Here at Byrdie, we’re typically not ones to play favorites. But since we spend our days endlessly scrolling social media and scouring the runways and red carpets, we’re bound to feel partial to more than a few standout trends. From the coquette renaissance to quiet luxury and chrome manis, this year’s fashion and beauty trends have been nothing short of exciting and covet-worthy. Scroll on to see Team Byrdie’s favorite trends of 2023.
01 of 07
The Subtle Sculpt
@blackbeatnik / Instagram
“This year was probably the first time I contoured my face since 2017; for whatever reason, I thought you had to go big or go home when it came to sculpting, and I just didn’t like how that looked on me. So discovering the underpainting technique, which gained popularity thanks to makeup artist Mary Phillips, was a total game-changer. You mean to tell me I can chisel my cheekbones and achieve a seamless sculpt in a fraction of the time it usually takes to do a full contour? I’m sold.” — Eden Stuart, editor
02 of 07
Modern Mary Janes
@hollyrhue / Instagram
“Comfort is a priority for me, so flats have always been a defining staple in my wardrobe. But this year, we witnessed the great mary janes renaissance and I have never had more options in my life. Virtually every brand was rolling out Mary Janes this year, from modern square-toed silhouettes to subtle block heels. I personally stocked up on picks from Vivaia, Rothy’s, Old Navy, and Reformation. 2023 was truly such a treat for my feet.” — Holly Rhue, associate editorial director
03 of 07
A Bunch of Bows
@yagirlstar / Instagram
“Bows dominated this year and I’m not mad at it. This trend has been the easiest finishing touch to add to all parts of your look. Bows started in the hair, but quickly moved to nails, shoes, tops, jeans—really anything that you can stick them onto. My favorite part about this trend is that it’s easy and cheap to participate in. Earlier this year, I bought a bunch of different colored ribbons for less than $10, and I’ve been able to add them as a finishing touch to a bunch of my looks.” — Star Donaldson, associate social media director
04 of 07
Skin-Forward Makeup
@abbydupes / Instagram
“I feel like the barely-there, no-makeup makeup trend—à la Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Alicia Keys—paved the way for skin-forward makeup. This year, we saw tons of beauty launches pulling double duty while giving skincare benefits with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane. I’m crossing my fingers that more beauty brands bring this innovative energy into the new year, embracing the ‘do good, look good, feel good’ motto.” — Abby Dupes, associate editor
05 of 07
Put a Rose on It
@lady_hadeline / Instagram
“The rose motif has been everywhere this year taking over runways (shoutout to Sarah Burton’s last collection at McQueen) and red carpets (see: Sydney Sweeney’s recent Balmain mini she wore to appear on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon), and I can’t get enough. From bold rose prints to the more sculptural variety, there’s nothing I don’t love about this trend. I can’t wait to wear it through the holiday season, 2024 and beyond!” — Madeline Hirsch, news director
06 of 07
Denim Maxis
@jasminenicholle / Instagram
“Like potatoes, I love denim in all forms: jeans, jumpsuits, dress, all of the above. My favorite trend of 2023 was the resurgence of the oh-so-popular y2k midi denim skirt. Similar to jeans, the piece can be styled a ton of ways. I wore it in the summer with tanks and flatform sandals, and I wore it in the fall with knee-high boots and a leather jacket. TikTok really took the trend by storm and offered denim skirt styling advice, and I definitely took advice to help me try some new pairings. My favorite skirt is from Cotton On, but I’m sure your favorite store has one in stock.” — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor
07 of 07
Cherry Red
@ali.nicole / Instagram
“About three years ago, I developed an obsession with all things cherry, oxblood, burgundy, and other shades of dark red. It’s not even what I’d name as my favorite color (I am one of those purple girls who is insufferable about it), but I can’t get enough. It’s so rich, chic, and sensual, which has led me to accumulate boots, a Telfar bag, skirts, and countless lip products in the shade, in addition to painting my nails a deep shade of red (Olive and June’s Obsessed [$9], to be exact) countless times over the past year. It’s been fun to see the color become an actual trend across runways and social media in recent months, and I love the wealth of options now at our fingertips—from red shoes to statement coats to bold red blush. While I’m sure it’s not long before another hue takes over (will Peach Fuzz catch on?), I’m savoring every moment of the cherry red renaissance, and I hope it finds some staying power through 2024.” — Ali Webb, associate editor
2023 Was the Year of All-Out Event Dressing
