London Fashion Week has long been a highlight of the global fashion calendar, giving us a glimpse into the next big trends and must-have styles straight from the British runways. As we look ahead to London Fashion Fall Week 2023 this September, some exciting new looks are already starting to take shape.
Read on for an insider preview of the biggest trends we expect to see at London Fashion Fall Week 2023, along with tips for how to recreate these cutting-edge runway styles affordably with your own wardrobe essentials.
When is London Fashion Week?
The spring 2023 shows typically happen in February, while fall fashion week is in September. London Fashion Week Fall 2023 will run from Friday, September 15th through Tuesday, September 19th. The schedule for LFW has been announced. If you're intrigued, you can check out the schedule at London Fashion Week site for more details.
The Biggest Trends and Must-Have Looks
Statement Shoulders
Exaggerated, dramatic shoulders were seen all over the runways in 2022, from New York to Paris. And this trend is going nowhere for 2023 - in fact, we predict even bolder shoulder silhouettes will be a top look at London Fashion Fall Week.
From sharp, angular shoulder pads to billowing sleeves and ruched shoulder details, statement shoulders add instant drama to any outfit. The key to nailing this trend is balancing the proportions - pair wide or puffed shoulders with a more fitted skirt or trousers so you don't look overwhelmed.
To try the statement shoulder trend yourself, look for dresses, coats and blouses with extra volume at the shoulders. Add shoulder pads to existing garments for a quick update. And don't be afraid to experiment with asymmetry, one-shoulder styles and cold-shoulder cuts to make even more of an impact.
Saturated Brights
Prepare for a colour explosion in 2023! After a few seasons of muted, earthy tones, vivid brights are back in a big way. We expect to see eye-popping citrus shades like lemon and lime, along with fuchsia, cobalt blue, and tomato red ruling the runways at London Fashion Fall Week.
These saturated brights pack the most punch when worn as head-to-toe monochrome looks. But colourful prints and colour-blocked separates are also easy ways to rock this uplifting trend.
Add a vibrant pop of colour to your wardrobe with a bold printed dress, an oversized coat in a cheery hue, or colourful accessories like bags, shoes and jewelry. This is a trend that's all about making a lively statement!
Luxe Leather
Buttery soft leather in rich tones like chocolate, caramel and black will bring a sophisticated yet edgy vibe to London Fashion Fall Week 2023. Drapey leather midi skirts, trenches, blazers and trousers were already gaining momentum last season, and we expect to see even more leather pieces next year.
For a polished leather look, stick to heavier, ultra-supple leathers found in coats and skirts rather than tops or dresses. Layer leather over soft knits and silky blouses to balance the texture. And stick to black or brown for the most refined and timeless pieces in your closet.
With proper care, a high-quality leather item can last for years. So investing in just one versatile leather staple, like a moto jacket, pencil skirt or trench, can upgrade your style for seasons to come.
Decadent Velvet
London designers are embracing velvet in a big way for 2023. We expect to see lavish velvet dresses, jumpsuits, suits and coats in jewel-inspired hues like emerald, ruby and sapphire, along with classic black.
The key to wearing velvet is keeping the rest of your look pared back and modern. Pair a rich velvet dress with simple hair and makeup, edgy leather boots and minimal accessories. Or layer a velvet blazer over an all-black outfit for an unexpected texture play.
Velvet is perfect for injecting luxury into evening and party wear. Look for pieces with interesting structural details like ruching or origami pleats to take this regal fabric into modern territory.
Victorian Influences
Fashion continues to draw inspiration from the past, and for London Fashion Fall Week 2023, we're predicting a strong Victorian-era influence to emerge on the runways. Look out for opulent details like lace collars, ruffled bibs, brooches and watch chains, along with romantic prairie and folklore-inspired dresses.
To incorporate a touch of Victoriana into your own wardrobe, start small by layering a lace-trimmed blouse under a modern leather jacket, or choosing a floral dress with old-fashioned puff sleeves. Accessories like cameo necklaces, embroidered bags and buckled boots will also nod to this nostalgic trend in a subtle way.
Genderless Dressing
Many of the top designers showing in London are embracing more inclusive, gender-fluid clothing that breaks down traditional binaries. We expect this movement towards androgynous, non-conforming styles to gain steam at London Fashion Fall Week 2023.
