2023 has granted us a year of defining trends and sweeping fashion phenomena. Microtrends have spanned from fruit-centred aesthetics (Tomato and Strawberry Girl), pop culture inspired Barbiecore and Mermaidcore, and then came the attainment of the quiet luxury aesthetic. Meanwhile, subdued trends have coasted alongside these and presented us with some of the most elevated styles of clothing.
Although the styles reinforced on the catwalk have been varied, the consensus for 2023 fashion is that extended hemlines are in and the notion of modest dressing is here to stay. What the micromini was to 2022, the maxi is to ’23. The styles introduced have included sweeping denim skirts, generous swathes of silk and free-flowing tailored trousers. Womenswear has become sleek and occasion-forward—from the fluidity and lustre of bias-cut dresses to longline waistcoats matched with full-circle skirts. Modest fashion has been celebrated by Islamic women for years and it’s now widely recognised for its stylistic references and refinement. Referring to less skin-bearing styles, it birthed a plethora of demure necklines—cowl, boat-neck, and rippled fabrics.
I’ve pulled six inspirational outfits from our Instagram favourites—from maxi skirts and blazer pairings to imaginative ways to elevate a poplin shirt. As we head towards autumn and the temperatures drop, these looks will undoubtedly come into their own and work on rotation in our wardrobes. I, for one, can’t wait. Scroll on to discover the six modest autumn outfits I’m re-creating this season.
1. Wrap Cardigan + Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Tones will inevitably get darker as the seasons change but there’s something statement about wearing natural fabrications in said tones. It’s slightly moody whilst retaining the nonchalent character of linen and cotton. Stretch your wear out of these pieces until we have to bundle up.
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I own this set and I love styling the elements separately. Wear the pieces together or pair the kimono style wrap over a linen dress or skirt and wear the trousers with a t-shirt.
Dissh
Shannon Black Linen Midi Dress
I’m planning on wearing my linen pieces right through to autumn with juxtaposing fabrics and weather appropriate footwear.
Dragon Diffusion
Triple Jump Small Woven-Leather Basket Bag
You’ll never regret investing in a Dragon Diffusion piece. I’ve had my bag for years and it remains in pristine condition.
Vagabond Shoemakers
Brittie
Opt for closed-toe sandals as the seasons change.
2. White Shirt + Full Skirt + Slingback Heels
Style Notes: Floaty lengths, tick. Crisp tailoring, tick, and bold jewels, tick. Sylvie’s look is one after my heart and an ensemble I’d likely wear in five years time.
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Paloma-Shirt
Paloma Shirt
Newly launched shirt brand Paloma know a thing or two about what make the perfect white shirt. To further add to its merit, the brand is also member of 1% for the planet.
This sculpted and streamlined fit gives the “tucked in” look without any effort.
COS
Voluminous Gathered Maxi Skirt
Full skirted looks are having a moment and things are set to remain for autumn and winter.
Minimalism at its finest.
Savette
Symmetry 26 Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag
Savette creates vintage style box-shaped bags.
COS
Curved Teardrop Earrings
Bold earings aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Arket
Slingback Leather Pumps
I’ve adored this style since its release. It’s a pice that’ll date beautifully in any collection.
3. Relaxed Blazer + Linen Skirt + Flats
Style Notes: Mira is the Queen of fashion forward modest outfits. Here, she juxtaposes textiles for a transitional look you can wear from now.
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& Other Stories
Oversized Blazer
& Other Stories’ cult blazer is back just in time for autumn.
Jigsaw
Pleat Long Sleeve Jersey Top
This is one of the most clever tops I own, the ruched elements loan it a directional fit.
Reformation
Gia Linen Skirt
Most of my spring to autumn outfits revolve around linen maxi skirts.
Sœur’s design features a removable link chain, so you can wear it one of two ways.
Massimo Dutti
Tied Leather Ballet Flats
This season there’s a flat to suit all — from classic mary-janes to lace-up ballerina flats.
4. Relaxed Polo T-shirt + White Maxi Skirt + Heeled Boots
Style Notes: Make like Marilyn and don a neutral toned extended hemline look as we usher towards autumn. The natural fabrications and pale colourways are less common in the cooler months but it makes this look all the more inspiring.
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Massimo Dutti
Knit Polo Sweater
Introduce light knits into your top collection to disrupt the typical t-shirt and shirt styles.
By Malene Birger
Ouma Leather Belt
Never underestimate the power of sleek accesories!
Raey
Split Back Organic-Cotton Denim Maxi Skirt
Raey’s cuts are minimalist yet impactful.
C.Nicols
Holly Maxi Bucket Tan
A timeless chesnut-hued bucket bag with ever so subtle contrast stitch edging.
Bettina Vermillon
Sophia Black
Bettina Vermillon’s designs are utter perfection.
5. Tailored Trousers + T-Shirt + Mules
Style Notes: Anne-Victoire demonstrates the appeal of pairing simple elements together. The individual components are pared-back but together it creates a sleek uniform.
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Boden
Supersoft Boat Neck T-shirt
I much prefer a boatneck t-shirt to a crew-neck.
COS
Wide-Leg Tailored Trousers
I strongly believe these are some of the best tailored trousers on the market.
Ralph Lauren
Polo Id Calfskin Small Shoulder Bag for Women
Athough they’re not well known for accessories, I’m always impressed with Ralph Lauren’s bag offerings. This hammock inspired style is timeless.
By Downing
Vintage Kurt Geiger Kitten Heels
Head to By Downing for your vintage mule fix. It’s hard to pick a favourite.
6. High Neck Maxi Dress
Style Notes: This is my favourite dress style this year. I adore the impact of a high neckline maxi dress with a streamlined silhouette. Just add a bag and pumps and you’re set for the evening.
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Reformation
Rivers Knit Dress
This season is paving way for taught necklines.
Yuzefi
Loaf Leather Shoulder Bag
Curved shaped bags always add a modern lilt to outfits.
Charles & Keith
Cream Sepphe Cut-Out Heeled Mules
An understated and sophisticated design.
Next Up: I’m Anti-Trend But These New-Season Items Work With My Autumn Capsule Wardrobe
