No one wants to start off a new year with unwanted baggage, which is why before breaking the seal on a fresh calendar, I always make it a priority to clear out all the clothes, shoes, bags, and more that no longer suit me or my style to make room for the pieces that will in the 365 days ahead. But if there’s anything I’ve learned from doing this year in and year out, it’s that a true closet clear-out shouldn’t be done on a whim. You’ll only have regrets. Instead, it’s best to consult experts before donating a heap of clothes that could possibly hit trend status again in the near future.
With 2022 coming to an end and 2023 fast approaching, I decided to do just that to help determine which trends are ready to be retired and which I should be buying up as soon as January arrives. And who better to confer with on that topic than The RealReal's manager of women’s fashion and new initiatives, Rachel Glicksberg, who sees everything coming in and out of the luxury consignment store's stock? Without further ado, find out which trends everyone is selling off ahead of 2023 and the ones best to shop instead below.
Selling: Tailored, Relaxed Blazer
Buying: Leather Moto Jacket
"We're noticing that consignors are parting with their tailored, relaxed blazers, an office-appropriate trend long in vogue, in favor of the leather moto jackets designers like Miuccia Prada sent down the runway. Looking at Q4 to date of this year versus last, search demand for 'moto jackets' is up 41%. The more oversize, the better. Luckily for you, The RealReal has a vast supply of past season moto styles to choose from."
Shop the trend:
This jacket is at the tippy top of my 2023 wish list.
I recently tried this on and man, is it good.
Layer this with a hoodie underneath for every celeb's go-to airport look.
Consider me a potential customer.
Selling: Micro Miniskirts
Buying: Pencil Skirts
"The micro mini Miu Miu skirt that was seen everywhere can be credited for the trend’s style fatigue. Retire yours, and instead shop sleek pencil skirts that nearly every designer sent down the runway. If we look at Q4 to date of this year versus last, we're seeing demand for Prada pencil skirts, for example, is up 54%. Pencil skirts from The Row are an even bigger jump, up 99%!"
Shop the trend:
The perfect pencil skirt costs less than $40.
For styling inspo, just look to J.Crew's head womenswear designer Olympia Gayot's Instagram.
It's a need not a want.
Miu Miu's pencil skirts are partly responsible for their comeback.
Selling: Crossbody Handbags
Buying: Structured Top-Handle Bags
"Crossbody bags beloved by office-bound commuters had their moment, but we're now seeing more interest for boxy, structured top-handle bags like the Ana from Luar, fashion's new It bag."
Shop the trend:
Been a classic since '95.
What Rachel said.
Small but mighty.
In the shopping cart she goes.
Selling: TikTok Trends
Buying: One-of-a-Kind Vintage
"There's no denying TikTok’s selling power in determining trending styles, like Totême's now-viral fringe coat or Adidas's Samba sneaker. Consigning these items during the trend's peak will result in high payouts, which you can then spend on a more unique look from The RealReal’s vast vintage archive like a vintage reissued 1994 Maison Martin Margiela tattoo top."
Shop the trend:
Courrèges's ultra-mod miniskirts and cropped jackets will always be cool.
Excuse my excessive drooling.
Loewe's Amazona bag is en route for a serious comeback in 2023. Buy one of the vintage styles before their prices spike.
On-trend Prada boots for $145? I'll take them.
Selling: Butterfly Motifs
Buying: Heart Shapes
"We're now seeing fatigue with the nostalgic '90s butterfly motif in favor of the classic heart. Try throwback pieces from Tiffany & Co. or the more unexpected Bulgari versions on leather rope chains that are trending again."
Shop the trend:
It's giving Wednesday Addams.
An oldie but a goodie.
Prepare for compliments.
The DIY necklace you didn't know you needed.
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