There’s no one defining style when it comes to Gen Z’s sense of fashion. We love sensible staple pieces, but we’ve also got our fingers on the pulse of the latest (and most stylish) fashion trends. And when it came to asking fashion majors for their take on what trends to watch out for in 2023, their answers swayed from funky, interchangeable accessories to all-sheer-everything. This past year gave us some of the most innovative moments in fashion, but it’s time to look ahead to what 2023 will hold.
Whatever your style aesthetic is, there’s no doubt that Gen Zers will continue to see looks that mix ever-changing trends with recycled styles. As the new year approaches, there’s no better way to try out a new look than to mix old and new! It’s time to embrace everything from classic denim to lengthy maxi skirts and repurposed scarves. Take your streamlined closet into a more creative realm — with sustainability at the top of the mind, of course. And while splurging on designer pieces isn’t quite in the budget, there are still affordable ways to rock some of the hottest new style trends. So, as you continue to clean out your closet to make room for 2023 fashion, here are the trends that Gen Zers will be wearing this year — and how they’re styling them.
- Baggy Denim
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With so many adopting a ‘90s-inspired closet filled with satin slip dresses, butterfly clips, mom jeans, and dad sneakers, adding baggy denim to the collection should come as no surprise. So, don’t worry about skinny jeans coming back, besties — comfort remains a top priority. Many fashionistas will be drawn to looser, baggier denim jeans in 2023, and according to Gabi Ramierez, 20, it’s because “once you find the perfect pair, it’s hard to let it go.” In her IG, Ramierez heads to class wearing a pair of loose, light wash denim jeans paired with a vintage racing jacket and bright red bookbag. What better way to look stylish while staying comfy on campus? If you’re searching for the perfect pair of baggy denim, try the Kaia x Zara Baggy Jeans ($70) or the Levi’s 501 ‘90s Originals ($59).
- Casual Boudoir
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Love sheer and mesh looks? Then you’ll love casual boudoir. The style has officially made itself known as one of the hottest upcoming trends of 2023, with delicate bras and satin slip dresses to visible undergarments and playful lace. Kendall Jenner even took part in the trend in November, rocking nothing but sheer black tights as pants. If you’re trying to emulate the aesthetic yourself, take cues from Sydney Burgess, 21, who predicts the style “will range from full-on sheer outfits to small but eye-catching details on garments.” In her own look on IG, she styles a lacy black dress with mesh detailing over a short-sleeve knit cardigan, paired with gold jewelry and her copper red hair. To emulate this sexy style, go for pieces like the Cassandra Slip from Revolve ($68) or the Lace Slip Mini from Abercrombie and Fitch ($49).
- Unconventional Accessories
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If you’re not maximizing your use of accessories in 2023, what are you even doing? The classic ways of wearing your favorite accessories are long gone, with celebs like Bella Hadid making a statement with her belt stacking, or Dua Lipa sporting a hybrid scarf-cap look. The unconventional accessories are here to stun, and fashion lovers like Jaidyn Toomey, 18, are totally here for it. “I think that this will be a trend because people are trying to be more sustainable and get creative with the pieces that they already have.” So if you want to make this look your own, consider starting with thrifted accessories. Whatever you decide to grab, styling the piece in an unconventional way is totally up to you. In Jaidyn’s look, she wears a cream and ruby red color combo featuring a tan belt over her top instead of the waist (so chic)!
- Maxi Skirts
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While the micro mini skirt had its moment in 2022, it’s the maxi skirt that will top the trends in 2023. With its ability to make pretty much anything look chic, you’ll be sure to see plenty of them on your feed next year. “I think we’re just now realizing how versatile a maxi skirt is nowadays. It’s perfect for all seasons, and you can style them with pretty much anything” Miles Cole, 21, says. “I’ve recently been experimenting with layering skirts over pants. It instantly elevates a look and switches up the usual silhouettes we see today.” In his own look, Cole is sporting a pale pink ruffled maxi paired with a funky neon knit sweater, pulled together with bold, stackable necklaces and chunky black combat boots. Looking for your own maxi? I always find the most unique ones while thrifting, but there are also gorgeous options in retail stores, like the Oh So Low Midi Skirt by Free People ($88) and the Satin Effect Midi Skirt from Zara ($70).
- Classic Leather
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Some things never go out of style. Like classic leather! In this look, Lily Ruddell, 21, uses the timeless material to create an even more classic look. While sitting by the beach, Ruddell rocks black Doc Martens and corduroy pants combined with the cutest cabbie hat and a lengthy leather jacket. Leather (and vegan leather) will be everywhere in 2023 street style — from oversized leather jackets to leather bags, boots, and dresses. And while it’s definitely not new, it’ll be especially relevant in 2023 thanks to celebs like Julia Fox rocking head-to-toe black leather looks. If you’re looking for the perfect leather staples of your own, I recommend the Vegan Leather Ankle Straight Pants ($77) and the Long-Length Vegan Leather Coat ($180), both by Abercrombie and Fitch.
- All Things Cargo
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A must-buy in 2023? All things cargo. That’s right, the Y2K-inspired garment that combines glam and utility is (still) in full force for the new year! A pair of oversized cargo pants can be dressed up or down depending on your personal style and choice of accessories. Luckily, there are many cargo options for you to style yourself, like the cargo skirt AnnMarie Goodwin, 20, wears in her look. “I got this skirt at Goodwill and I love it,” Goodwin tells me. “I bought it because cargo is a big trend right now. This skirt has a more unique look because of the amount of pockets, and it was an interesting spin off of the normal cargo looks that we’re seeing.” Her outfit combines the hottest 2023 trends — a sheer long-sleeve, a leather jacket, and a pale green cargo maxi. If you’re dying to get your hands on some cargo yourself, consider the BDG Y2K Low-Rise Cargo Pant from Urban Outfitters ($79) or the Cargo Midi Skirt by ASOS ($50).
