6 Unlikely Staples I Predict Are About to Be Major

The spring/summer 2023 runway shows are a window into the trends that will be huge next year and the key buys for the upcoming season. We already know some major trends that are about to be huge, including metallics and bubble dresses, shoe styles like heeled Mary Janes, and handbags that are designed for back-to-work lifestyles. I have also had my eye on cool new staples that will define what everyday dressing will look like in the New Year, and some of them are surprising.

Looking to directional brands including The Row and Prada, which always have a hand in shaping what style looks like in the upcoming season, there are some notable staples to have on your radar. Pieces ranging from crisp boxer shorts to skinny pants may sound unlikely, but the way we're seeing them styled on the S/S 23 runways is sure to impact your stance on them. We're also seeing early adopters already wearing them now if you need further proof these are about to be huge. Ahead, the best fashion staples to invest in for 2023, according to the most-talked-about runway shows of the season.

Boxer Shorts

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of The Row)

Boxer shorts gained traction over the last several years when dress codes relaxed during the pandemic. Oftentimes they still look like pajamas in a street style context, but it wasn't until I saw them styled on the runway at The Row that I saw them as an elevated piece.

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On the style set:
(Image credit: @louloudesaison)

Take cues from The Row's collection, and style crisp boxer shorts with a button-down, a tailored coat, and sneakers—all in shades of white for a chic tonal look.

Skinny Pants

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ferragamo)

Ready or not, skinny pants are making a comeback. This comes on the heels of Gen Z declaring the pants out, but if collections from designers including Ferragamo have anything to do with it, they're already on their way back.

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On the style set:
(Image credit: @rosiehw)

Notably, we're seeing skinny pants take hold rather than their denim counterparts. If you add a pair to your closet, I predict we'll be seeing suede, wool, and legging versions more than other styles.

Elevated Flip-Flops

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of The Row)

Flip-flops have been a rising trend over the past several years, but it's full steam ahead for the shoes in 2023. If you've been on the fence, now is the time to invest in them. We're specifically seeing elevated leather versions.

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On the style set:
(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

While platform flip-flops are the major way we've seen the shoes bubble up recently, sleeker versions are emerging for 2023.

Satin Outerwear

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch)

Tory Burch's S/S 23 collection was a masterclass in layering, and one of the standout items were the satin coats that made a major impact on the runway. Satin was spotted elsewhere throughout the season, so I'm placing bets that we'll see plenty of cool, shiny pieces emerge next year.

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On the style set:
(Image credit: @neelam.ahooja)

Whether you go for a bold shade or a simple neutral, satin coats and jackets are the ultimate polished take on outerwear.

Layered Tops

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Miu Miu)

Basics are anything but basic when excessive layering is involved. No brand demonstrated this better than Miu Miu, where many layers of jersey tees and dresses were worn together for a cool, maximalist take on simple shirts.

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On the style set:
(Image credit: @sophiaroe)

Opt for different shades of the same piece to add some dimension to your simple staples.

Socks

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of The Row)

A piece as simple as socks looks 10 times cooler when paired with heels and sneakers—that is yet another takeaway from The Row to borrow for your 2023 wardrobe.

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On the style set:
(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Exposed socks feel intentional and cool. Test out different shades and shoe combinations.

Next: These Are the 5 Biggest Handbag Trends for Spring 2023

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Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.