These 30 Items Are Defining Winter 2023—Take Note

Every time Melie Bianco releases a new color of this braided shoulder bag, I see it all over TikTok in a matter of days. First, it was the classic black and dark green, then red, and now, it's this stunning shade of mocha brown. All I have to say is get one before they're all snatched up. 

Studs are in, and that's been made perfectly clear by the fashion crowd. But some studded items are simply superior to others (e.g., Alaïa's Mary Jane flats, Khaite's belts, etc.). The latest to reach that top-tier status are these Reformation jeans that snap up the sides like the breakaway pants I wore in elementary school but in a way that screams "Chic!"

Of all the items that debuted on the fall 2023 runways in February, these bouquet-embellished white pumps from Prada were easily the ones that fashion people continue to show the most interest in. 

Ever since hoodies became the centerpiece at Miu Miu, I've been trying to find one with the same elevated look and feel as the ones that debuted at the brand's F/W 23 show to no avail. Luckily, Zara recently dropped a neoprene-effect style in three colors that I and plenty of others will gladly grab to re-create Miuccia Prada's now-iconic no-pants looks. 

If you want a statement belt but aren't quite ready to spend $500+ on it, this B-Low the Belt option featuring a Western-inspired buckle and chrome studs is just the one for you. My co-worker Anna already owns it, and IRL, it's even better than it looks online. 

It's rare that one of the buzziest items of the moment is one from a previous season, but ever since Tory Burch put this hook-and-eye tunic from its S/S 23 collection on sale a month ago, it's been all anyone's been talking about and wearing. During New York Fashion Week, I saw it at least three times. 

Alert: viral $60 shoes! These affordable Mary Janes check off every box—they're all over TikTok, absolutely timeless, and a product of Nordstrom's in-house and editor-favorite brand Open Edit. Did I mention that they also come in silver? 

Not only did this dress already make its NYFW debut on Elsa Hosk at a celeb-packed David Yurman dinner, but it's also making the rounds all over social media and selling out extremely quickly. That's not a huge surprise, of course, given Helsa's history since it launched. But this dress, in particular, continues to get lots of attention. 

Of all the major designer bags that are having a moment right now, the purse I'm really dying to get my hands on most is this Elena shoulder bag from the NY-based label Khaite. The studded version is so chic and Sofia Richie approved, and the style is everything I've been searching for this season. It's too bad that I'm just like everyone else. That style is entirely sold out, and the plain black leather version is going fast. 

Lace has gone through countless periods of fashion highs and lows, ebbing between tacky and elegant every few years or so. In 2023, though, the lace offering is anything but the former, with brands like Khaite, Saint Laurent, and Beaufille designing decadent creations using the delicate material. 

It's all about long leather gloves this season, be it on the streets of Milan during fashion week or a runway in Paris. (I'm looking at you, The Row.)

Nine times out of 10, if you spot a chic outfit this winter, it'll be accompanied by some '80s-inspired gold or silver earrings. 

Just like the above earrings, the hugely popular padded-shoulder trend has strong ties to the 1980s, an oft-slept-on style era. If you like big shoulders and nipped-in silhouettes, this is the layer you should be investing in this season.

Tibi's Sid jeans have taken the fashion world by storm, first with the classic blue colorway, then with the ecru alternative for summer. Now, black is the perfect denim shade for the colder months. 

Every season, one pair of sneakers from Wales Bonner's collaboration with Adidas goes viral. This time around, it's these chrome, crochet Sambas that are growing in value by the day on secondhand stockists like StockX and GOAT after they completely sold out online. 

Pastel pink isn't exactly a stereotypical "winter color," but that's exactly why it's such a good addition. What's fun about only wearing what's expected of you? 

Though it is the spring runways that are really pushing pedal pushers on us right now, I've never been very patient when it comes to trends, which is why I'm delving into the capri-length bottoms immediately (before it gets too cold) instead of waiting all the way until 2024. 

The easiest and most affordable yet arguably coolest trend on this list is stretchy headbands, which ties back to Schiaparelli's F/W 23 collection. Enough said. 

Big earrings are trending, yes. Big earrings designed by the granddaughter of Salvatore Ferragamo, Maria Sole Ferragamo? Those are fashion gold. 

Trust me—you'll be seeing every brand under the sun creating their own versions of these stunning, buckle-heavy Miu Miu kitten heels from the label's fall collection. For the best winter look, pair them with colorful or fishnet tights. 

Speaking of fishnets, thanks to a monumental showing at numerous fall shows, from Victoria Beckham to Tory Burch, these formerly outdated stockings are making a serious comeback. 

Shorts for these colder months are unexpected enough, whether they're micro shorts or longer pleated styles. As much as we once collectively hated tights paired with shorts and heels, it's all anyone can talk about on TikTok of late, which can only mean one thing: utter ubiquity for the remainder of 2023. 

If you haven't heard of the London-based brand Liberowe, now that it's officially hit Net-a-Porter, let me introduce you. Founded by Talia Loubaton in 2021, the label that specializes in expertly crafted outerwear is quickly becoming one of fashion's favorites, with sightings on tastemakers like Claire Rose and Blanca Miró Scrimieri.

After gold cuffs were spotted on nearly every model at Saint Laurent's fall show, the retro bracelets have hopped right up to the tippy top of every fashion person's wish list. 

I shouldn't have been at all surprised when I started seeing this Norma Kamali faux-leather mini all over my FYP. After all, it hits on so many of this season's top trends, from the off-the-shoulder neckline to the very Alaïa-esque skater silhouette. 

The Loewe Small Squeeze Bag may have arguably been the bag of New York Fashion Week and is a favorite of celebrities like Sofia Richie Grainge, Emily Ratajkowski, and Jennifer Lawrence, so I shouldn't be shocked that it's sold out all across the internet. While we wait for it to be restocked, Loewe's Flamenco bag is dominating—everything about it is effortlessly cool.

From the chic heather gray to the long pleats, this under-$100 Mango skirt deserves all stars and no demerits. 

As fun as it was to clobber around NYC in chunky boots for the last few fall and winter seasons, this time around, change is in the air, and it's bringing with it an era of sock-like stiletto boots. These ones, in particular, will likely sell out.

Cartier's Baignoire timepiece is one of 2023's most sought-after investment items, with many hoping to get their hands on one of the beautiful oval-shaped styles, even if it means spending a hefty chunk of change to do so. My suggestion? Score one on the luxury resale market at a place you trust. 

If you need proof that track pants are dominating the trend scene right now, I'd be happy to supply receipts courtesy of my Instagram Saved folders, which are full of outfit ideas that are all centered on this sporty jeans alt.