2023 Inclusive Fashion Trends Report
The start of the new year brings a breath of fresh air when it comes to our way of living. Through setting resolutions and almost putting a “reset” to our lives, it comes the great opportunity to completely renew how you’ve been doing things in the past.
And that brings me to this…. Our first ever Excluded Fashion Inclusive Trend Report for 2023!
As you may know, we do things differently here at Excluded. We don’t just throw together a list of random predictions and expect you to take it to heart. We want to give you the best information, from the most credible sources to help you form a wardrobe that makes you feel confident inside and out.
“Trends” Guaranteed to Last
When looking at trend reports, most of the time you can immediately tell how some trends definitely won’t be a trend for that long and may be a waste of your money (looking at you Y2K butterfly clips!) To guarantee you’re making the most informed decision when it comes to following and purchasing a trend, we made sure each one of our trends have been vetted by our trend partner agency over at WGSN to guarantee that these trends have staying power. This way you don’t need to worry about any of these selections going out of style anytime soon.
The best trends for your unique body type
Not only that, we understand that not all fashion trends you see these days feel that “inclusive” as the fashion industry often does. From seeing only one type of woman on the runway to brands that aren’t that size-inclusive, shopping for new clothing and styling your wardrobe your way may not feel like an easy task, or even an exciting one.
But that’s where we’re stepping in! Not only are we giving you the low-down on the best fashion trends for 2023, we’re going to show you ways to incorporate these trends for your specific body type. That way you can feel empowered by fashion, rather than suppressed by it. Fashion should be fun and a way to express yourself in a unique and exciting way! So strap in, and take a look at our 2023 fashion trend predictions and how to incorporate them for your specific body type.
THEMES
Menswear for women
A trend that came around years ago is still at the top for 2023. Menswear for women is all about tailoring traditional styles like blazers, suit pants and vests into your wardrobe. Not only is this still in trend for 2023, but it’s incredibly comfortable and easy to replicate based off your body type.
90’s minimalism - clean girl aesthetic
We’re all familiar with the wave of Y2K coming back into trend, however, 2023 is shifting away from the bright and bold 90’s trends to more minimalist styles. Instead of flower patterns and claw clips, think “clean girl aesthetic” by dressing with clean lines and basics such as tank tops and denim (the *new low rise is still in by the way). This trend is all about fit and function, so neutral palettes, basics and simple accessories define 90’s minimalism. Switch up your look by wearing a bodycon basic tank top with baggy low-rise jeans, and you have the 90’s minimalism aesthetic.
*by new low rise, think 4-5 inch rises sitting lower on the hips, rather than the christina aguilera 1 inch inseam where you couldn’t even sit down without your entire backside being out
Everyday Vintage
This trend is exactly what it sounds like - vintage pieces, but for everyday wear! This trend is defined by, well, anything you can find in your local thrift store or your mom's closet! For an edgier aesthetic, think light-wash distressed denim paired with a vintage bomber jacket and basic tee. Other options are around pairing vintage dresses like floral a-line dresses with white sneakers for a more modern feel. Even taking a vintage tee and wearing it as a dress all fit within the everyday vintage category. This is also where you can go wild with accessories like hobo and tote bags, simple jewelry and scarves, all re-used in multiple ways.
Re-using your closet
Let’s talk about the talk that will be on everyone’s mind - re-use and restyle! Following consumer trends report and even data from Tik Tok hashtags and search volume, it’s shown that consumers are feeling fatigued by overwhelming micro-trends that dominate our feeds every 3-4 weeks. Rather than going out and trying to buy the latest fashions, this “trend” focuses on honing in on sustainability by buying higher quality staple wardrobe pieces and re-wearing as many times as you can. You can read more about the benefits of re-using and restyling in our 2023 fashion resolutions blog!
Individual styles
Piggybacking on re-using your closet, one of the highest trending searches for 2023 fashion is simply to be you. While the fatigue is centering around fast fashion and constant buy buy buy, a source of comfort comes from those who can really be creative with their own unique styles. Think the tik tok “weird girl” aesthetic that mixes in almost all trends at once. Mismatched accessories, multiple textures and anything that doesn’t follow the traditional flow of style where you can express what you love through fashion.
Hone in on the pieces of your wardrobe that you love and make multiple looks out of it by mixing in other favorite pieces, even if they clash! Or heck, even make your own! Crochet a top, knit a scarf, make multiple pins, let what brings you joy also reflect in your wardrobe. In a world where we keep reinventing the wheel and reverting back to fashion from 30 years ago, people want to see something new. And the best way to be new, is to be you.
