Fresh off the runway: how to get AW23’s biggest trends

As the AW23 shows draw to a close, here are the top trends to shop now; from main character coats to the new colour blocking
words Sophie Lou Wilson
From New York to London, Milan to Paris, for the past four weeks, fashion editors, models, influencers and everyone who makes the magic happen behind the scenes have been living and breathing pure fashion. Think less fashion week, more fashion life. In New York, animal forms hopped, crawled and slithered onto the runway while London designers paid homage to their roots and Milan was all about sex. But for the casual observer, 27 solid days of shows, events and street style can be a lot to keep up with. So, don’t worry, we’ve got you. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the season’s top trends fresh off the runway, from power dressing to puffer supremacy.
As fashion week's final pitstop in Paris draws to a close, here are the trends from the womenswear and menswear shows that you can shop now.
MAIN CHARACTER COATS
Whether at Burberry, Ferragamo, Gucci or Schiaparelli, this season’s coats were giving main character energy. Often the standout moment of collections, these coats were rendered in luxuriant faux fur, rich colour palettes and elegant silhouettes. This coat from Shrimps is the perfect meeting point between the timeless and daring outerwear that appeared on the runway this season.
CHEEKY CHECK
With this being the first season of shows since the passing of Vivienne Westwood, many designers paid homage to the late fashion rebel. With its tartan print and pleated hem detail, the Westwood influences on this Elsie & Fred mini are clear. Its wrap around design and safety pin detailing means you can add a dose of OG British punk to your wardrobe just like that.
PUFFED UP
Puffed up fashion continued to blow up this season. At Paloma Wool, Ottolinger and Rick Owens, puffer coats and jackets were bigger than ever, but another way to add some puff to your wardrobe is with Pacific Gyre's iconic puffer bag. Crafted from recycled nylon, its smooth edges and soft stuffings compose a trendsetting eco-friendly accessory for AW23.
UNDERWEAR AS OUTERWEAR
This season, designers dialled up the sex appeal with lingerie-inspired silhouettes, naked dresses and teeny tiny bralettes. When underwear looks this good, why hide it under your clothes? This glitter encrusted corset dress from Elsie & Fred has a '90s inspired balconette neckline and spaghetti straps. Say hello to your new sexy lil' going out dress.
PRETTY IN PINK
At Courreges, Valentino and Fashion East's Standing Ground, pink was the standout colour. That's not to say that it dominated these collections. In fact, it was used sparsely so that, when it did appear, it had greater impact. Get this Elle Woods-approved trend with Cara & The Sky's roll neck midi dress. In a lightweight yarn, it oozes effortless elegance for any occasion.
MIDI SKIRTS
Prada, Marine Serre and more embraced the midi skirt as the length of the season. Shrimps' ivory lace Wes skirt also taps into the prairie trend. It's made from luxurious silk with delicate cotton lace panelling and an elasticated waistband.
LEATHER DADDY
At Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Hermes and Marine Serre, leather injected some sex appeal. Whether low-slung, belted or motocross, leather pants are here to stay. This relaxed fit pair from The Ragged Priest are an easy way to add some edge to your wardrobe.
ELEVATED OUTERWEAR
When coats weren’t sleek and sophisticated they were channelling eye-catching maximalism. At Marine Serre, PVC jackets were finished with colourful faux fur trim. Meanwhile, at Etro they were covered in bold geometric patterns and at Loewe, the designs appeared minimalist but their outsized, stiff construction added a surreal air to the collection. This leather faux fur trimmed trench from The Ragged Priest is a showstopper of a coat, perfect for the new season.
PILLOW PRINCE
Time to hit snooze. At Prada and JW Anderson, the accessory of the season wasn’t a designer it-bag, but a simple, white pillow. Elevate your beauty sleep with The Big Silk’s silk pillowcase. Getting your eight hours has never looked so good!
SKIRTS FOR EVERYONE
Designers from Martine Rose to Gucci proved that, on the runway at least, skirts on men have moved from being a subversive commentary on gender and into more mainstream territory. This neutral sporty style from Otti is the perfect starting point for any cargo pant fans who want to get into wearing more skirts.
BRITS ABROAD
British designers set off for Florence, Paris and Milan this season, bringing UK heritage to the continent. Charles Jeffrey referenced industrial history while Martine Rose and JORDANLUCA looked to London street culture. Elsie & Fred’s Union Jack top also taps into British cultural identity.