Fashion Goes Back To Basics: 8 Ways To Elevate This Trend For Fall/Winter 2023

The fall/winter 2023 shows went back to basics this season, with white, black, brown and grey ensembles showing up on runways including the likes of Valentino, Prada and Saint Laurent. Beyond neutral colour palettes, oversized and structured silhouettes such as blazers with shoulder pads, and skirts with longer hemlines, also made a strong comeback. And while it is easy to chalk this up to a continuation of the quiet luxury trend that took the world by storm earlier this year, this time around, there is more than meets the eye. 

The Hemline Index, coined by Wharton Business School professor George Taylor, suggests that skirt lengths correlate to the rise and fall of the economy. A clear example of this hypothesis dates back to the 1920s when shimmery flapper dresses were all the rage in the early part of the decade but were soon taken over by conservative clothing with earthier hues when the Great Depression hit a few years later. 

Likewise, the recent fall/winter collections seem to be going in the same direction, going from the sequins, neons and attention-grabbing cuts we have seen over the last two years to daily fits with officecore sensibilities.

But make no mistake, this season's offerings are far from being monotonous. BAZAAR's curated shopping list of clothes and accessories below showcases how elevated basics can be, while transcending seasons with timeless design codes.

A Little Black And White Dress

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Talk about bang for your buck – this satin midi dress by Loewe sports a trompe l’oeil print that delivers a dreamy illusion of two dresses in one. Do this dress justice with a simple pair of black or white heels and minimal accessories to keep the focus on the dress.

Blurred-print Silk-satin Midi Dress, $2,554, Loewe

Shop via Matchesfashion

Bow Tie 50 Suede Pumps, $974, Aquazurra

Shop via Net-A-Porter

The Midi Skirt Era

Midi skirts are back, back, back in trend again. Even Miu Miu, aka the purveyor of the viral micro mini, showed several of them. Midi skirts can be easily styled with a full monochromatic set or as stylish separates with shirts, t-shirts, sweaters and sweaters in neutral colourways.

Corduroy Blouson Jacket, $6,700, Miu Miu

Corduroy Skirt, $1,900, Miu Miu

Shop via Miu Miu

The New Office Formal

A white button-up shirt and black bottoms are a foolproof business-chic look. Take things up a notch by switching up your pants with a black jumpsuit or overalls, along with a black tie, to make a lasting impression on co-workers and clients alike. Not a fan of heels? Invest in a pair of comfortable derbies instead.

Crêpe Couture Jumpsuit, $7,600, Valentino

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Petra Cotton-blend Shirt, $1,049, The Row

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Black Yarn Dyed Tie Necklace, $588, Valentino Garavani

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A Blazer With Upsized Shoulders

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A blazer can do no wrong and adding one with dramatic, padded shoulders into our wardrobes will go a long way, especially now that the '80s aesthetic is on the rise. Rock a black top with a plunging neckline and a pencil skirt to juxtapose the oversized blazer to achieve a sleek and glamorous fit.

Double-Breasted Tailored Blazer, $2,688.03, Saint Laurent

Shop via Cettire

Cassandre Tank Top In Silk Jersey, $1,360, Saint Laurent

High Waist Pencil Skirt, $349.98, Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini

Shop via Cettire

Let The Accessories Do All The Talking

Remember when chunky necklaces, bracelets, rings and belts were all the rage in the 2010s? Well, they have made a comeback this season. Spruce up a classic white top and a black skirt in an instant with smooth silver hardware that provides just enough bling to make you stand out.

White Fitted Blouse, $234, House Of Dagmar

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High-waisted Maxi Skirt, $1,085, Victoria Beckham

Shop via Mytheresa

Gloria Python Embossed Leather Belt, $1,549, Michael Kors

Precious Metal-Plated Brass and Agate Cuff, $849, Michael Kors

Grey Is The New Black

Shades of grey have flooded the runways, from knits to coats, just like the Prada number donned by supermodel Gigi Hadid. Depending on how you style it, this versatile colour will soon be your go-to for casual and formal occasions – decorative details such as appliques or embroidery will take your style game up a notch.

Single-breasted Velour Coat, $5,300, Prada

Embroidered Velour Midi-skirt, $10,800, Prada

V-neck Cashmere-blend Sweater, $1,451, Khaite

Shop via Matchesfashion

White Nike Edition J Force 1 Sneakers, $187, Jacquemus

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It's All In The Details

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Everyone needs a statement piece in their repertoire, one that can be pulled out at a moment's notice. This dress by Louis Vuitton is perfect for that while embodying elevated basics – a traditional silhouette gets an upgrade with button embellishments and off-shoulder sleeves with ribbed details, which sends a clear message of futuristic fashion.

Pointed Bib Dress, $7,050, Louis Vuitton

White Rubber Tabi Boots, $829, Maison Margiela

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Texture, Texture, Texture

Whether you're heading to the office or attending a black tie gala, textures can totally transform an outfit. Level up your Sunday best with a furry white blazer, contrasted against a shimmering satin dress.

Shan faux shearling blazer, $560, Alice + Olivia

Shop via Net-A-Porter

Satin Wrap Dress, $706, Acne Studios

Shop via Farfetch