How to get AW23’s biggest trends

Here are the top trends to shop now; from main character coats to the new colour blocking
words Sophie Lou Wilson
Autumn has officially arrived. It might still be warm outside, but the leaves have turned orange and there’s a slight chill in the breeze. Transitioning from one season to the next can cause a style dilemma. Sure, we go through the same seasonal patterns every year, but each year we forget what we wore the year before.
We’ve taken a look back at the Autumn/Winter 2023 runways to see what will be trending this season. The biggest trend? Main character coats. At Burberry, models were ensconced in luxe faux fur trimmed trench coats; at Ferragamo coats were made from colourful suede and luscious faux fur. From round cocoon coats and silk duvets at Schiaparellimodels to models in oversized faux fur coats in rainbow colour palettes at Gucci, extra af coats were everywhere.
These main character coats chimed with this season’s other audacious trends – power dressing, skirts for men, kitschy bags, neon. Meanwhile, sleek tailoring, leather and retro sneakers provided some more toned down options. Shop AW23’s biggest trends for men and women below.
HIGH FASHION HOODIES
At JW Anderson, Balenciaga, Gucci and Miu Miu the humble hoodie was given a high fashion update. That's great news for anyone who loves to be cosy or gets cold easily. This limited edition hoodie from Artefacts of Planet Woo, our own brand capsule collection, is lovingly crafted from deadstock fabric sourced from off-cuts from London’s fashion industry. It’s available in an exclusive run of a small number of pieces, making it one for the collectors out there.
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.
MUSHROOM MAGIC
It's no secret that designers have been taking inspiration from the magic of mushrooms in recent seasons, from graphic mushroom prints to psilocybin inspired hallucinogenic patterns and earthy tones. Our long-sleeved psilocybin print cotton tee honours the medicinal powers of fungi in all their many forms. It’s made in the UK in a relaxed, boxy fit to provide optimum comfort and freedom of movement, so you can wear it whatever you’re getting up to – studying, skating, stretching, shrooming, or simply soaking up the sun.
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.
CLASSIC TEE
Classic tees will never go out of fashion. Top up your wardrobe with this GOTS certified organic cotton t-shirt from Artefacts of Planet Woo, our own brand capsule collection. It's perfect for working out, chilling out, or layering for day to day wear.
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 padded corset sports bra from Lapp The Brand can be worn to your yoga class or double up as a sexy going out top.
RETRO KICKS
Embrace urban style with the Jordan 4 Retro SE Craft in Photon Dust for men. With newer materials, this original 1989 design is updated in light grey leather accented with tonal suede. Retro sneakers you can wear all year round.
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 crew neck jumper. In a two tone stitch with a fun contrast cable, it oozes effortless elegance for any occasion.
FAUX FUR
Fur coats were everywhere this season, but not animals were harmed as most designers have moved away from using real fur. This uber plush faux fur full length coat is cosy, fluffy and oversized, adding some bougie glamour to your outerwear wardrobe.
MIDI SKIRTS
Prada, Marine Serre and more embraced the midi skirt as the length of the season. This pre-loved Max Mara skirt is made from lightweight linen. Wear with tights and boots as we enter into the colder months.
CAN I KICK IT?
The Samba trend isn't going anywhere soon. Grab a classic black and white pair that will go with everything in your wardrobe this autumn, winter and beyond. Can I kick it?Yes you can.
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 pair from The Ragged Priest are an easy way to add some edge to your wardrobe.
UTILITARIAN SHIRTS
At Prada, Raf Simons and Miucca Prada turned their focus to utilitarian style shirts reminiscent of the Fondazione Prada uniforms in Milan. This navy DP Manager shirt from Garbstore’s AW23 collection is a versatile transitional piece that can also be layered as a jacket. Made from Japanese cotton, it’s cut to a relaxed silhouette with large flap chest pockets and a curved hem.
BELT UP
This season, coats were long and elegant, bringing smart tailoring to the table without sacrificing on comfort. Dries Van Noten, Lemaire, Junya Watanabe and Wales Bonner all went for chic, belted silhouettes. This military style trench from Shrimps has seasonless charm, but also taps into the AW23 outerwear trend.
CLASSIC PANTS
Staple black pants appeared across the AW23 men's runway. This pair from Home Party's AW23 collection are nspired by traditional carpenter styles. They feature a hammer loop and self-fabric knee patches. Made from velvet, they’re cut to a loose silhouette with tapered legs and triple topstitching.
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 pillow. Elevate your beauty sleep with Drowsy Sleep Co.'s silk pillowcase. Getting your eight hours has never looked so good!
BAG IT UP
This season, bags got weird. JW Anderson had frogs. Botter had bike seats. With Shrimps iconic Antonia mini bag in fuchsia, you can make a similarly kooky statement.
AND MORE SKIRTS
Elsewhere, to attend the Dior show, Robert Pattinson wore a kilt-like sparkly skirt and at Louis Vuitton, Emily in Paris's Lucien Laviscount arrived in a long blue pleated skirt and cropped jumper. This on-trend Shrimps kilt is crafted in Scotland from 100% wool, making it the perfect wardrobe addition for the colder months.
NEON TREATMENT
KidSuper’s guest season at Louis Vuitton was a colourful bonanza, as was the designer’s own brand show which shook up the traditional runway show format, instead staging a riotous comedy show. Get some of that playful, upbeat energy for yourself with this pre-loved Stella McCartney cut-out top.
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Products are selected independently by our editors from the woo online store, a carefully curated platform for feel good fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle, as well as externally. Items on sale are subject to change pending stock availability. Discover more here.