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Three fashion trends we don’t want to see in 2023
Y2K fashion dominated the discourse throughout the year in terms of trends, with low-rise cuts at the forefront
Picture: Pinterest
New trends are constantly appearing on the scene in a constant progression of (mostly) distinct styles and vibes. And a new year is always synonymous with new inspiration for our wardrobe.
This is good news given that Y2K fashion dominated the discourse throughout the year in terms of trends, with low-rise cuts at the forefront – a comeback with which we could have done without.
Here are three pieces that were everywhere in 2022 that you can already relegate to the back of your closet.
Y2K Fashion
While we may be seeing a return to normcore and gorpcore in sartorial choices as this year comes to an end, with a returned emphasis on basics and staples, 2022 largely embraced a certain, rather bold aesthetic, with a focus on 2000s style.
A major source of inspiration that has largely influenced some trends, coming straight from – for the most part – various social networks.
On TikTok, the hashtag #Y2K counts over 12 billion views, across fashion and beauty-related content, while the hashtags #Y2Kaesthetic and #Y2Kfashion count 1.9 and 1.2 billion, respectively.
Nothing short of a tidal wave has brought with it trends that the average person could probably have done without. But don’t panic, some major ones are about to fall by the wayside.
Low-rise, a favorite among young fashion fans
Starting from the very beginning of the year, back in January 2022, fashion found itself facing a dramatic comeback: that of low-rise cuts. A trend that no one had seen coming and one that the over-30 crowd has had trouble accepting. And for good reason.
Whether in the form of pants, jeans or skirts, low-waisted styles have (not surprisingly) awakened old fashion traumas among many – and that’s an understatement.
American model Bella Hadid in low-rise skirt
One has to acknowledge that low-rise styles aren’t the most inclusive trend of the last 20 years for a range of different body shapes and types. This particular fashion inspiration, which two decades ago was inseparable from celebrities like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, is tricky to style and therefore to make our own.
And if we’re already ready to banish it from our wardrobes, one reason may be because it is associated with several other fashion faux pas, starting with visible thong underwear – another trend that has been tricky for many to get behind.
Cut-outs, or the art of bad taste?
Even before receiving an avalanche of criticism of all kinds, rest assured, cut-outs don’t really offend anyone, at first glance. They can even be chic and sexy when used in a subtle and discreet way on sweaters, tops, dresses, or even suits.
However, this year’s styles have been dominated by pieces featuring cut-outs that are a little less sophisticated, with the cuts often positioned at the hips and chest, which have not always had the classiest effect.
American singer Lil Nas in cut-outs
In December 2021, these kinds of cut-outs made their comeback on the red carpet, then a few months later on the catwalks, but rest assured, the latest shows dedicated to spring-summer 2023 have removed it from women’s wardrobes.
Cut-outs are set to be replaced by a more sensual approach to dressing, involving sheer fabrics, as seen at Prada and Miu Miu, and visible lingerie.
Hot pink, Barbie’s favourite style
It was impossible to miss this year’s Barbiecore phenomenon (with its 190 million views on TikTok), which has brought back the famous hot pink of the cult doll.
A single photo from the Barbie movie, which will be released in theatres next summer, was enough to make this aesthetic a must-have throughout the year.
Designers, influencers, and consumers alike have embraced it and come up with looks that are each more kitsch – albeit rather cheerful – than the last.
Fashion house Valentino’s hot pink collection
Valentino is among the houses that have made this hot pink a top colour for the fall-winter 2022 season by sending it out in head-to-toe looks in a host of silhouettes, both feminine and masculine.
But the trend is coming to an end, with a new year punctuated by more neutral shades, such as white and beige, as well as pastels, cobalt blue, or orange, among the flagship colours of the next season.
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