Each year sees an influx of new trends, be it micro or macro. As our decade reels more into Y2k fashion while simultaneously experimenting with futuristic looks, it can be difficult to grasp what trends are truly in, given the fact these trends can highly contribute to fast fashion as they can be phased in or out quickly. With this in mind, new trends that come up use basic and timeless materials as their base and then elevate the outfit with accessories or staple pieces that can be incorporated in other ways. So here are 5 fashion aesthetics that have/are going to dominate 2023.
*To make it easier for you to navigate a particular aesthetic, I have compiled all the aesthetics mentioned in this article on a Pinterest board linked here
1. Mermaidcore:
The mythical creature of the mermaid serves as the source of inspiration for the mermaid's core fashion trend. It has a whimsical, hazy, and ethereal aesthetic that reflects the splendour and mystique of the water. The mermaid core aesthetic is a romantic and whimsical trend that showcases the beauty and mystery of the ocean and seeks to capture a sense of magic and wonder in clothing and accessories.
This aesthetic revolves around all things beachy and oceanic. Expect to see a lot of shells and pearls incorporated into accessories, and lots of teal/hues of blue. Most mermaid core pieces have a flowy silhouette.
In terms of colour, the mermaid core fashion aesthetic features a soft, pastel palette that includes shades of mint green, lavender, pink, turquoise, and blue. These colours are often used in gradient effects to mimic the hues of the ocean and give a sense of movement and flow.
Colour palette:
Inspiration:
Easy ways to incorporate this aesthetic into your wardrobe:
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Pearl chokers
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Seashell jewellery
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Teal blouses
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Flowy skirts
2. Disco core:
Disco core fashion is distinguished by strong, vivid hues, sparkly fabrics, and a fusion of vintage and modern components that give it a joyful and energetic appearance. Platform shoes, hoop earrings, and huge sunglasses are some of the accessories that are a big part of the disco-core fashion look. The disco's core fashion concept is a daring and frivolous style that honours the disco era's brightness and glamour.
It creates a distinctive and intriguing aesthetic that is ideal for a night out on the town by fusing vintage components with contemporary design. The disco core fashion aesthetic is characterised by a vivid and vibrant colour scheme that includes hues of gold, silver, purple, blue, and red.
Colour palette:
Inspiration:
Easy ways to incorporate this aesthetic into your wardrobe:
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Shiny, metallic clothing (lots of sequins!)
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Jumpsuits
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Monochrome outfits
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Statement earrings
3. Whimsical core:
Fairy tales and fantastical settings serve as the basis for the style known as the whimsical core fashion look. It is distinguished by a whimsical and dreamy aesthetic that emphasises vivid colours, odd prints, and creative touches. The whimsical core fashion aesthetic uses a vibrant and upbeat colour scheme with tones of pink, blue, yellow, and green.
The whimsical core fashion approach includes accessories as a significant component, with amusing things like hair bows, headbands, and bags in vibrant hues and forms being especially well-liked. Shoes frequently come in vibrant colours or are adorned with ribbons or other whimsical details.
Colour palette:
Inspiration:
Easy ways to incorporate this aesthetic into your wardrobe:
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Corsets and bows
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Pearl Jewellery
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Flowy dresses and tops
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White and green accents
4. Retro grunge:
Also known as the Vivienne Westwood aesthetic, the vintage and retro aspects that induce nostalgia for prior decades are a focus of the retro grunge aesthetic, and have a distinctive and diverse appearance thanks to the blending of ancient and new forms.
The retro core fashion approach uses a variety of muted tones, such as red, olive greens, and dark blues, and black. With a focus on high-waisted bottoms, oversized jackets, and crop tops, the retro core fashion approach frequently blends loose and fitting pieces. Platform shoes, lace tank tops, leather jackets and fitted pants, are among the accessories you will see right now. Vintage-inspired jewellery designs, like striking earrings and hefty chain necklaces, are also common.
Colour palette:
Inspiration:
Easy ways to incorporate this aesthetic in your wardrobe:
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Denim mini skirts
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Lace tank tops
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Flared jeans and trousers
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Silver Jewellery
5. Utility core:
Workwear and military garb serve as the inspiration for the utilitarian core fashion aesthetic. It is distinguished by simple shapes, muted hues, and practical accents like pockets, zippers, and belts. The core utility fashion approach has a neutral colour scheme that includes beige, khaki, olive green, and black tones.
With an emphasis on layering and practical elements like cargo pockets, zippers, and belts, the utility core fashion aesthetic frequently has an oversized, boxy design. This can provide a practical and utilitarian aesthetic and can incorporate big jackets, cargo pants and work shirts. The utility core fashion aesthetic heavily incorporates accessories, with popular choices including tough boots, backpacks, and crossbody bags.
Colour palette:
Inspiration:
Easy ways to incorporate this aesthetic into your wardrobe:
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Cargo pants
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Sunglasses
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White or black crop tops and baggy T-shirts
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Puffy jackets
Each aesthetic has its own distinct flavour to add to the world of fashion, from the utility core's practical and utilitarian design to the whimsical core's dreamlike appearance. The aesthetics of fashion are a reflection of our uniqueness, culture, and past. They continually change and adapt to new fashions and styles, reflecting our shifting preferences and tastes.
There is an aesthetic out there for everyone, whether we are drawn to retro designs or futuristic ones, to bright, eye-catching hues or subdued, subtle tones. We can anticipate fresh trends and fashions as the industry develops, which will encourage us to express ourselves in creative and interesting ways.
Find out which aesthetic you belong to here: How to Know Which Aesthetic You Belong To.
