yet again that fashion has a way of cycling through eras—sometimes too quickly.
Quiet Luxury
Quiet luxury, the understated elegance trend, faced some challenges in 2023. Though the concept itself—celebrating quality craftsmanship without loud logos—should have been an easy sell, its execution often fell flat. Social media influencers hashtagging their minimalist outfits as “quiet luxury” while sporting designer labels seemed to miss the point entirely. Even worse, the trend was reduced to the simple aesthetic of white t-shirts tucked into trousers, as seen on TikTok, losing much of its intended depth. The true essence of quiet luxury lies in the artistry of the garments themselves, not in performative displays of restraint. The irony is palpable, and perhaps 2024 will return the focus to true craftsmanship rather than mere branding.
As fashion moves into another year, some of these trends will surely fade, while others may evolve into something entirely new. Whether it's the audacious or the understated, fashion's constant reinvention is what keeps the industry exciting. What trends will endure or inspire future collections remains to be seen—but it’s clear that 2023 gave us plenty to talk about.