7 Low-Key Trends That Will Keep Your Outfits Looking Fresh This Year

In my 12 years spent working in the fashion industry, I've seen a monumental shift in the way we talk about trends. From Instagram's formative years, when some considered it taboo to wear the same outfit twice on their grid (what was all that about?) to the new-season looks from the runway that would be replicated on the market almost overnight, the stance was very clear: new = good. Thankfully, things have come a long way in that time, and now everyone, from editors to buyers to consumers, has shifted their focus to longevity. Every purchase we make, be it high-end or affordable, should be done so with consideration. Does said purchase speak to my personal taste? Do I already own something like this? Will it go with the pieces I own? These are just some of the questions I ask myself whenever I feel the urge to break out my bank card, and they help guide me to more sensible shopping decisions. 

Still, I understand the desire to feel current; to make your clothes feel fresh for a new season. This, however, doesn't mean that you need to copy-and-paste the latest (and, let's face it, sometimes bonkers) ensembles from the catwalk. Instead, I like to look for microtrends—the looks that are bubbling under the surface of the season's overarching aesthetics—to find items that fit the above description but don't require sacrificing your style. As someone who dresses quite seriously most of the time, I like to weave in a couple of unexpected pieces here and there to make my outfits more unique—and the below will undoubtedly do just that. 

Below, I've assembled seven trends that might seem small but are, in fact, pretty impactful. From the cute jewellery that keeps cropping up to the latest way to wear your flat shoes, scroll on to see the low-key microtrends I love for 2023 that have track records of coming back in style again and again.

1. Folksy Knits

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Turns out there's life beyond the greige jumper I've worn day in day out since October. Bright, folksy-style knits will keep you toasty now but also help transition your winter wares into spring. 

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Patchwork weaves immediately fit the folk-knit bill, but stripes in retro and pastel tones also work. 

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2. White Socks + Flat Shoes

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(Image credit: @racheleveritt_)

It's preppy and will make even your oldest pair of loafers feel fresh this season. The trick? Just add white socks. 

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(Image credit: @racheleveritt_)

This trend works with just about every flat shoe out there; my preference, however, is a pair of classic Mary Janes. 

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3. Knee Skirts

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

If you've already read our breakdown of the biggest 2023 runway looks, then you'll already know that knee-length skirts featured heavily in the designer collections. 

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

What I love most about this trend is, well, that it's not really a trend at all! It's a shape that we haven't seen saturating the market for a while, but it's never gone "out" of fashion. And, honestly, I doubt it ever will. Either take a midi skirt you already own to your tailor for a hemline lift, or invest in a timeless iteration, such as black faux leather or woollen box pleats. 

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4. Sports Tees

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Another trend that hasn't gone out of style, I'd still go as far as to say that graphic printed tees have taken a backseat to simpler iterations over the past few years. However, as Monikh Dale's latest post pulled in a whopping 17,000 likes, suffice it to say I think we're collectively ready to embrace logo jersey tops once more. 

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(Image credit: @monikh)

After looking around, I can concur that sports-themed printed tees are where it's at, but that's not to say you can't show your appreciation for your favourite band with some merch. 

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5. Puffy Hearts

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(Image credit: @allisonho)

Prada resurrected chunky heart jewellery last year with its now-sold-out style, but it's clear this is a look that's sticking around for 2023, as so many fashion people are wearing them non-stop. 

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(Image credit: @allisonho)

Allison Ho has two necklaces she wears on rotation, which give her basics a joyful feel. 

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6. Two-Tone Jeans

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(Image credit: @fiahamelijnck)

Jeans are one of the most well-worn pieces in my wardrobe, so I'm generally more open to being experimental with denim than I am anything else. This season's two-tone jeans strike the perfect balance between feeling current and not being 2023 specific. 

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(Image credit: @fiahamelijnck)

Knowing how much wear Fia Hamelijnck has gotten out of her Levi's in such a short space of time is giving me the confidence I need to give them a whirl. 

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7. Bright Bags

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

I wear a lot of neutrals, but lately I've been looking for an easy way to add some colour into my outfits. Cue a bright bag! 

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

Every handbag collection—even one owned by a self-confessed classicist like me—has room for one bright bag. Never get rid of it, as I guarantee you'll always have outfits that call for it. 

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Next Up, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.