Fashion month is always a whirlwind of theatrical moments, but it’s not all editorial, directional styling, as it’s also an excellent opportunity to find new ways to style the basics we already own. There were certain shows from the autumn/winter 2023 season that offered up approachable styling ideas and are already influencing our own outfit choices.
Miu Miu had an elegant take on five-minutes-to-get-ready dressing, with hoodies and knitwear layered under boxy, oversized outerwear in an artful fashion. Saint Laurent was another crowd pleaser within our fashion team, with a return to elegance thanks to power blazers with exaggerated shoulder pads and skirts with seductive slits at the front. Other highlights from the season include the miniskirts and shirting combinations seen at Prada and the beautiful, easy tailoring at Ferragamo.
Keep scrolling to see the six AW23 outfits that Vogue editors won’t be waiting six months to wear.
All about the slouch
Alex Kessler, junior fashion editor at British Vogue, says of this look: “A button-up shirt, an oversized blazer and baggy jeans will forever remain a winning trifecta in my everyday repertoire. And Gucci offers the perfect rendition that proves that, if an outfit formula ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Enter the micro miniskirt
Alice Cary, commerce writer at British Vogue, says of her favourite runway look: “Prada is always a fashion month highlight in the Vogue office – and this season didn’t disappoint. The fancy flats! The chic shirt dresses! The candyfloss-pink trapeze bags! Miuccia and Raf’s collection was a feast for the eyes, bringing plenty of wishlist-worthy items to the fore, but it also included multiple outfits that are easy to emulate with wardrobe basics. I’ll be channelling look 39’s skirt-shirt combo when the weather warms up – I’m a sucker for bare legs and mini-miniskirts, and this simple ensemble was nothing short of perfection.”
Boardroom tailoring with a twist
Joy Montgomery, Vogue’s senior commerce writer, explains why she will be recreating this Saint Laurent look: “I’m always a sucker for anything tailored, and while I may dabble in a second-skin dress for formal events this year, when it comes to day-to-day dressing, I’ll be taking my cues from Saint Laurent. Power shoulders? Check. Sassy pencil skirt? Check. Top Gun aviators? Yes please. This runway look ticks all the boxes – I’ll just swap out stilettos for loafers and a pencil skirt for baggy jeans on the weekend. Bring on the ’80s energy.”
Layers upon layers
Laura Hawkins, Vogue’s fashion features editor, opted for this look from AZ Factory: “A layered up look is easy to emulate with items from your own wardrobe, particularly if its one rooted in classic pieces. Take AZ Factory’s opening look – the debut of a collaboration with Colville – which is inflected with sporty, knitted and fluid pieces with a twist. I love the ’90s styling of this frilled dress layered over baggy trousers, and paired with chunky earrings and opera gloves (the accessory of the season).”
Introducing the perfect trousers
Emma Spedding, Vogue’s acting executive fashion news and features editor, has chosen this sleek tailored look at Ferragamo: “Everything about this look is just perfection. The fit of the trousers is exceptional, with a nipped-in waist and slouch over the thighs. There is just the right amount of ’80s styling, with a plunging bodysuit and gold earrings that cover the whole lobe. The cream and grey tonal colour palette makes it even more of a power dressing move.”
The student uniform with some extra polish
Naomi Smart, commerce director at British Vogue, says: “It’s all about the Miu Miu hoodie! It took me all of two seconds to decide which runway look I was going to pick for this story, as I’ve already been influenced by Miu Miu’s masterful styling in the AW23 show. The brand took everyday wardrobe staples and preppy student pieces, such as a grey hoodie, pea coat and leather satchel, but layered them so effortlessly and with polish. Consider this my new uniform.”