Now… for those of you who are interested in seeing what specific products, colors and textures will be in this year, we’ve got you covered below! Remember - you may already have these items in your closet. So tap in to reuse and restyle and individual expression trends and see how creative you can get with your 2023 style!
PRODUCTS
Cargo pockets
While cargo pants came back in a major way last year, 2023 is expanding upon the traditional cargo pant into utility cargo. Think jackets and shirts with multiple pockets, cargo skirts and denim cargos which are still on the rise. See this trend be paired with dresses as well for the ultimate utility fit.
Slip dresses
A comfortable and light option for us dress lovers out here! Long lines are in for 2023 and the latest trend of sleeveless slip dresses are comfortable and flattering for all body types. While slip dresses are inherently a timeless piece, this would be a great time to invest in a good quality dress that will last over time. Add in silk and lace textures to incorporate additional 2023 trends into your slip dress.
Maxi skirts
Not going to lie, this trend goes in and out every few years or so, so I can’t guarantee this will be around for long. However it is a consistent piece we are seeing in fashion and we’re finally seeing ways to incorporate these year-round which is why we chose to include in this trend report. Instead of saving your maxi skirts solely for summer at the beach, we’re finding more ways to transition maxi skirts from summer to winter. Think flowy, frilled, layered and asymmetrical skirts with strappy heels for summer, and denim, cargo and high-leg slit skirts paired with a high-knee boot in the winter.
The crisp shirt
Dive into that clean girl aesthetic by investing in a clean and crisp button-up shirt. The amount of versatility that can come from a basic style like this leads to the ability to take a classic style and refresh it with accessorizing for a modern and unique to you look. Feel free to also choose shirts with lace trim and minute understated details to further personalize your look and incorporate more 2023 trends into your look.
Ballet Flats
If you can’t tell, we’re leaning into coverage and comfort in 2023 and a ballet flat is no exception to the rule. In 2023 we’re ditching the need for our heels and turning towards a more comfortable and fashion-forward approach to footwear with the classic ballet flat. Keep it neutral with tights to lean into the balletcore aesthetic, or purchase with a pop of color to elevate a look; either way, you really can’t go wrong with a good ballet flat.
*we also suggest heel stickers or bandages like these or these while you break them in. This goes along with any low-back shoe like loafers as well. We’re sure any ballerina can vouch for this!
COLORS
WGSN Color of the Year - Digital LAVENDER
Trend reporting agency partner WGSN has officially named the color of the year as Digital Lavender.
“Purple will return as a key colour for 2023, representing wellness and digital escapism. Recuperative rituals will become a top priority for consumers who want to protect and improve their mental health, and Digital Lavender will connect to this focus on wellbeing, offering a sense of stability and balance.” - WGSN
Lucky for us, this color can translate to many pieces including suits, pants, accessories, and bags. We’re personal fans of digital lavender not just for the mental health benefits, but for the versatility the color has on various skin tones and body shapes as well. As a more muted sense of lavender, this color is perfect for those looking to make a statement in a more subtle way. This color screams “here I am” rather than “look at me”.
All Things Pink
Barbiecore is not going anywhere soon! This new hot pink has exploded all over the internet after Valentino’s all-pink runway show and has brought a sense of joy to the fashion industry! While this hot pink isn’t for everyone, many have embraced the color pink in other ways as the **cottagecore crowd have incorporated pale pinks into their wardrobes, as well as the **balletcore aesthetic that has been on the rise since the fall. Make sure to stock up on your pink before the Barbie movie comes out this summer too.
*While cottagecore and balletcore are still very much in fashion right now, based on our research we do not believe these trends will be widespread enough to feature as a main trend for 2023, however elements of both trends can be found within many strong trends for 2023, including barbiecore.
Cobalt Blue
A strong carryover from 2022 is cobalt blue! Another color flattering on every skin tone, cobalt blue is totally a power color. This rich shade of blue not only compliments every skin tone, but it also carries a weight of confidence within yourself as you wear it. Blue colors also have a connection with nature through sky and water, leading it to be a friendly but authoritative and trustworthy color (definitely a trustworthy wardrobe color!). Feel free to play with this color palette going anywhere from royal blue all the way through pale blue as well.
Shades of green
The most flexible of color options in our 2023 trend report is definitely the fact that not just one green dominates - but all of them do! Green is another power color connected to nature and money (which can follow along with some of your new year's resolutions I bet!) This color is adaptable to all skin tones and body shapes, examples being using either a pastel or neon green on darker skin tones, to a rich emerald green or mint green for fairer skin colors. No matter what green you go with, know that it will suit you in 2023 (and beyond).
