As the curtains draw on yet another eventful year in the world of fashion, 2023 style trends were ruled by a utilitarian ethos where minimal, practical, and most importantly, personalised statements were in the spotlight. No doubt, 2023 was a year of empowerment, expression, and evolution in style.
The core ideologies that drove the trends this year were authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability, resulting in a shift towards a more conscious, and expressive fashion era. The year set the stage for a more nuanced and empowered style narrative in the years to come.
Without further ado, here are the top style trends that ruled 2023 and why they must endure in 2024.
Quiet luxury
Quiet luxury lead the charge in the world of style trends. It is high time to bid farewell to the era of logo-laden accessories and clothing. The focus has now pivoted toward investing in timeless, personalised pieces of clothing or accessories — a hallmark of 2023.
It is time to prioritise quality of fabric, meticulous stitching, and longevity. In 2023, we saw all the ‘it’ girls and boys of Pakistan endorse this style with great finesse. We anticipate and hope this trend will endure well into 2024 and beyond.
Dewy makeup
Among the standout trends of 2023, the reign of dewy makeup captured hearts and international runways alike. Departing from heavy applications and matte lip colours, the year centred on celebrating skin’s natural radiance. It embraced a strategic use of highlighters, aiming for that coveted inner beauty glow.
The emphasis wasn’t just on glowing skin but also on glossy lips, reflecting a trend that highlighted a fresh, luminous complexion and a subtle yet glamorous finish. Some of the most celebrated makeup artists in Pakistan like Nabila, Omayr Waqar, Natasha Lakhani and the like paid homage to this style in fashion shoots and bridal looks alike.
Sleek hairstyles
Sleek hairstyles dominated 2023. This trend should continue well into 2024 as it celebrates ease and simplicity, offering looks that are not only chic but also easy to achieve with minimal damage. From polished ponytails to flowing locks, this trend embodies effortless style. A favourite trend of 2023 was beachy waves.
Androgynous fashion
Androgynous style stood as an enduring trend in 2023, promising not to fade from the spotlight. This style didn’t just offer a diverse range; it continued to pave the way for inclusivity.
Brands like Aomi and Rastah showcased remarkable versatility in their collections. The androgynous style is exceptionally inclusive and blurs the lines between gender segregated fashion. As the year draws to a close, the hope for an even greater prominence of this style in 2024 remains strong.
Minimal accessories
Another style that continues its upward trajectory is minimal accessories. Not only is it budget friendly, it helps lend a sleek, clean look to an outfit without overburdening your personal style. The minimal accessories look promotes sustainability, offering the consumer a chance to really invest in timeless pieces.
Minimal accessories trend also surfaced through delicate wristwatches as seen on numerous celebrities and social influencers.
Draped silhouettes and statement sleeves
Eastern womenswear this year saw longer hemlines and draped silhouettes with statement sleeves. All of which are total winners. Longer hemlines lend a taller look, offering more sleekness. Drapes and statement sleeves give room for experimentation and personalisation of style.
An excellent example of statement sleeves was seen on Mahira Khan’s Faraz Manan bridal this year. It steps out of the everyday boring and gives a touch of femininity to the outfit.
Designers like Saira Shakira and Republic Womenswear opted for such silhouettes in their haute couture lines. High-end designers like Suffuse also incorporated longer hemlines in their pret wear.
Functional handbags
The retirement of micro bags has been long overdue. Not only are they heavy on the pocket but offer little to no practical use. As we head into 2024, in this crippling economy, there must be more functionality in style. If anything, this year taught us it is time to embrace the crossbody bags, baguettes and totes that add style rolled in with practicality.
Expressive Menswear
In menswear style, 2023 gave men more space to add drama in their outfits. Gone are the days when men were expected to endorse a mundane suit — morning, noon, and night. This year allowed men to embrace a more dynamic and expressive wardrobe.
There was more diversity for men through addition of prints, signature emblems, accessories and layering options. We saw brands like Republic Menswear, Mohtaram and Munib Nawaz create collection that are expressive and masculine.
Inclusivity and body positivity
In the lead-up to 2024, the momentum behind body positivity and inclusivity needs to continue and carve out a more substantial presence in the world of style.
Although a few brands in Pakistan have taken steps to broaden their plus-size offerings, there remains an urgent call to prioritise this effort further. Brands such as Generation and Khaadi are championing campaigns that challenge ageism and celebrate diverse body types through their clothing lines. We hope this trend will not only endure in 2024 but even further!
