The Womenswear Edit
AW23 TREND GUIDE
Want the inside track on AW23 trends? You’re in the right place! We’ve curated the key themes shaping womenswear, so it couldn’t be easier to elevate your wardrobe with timeless luxury for less.
DENIM
Denim was on-trend for spring/summer but its momentum is not stopping there as everyone’s favourite blue cotton yarn charges into autumn, with designers from Ahluwalia to Isabel Marant joining the party. Full-body denim is the purist’s vibe by way of the jumpsuit, but tonal mixing is a more versatile way to go, with denim maxi dresses by Hollister, Americana-inspired shirts by Abercromie and Fitch, and cropped denim jackets by Levi's all suffusing your wardrobe with a tonne of great styling options. A faux-shearling lined denim trucker is one of the standout pieces of the season, with Timberland and Calvin Klein offering stunning options, but also be on the lookout for creatively cropped blousons and skirts to give some fashion edge to the Canadian tuxedo.
ACCESSORIES
Dive into the denim trend headfirst with accessories that either complement or contrast: add additional tonal denim details, or use solid black tones and textures to create a sharp juxtaposition.
ANIMAL PRINT
You can always rely on Mother Nature for wardrobe inspiration, and this season designers from Christian Dior to Louis Vuitton channelled the eclectic world of animal prints to bring a sense of fun and fantasy to the runways. Stop-and-stare leopard prints are fabulously feline, with a key seasonal icon being the faux-fur coat. Designers such as Guess and Michael Kors have produced glamorous options in big textural silhouettes, while Ted Baker and AllSaints have summoned the animal spirits in the form of chic midi dresses and crew neck sweaters. If you want to double down on the trend, then matching crop tops and leggings have an exotic attitude. Otherwise, keep your separates in white or black tones to give the prints their opportunity to roar.
ACCESSORIES
Unleash your wild side this season with fabulous animal print accessories. From leopard print bags to big cat accents on shoes, it’s the season to tap into the untamed allure.
GRUNGE
It’s time to wake up your inner rebel as AW23 takes a nostalgic turn with the revival of the grunge trend, paying homage to the rebellious spirit of the '90s musical subculture. This edgy and effortlessly cool style is the rage at the likes of Burberry and APC, where it is all about embracing a devil-may-care attitude while exuding a distinct sense of individuality. Oversized check shirts by Carhartt and Jack Wills are the go-to grungy icon, effortlessly layered over chunky knits by Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger for a cozy carefree vibe. Casual cool comes courtesy of long- sleeved t-shirts with graphic prints by Guess, bookended with retro canvas sneakers by Calvin Klein. Swap out distressed denim for check trousers or A-line skirts for a more refined rock’n’roll attitude.
ACCESSORIES
Indulge your rebellious side with grunge-inspired accessories that add an edgy twist to your look. From chunky combat boots to canvas sneakers, unleash your inner rocker.
RED
Danger! Alert! Passion! Fire! Who doesn’t love the spicy references of an all-red look? Certainly not Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, and a host of other luxury designers this season who have gone crimson crazy. Such a bold colour calls for equally bold silhouettes, with sharp head- turning tailoring by Guess, offset by slinky body-con twinsets by the likes of Abercrombie and Fitch. A block red casual midi dress by Michael Kors is a softer way to approach the look, or alternatively you can turn the volume down with loungewear pieces by Nike and Hollister. Keep the look monochromatic, and avoid any patterns to make sure your rebellious rouge has maximum style impact.
ACCESSORIES
Spice up your wardrobe at McArthurGlen with fiery red accessories that make a bold statement. From scarlet sneakers to ruby handbags, get ready to ignite your style and start a blaze!
PREPPY
Autumn is the best season to embark on a proverbial hop to the Ivy League of fashion and take a leaf out of the ever-readable preppy handbook. Beautifully elevated by the likes of Chanel, Prada, and Emporio Armani this season, preppy silhouettes in the form of Clueless-esque tailored tweed twin-sets are the go-to look for a fresh and feminine take on a timeless style. Pleated skirts by Hollister and Polo Ralph Lauren are a fun counterpart to striped rugby jerseys, while chic feminine cardigans by Tommy Hilfiger and Jack Wills provide a romantic layer to wear over delicate Georgette blouses. Keep your colour palette understated for an elegant attitude, focusing on neutral tones and soft pastels for a modern and sophisticated vibe.
ACCESSORIES
Channel your inner Ivy League high-achiever with preppy accessories that exude sophistication. From chic structured leather satchels, to diminutive gold watches, put the prep into your autumn wardrobe.
TIMELESS STAPLES
We’re big advocates of buying long-lasting, high-quality fashion here at McArthurGlen, and we’ve demonstrated our commitment to sustainability through our Evolve programme and net- zero target. One way you can help to lessen the fashion industry’s environmental impact is by investing in timeless style, building a wardrobe of pieces that look amazing whatever decade you're in. The best way to do this is to opt for a ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic which includes minimalist silhouettes, classic tailored pieces and an understated colour palette. Pieces such as a long-line trench coat by Ted baker, a relaxed tailored blazer by French Connection, a black leather jacket by AllSaints, and a stunning pair of blue jeans by Levi's are all seasonal essentials that you can keep coming back to year after year.
ACCESSORIES
Invest in minimalist accessories that stand the test of time. Classic leather bags, elegant ankle boots, and refined watches will elevate your style for years to come.
GLITTER & SHINE
Did someone say ‘party’?! If there was ever a way to walk into a room full of people and make their jaws drop (with clothes on we might add!), it’s by wearing something that looks like exploding starlight! Glitter, shine, and metallics are the disco-inspired heroes of AW23, bringing a daring dose of vintage glamour to sophisticated eveningwear. Paco Rabanne is the master of metallics, but the brand has been joined by the likes of Christopher Kane, Dolce & Gabbana, and a host of others. Look to outshine in sequin maxi-dresses by Hobbs and French Connection, or sparkle in a v-neck belted mini dress by Michael Kors. But there’s nothing more effervescent than a slinky silk gown by the likes of Hollister and AllSaints to really ramp up the glamour.
ACCESSORIES
Embrace your inner disco diva with accessories that sparkle and shine. From sequined clutches to glittery heels, let your accessories be the life of the party this season.
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