Oversized silhouettes, menswear-inspired tailoring and pieces that blur the lines between masculine and feminine dressing will dominate the runways. Suiting, trench coats and relaxed tailored separates are key pieces to help you tap into the genderless trend.
Minimalism and simplicity are crucial for pulling off genderless looks. Keep silhouettes loose and understated, and avoid overly feminine detailing or embellishments. Stick to monochrome or muted colour palettes for an effortlessly modern vibe.
Statement Knitwear
Cozy knits are a staple of London Fashion Week, with designers reinventing classic techniques through fresh colours, patterns and proportions each season. For 2023, we're forecasting bold, sculptural knitwear silhouettes and eye-catching colours to take center stage.
From ribbed crop tops to extra-oversized cable knits, knitwear that makes an impact will be everywhere next season. Colourful Nordic-inspired patterns along with Fair Isle and intarsia knits will also be statement makers.
When styling statement knitwear, follow the "half and half" rule - balance the eye-catching knit with simpler pieces for the rest of your outfit. Try pairing a vibrant geometric sweater with plain black leggings or mixing oversized knits with sleek leather skirts.
Playful Plaid
Traditional tartan and checked prints are being remixed into modern, playful styles for 2023. Designers are having fun with plaid by supersizing checks, choosing unusual colour combos and adding feminine details like ruffles, pleats and cinched waists to grungy plaid pieces.
Vinatge-looking plaid mini skirts, dresses and coats will be everywhere at London Fashion Fall Week. For easy ways to work more plaid into your wardrobe, start with an oversized plaid blazer, shirt or scarf. Mixing prints and textures creates an eclectic twist on traditional checked patterns too.
Slip Dresses
Slip dresses are back in a big way for 2023, bringing '90s minimalism into the new year. Sleek spaghetti-strap slips in silky fabrics like satin, charmeuse and bias-cut silks are set to dominate the runways at London Fashion Fall Week, especially in neutral shades like black, white, gray and brown.
The simplicity of a slip dress makes it easy to dress up or down. Layer them under oversized blazers or chunky knits for daytime, then slip into strappy heels and delicate jewelry at night. Bias-cut slips with an easy flow look most modern and shapely.
Go for slinky slip dresses with cowl necklines, thin straps, or lace trim details to emulate next season's effortless glamour. Slip into this '90s trend as a fresh alternative to your go-to LBD.
Trench Coats
A stylish trench coat is a timeless wardrobe staple. For London Fashion Fall Week 2023, expect to see updated trench silhouettes in unique fabrics and colours bring this classic outerwear piece into the future.
Oversized trench coats, cropped or asymmetrical hemlines, trenches in vivid brights or soft pastels, leather trenches, and menswear-inspired details will give the ladylike trench coat a modern twist next season.
Invest in a trench with interesting design details like a bold print or colour, relaxed fit, or unexpected length. Layer your trench coat over dresses, jeans, and tailored separates to top off any outfit with refined British style.
Futuristic Metallics
The future is shining bright for 2023! We are forecasting eye-catching metallics in silver, gold, bronze and more being featured front and center at London Fashion Fall Week. These futuristic finishes add a forward-thinking vibe when done in fresh silhouettes like liquid-look leggings, foil wrapped skirts and metallic knits.
Iridescent fabrics that shift colours, holographic foils, and high-wattage lame textiles will bring dazzling drama to the London runways. Offsetting these brilliant metallics with neutral basics helps keep the look modern.
For easy ways to test drive the metallic trend, start with accessories like bags, shoes and jewelry in rose gold, silver or bronze. Or choose a shimmery top or skirt to incorporate a subtle touch of shine into your wardrobe.
The London runways always give us a glimpse into the next big trends on the horizon. As we look ahead to London Fashion Fall Week 2023, vibrant colours, imaginative textures and bold silhouettes will define the must-have looks of the new season.
By keeping these top fashion forecasts in mind and finding wearable ways to integrate touches of trend inspiration into your own personal style, you can effortlessly refresh your wardrobe for the year ahead. Let London Fashion Fall Week guide you to discover emerging trends that are modern, uplifting and most importantly, made for you.