Apricot
Sticking to our earth tone and feel, a new one on the scene is the color of apricot. No need to stick to this color palette in the fall either as many designers are opting towards this new shade of orange in their spring / summer color palettes (stay tuned for our spring/summer 2023 trend report later this year. Turning to apricot is a strong way to encourage positivity and vibrance to your color palette, thus giving a more youthful energy to your look and feel. WGSN also forecasted Apricot Crush to be the color of the year for 2024, so you can guarantee investment of this color will last for years to come in your wardrobe.
TEXTURES
Metallic
For those looking to make a bold or even a subtle statement, metallic colors can be for you. While you don’t necessarily need to go out and buy that pair of metallic pants, many neutral outfits can be enhanced with simple metallic accessories from jewelry to bags to shoes. While 2023 is leaning heavier on silver metallics, pops of gold metallic and even rose gold can accompany many fashion forward outfits as well
A new way to Denim
An oldie but a goodie! At this point denim shouldn’t be listed as a trend, but more a staple. Denim will always be in, however 2023 is all about reimagining denim beyond the typical variation of jean. Think denim dresses with attachments such as chains, coils and accessories, doubling up on denim with denim jeans and oversized denim jackets and bringing back the infamous denim maxi skirt but in a more flattering silhouette. Feel free to get fun with your denim by even adding additional patches, jewels and pockets (because we all need more pockets).
Sparkles
One of my personal favorite trends for 2023 - sparkles! Normally our sparkles are usually saved for the holidays or nights out with the girls, but we’re now entering into a new era where you never have to put those sparkles away! The Day Glo trend typically focused on incorporating bright colors into your wardrobe, but now it’s all about glowing during the day. Bust out the sparkly tube top or that favorite sparkle bag or pair of heels during the day to get more wear out of your favorite sparkly wardrobe items.
Sheer clothing
From layered sheer dresses to sheer bodysuits, this trend has been seen everywhere and isn’t stopping soon! Sheer clothing is the perfect way to express a sexier side of you, while also getting to show off more of your beloved clothing items like bralettes underneath (and more of that amazing bod!). While underwear as outerwear is also trending, you can take advantage of that trend by pairing it with something sheer so that a cute bralette can be worn in more ways than one. Take it a step further by combining sparkles with sheer and you’ve got yourself a 2023-approved look.
Lace
While we’re on the theme of doubling up on trends, one that has overpowered the industry into 2023 is up-leveling your sheer pieces with lace for a more upleveled but delicate look. Lace details can really be paired on anything, from slip dresses, to fringe on tops, if you’re looking to tap into a more feminine feel from 2023 then lace is for you!
Tips to incorporate by your body type
Forget how it’s “supposed” to look and focus on how it “feels”
I’ve always be a proponent of dressing for comfort rather than going for a certain “look”. When you are comfortable in what you are wearing, you will instantly shine more confidently which leads to a boost in self-esteem and allows you to enjoy being in the moment. None of us like having to pull our skirt down every 5 seconds, not being able to sit in your standing jeans, or even feeling like we can’t eat as much because you’ll be popping out of your shirt! If you don’t feel comfortable in something before leaving the house, change immediately. I promise you won’t regret it.
Mix it up!
If you are obsessed with digital lavender but aren’t quite sure if that lavender dress is flattering on you… first of all, who cares! You dress for you and again, confidence will shine through. If you’re still working on confidence building and know you won’t feel confident in it, mix things up! Add shapewear to smooth lines and lumps, add a complimenting belt to the dress to accentuate your waist and elongate your legs, add a sheet longline duster over the dress, accessorize with a sparkly purse or heels to guide attention away from the body if you wish, whatever it may be! Also know you can incorporate colors, textures and any other trend you like in accessories. There is no better way to take advantage of trends than to start small with an accessory on a basic outfit and grow if you love it!
Take it from someone like you
There is a huge world of clothing, shoes and accessories at your fingertips with online shopping these days. While the opportunity is there, the overwhelm may be too much to handle and deter you away from an item. How many times have you seen something online you love but can’t find it in your size, you’re unsure of how it will fit on you because it’s only shown on a size 0 model or it’s even out of your price range and it’s the only one you’ve found that you like?
That’s where Excluded Fashion comes in. It’s always easier to shop when a friend who has the same body type, style, size and budget as you recommends something right? It’s a no brainer. That’s why at Excluded Fashion, we have the abilty to filter each and every one of our blog posts based on the characteristics of the author who wrote it, between age, size, height, body type and budget. That way you can read blogs and shop product recommendations from someone just like you with your same body characteristics, guaranteeing you will find exactly what you are looking for that works for your unique body type and style.
Head to our For You page now to start filtering posts and finding shopping recommendations specifically tailored for you!
