The AW23 Trends to Incorporate Into Your Festive Wardrobe

The search for the perfect party dress starts now, and who can resist a spot of glitter or a smattering of sequins at this time of year? A perennially popular trend for the party season, metallics are known to be a statement of celebration. “As soon as the festive season comes around, everyone loves to sport something metallic, whether it’s an amazing sequinned dress or just a touch of sparkle with a statement earring,” Georgina Coulter, head of buying at THE OUTNET tells MOJEH. “Opting for something glitzy is an easy way to instantly feel dressed up and ready for the celebrations.”

For AW23, shades with unadulterated fluidity take centre stage — look to the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and Dries Van Noten for both dresses and separates in gilded hues, while over at Loewe we saw subtle navies and silvers for a more sophisticated feel. As to be expected, Gucci channelled the trend with fuzzy tinsel coats, while Miu Miu went all out by styling sequin knickers with cashmere cardigans and tights. Dial yours down by teaming with black stirrup leggings or 100 denier tights.

“Paco Rabanne has always been a go-to brand when it comes to metallics,” adds Georgina. “Another brand to add to the radar would be 16Arlington; we have some amazing pieces launching from both brands on THE OUTNET in mid-December.” Last but not least, we all need a pair of glitzy knee-high boots in our closet to elevate our look during the holidays, and Gianvito Rossi has some of the best this season.

Peplum Power

Who remembers when the peplum, best described as a flared, gathered or pleated piece of fabric at the waist of a garment, was the epitome of the questionable business casual aesthetic of the early 2010s? Luckily since then our now-favourite exaggerated hip volume has shaken off its rusty reputation, and today stands out as one of the season’s key silhouettes as the much-maligned piece has slowly come back into the fashion fray.

A look that most certainly seals the deal for a stylish festive event, designers across the style spectrum have been giving the humble peplum a couture makeover this winter, particularly at Tory Burch where we saw subtle shapes with a clear lingerie-esque feel. Richard Quinn and Adeam, on the other hand, added the wow factor by transferring the trend into playful gown form, styled with high octane opera gloves.

Smooth Operator

Cosy enough to wear when curled up on the couch yet appropriately festive for any evening soirée, nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like a beautiful velvet ensemble. Luckily a number of designers are nodding to the trend this season, with lustrous dresses and separates that are perfect for a gala or black-tie event served up alongside more casual mini dresses and skirt suits for dinner parties and beyond.

Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s only collection for Ann Demeulemeester saw the designer create floor-grazing velvet styles that twisted at the neck, while at Loewe three strapless velvet cocktail dresses were beautifully crafted with stiff, tubular stand-away volume alongside plush velvet shoes for a more restrained take on the trend. While numerous clothing iterations can be seen in more traditional black and navy hues this winter, we also love gemstone-inspired colour palettes like emerald green, lapis lazuli blue, amethyst purple and citrine — the last of which was channelled through a beautiful two- piece ensemble at Zimmermann that is right at the top of our wish lists.

All Wrapped Up

Fashion’s most playful adornment, bows both big and small are the detailing du jour this festive season, seen affixed to everything from tops and dresses to bags and shoes. “Bows not only add an element of femininity, but they are versatile and are a great way to make a statement in a holiday outfit,” says Georgina. “An easy way to incorporate them during the festive season is with a bow- embellished shoe, hair accessory or by opting for a pussy-bow blouse. Look to Carolina Herrera and Simone Rocha — from subtle details to making the bow the centre of attention, these designers all have the trend covered.”

While Sandy Liang perhaps leaned in hardest of all, utilising big bows, tiny ribbon adornments and even a black-and-white bow- printed fabric, we also saw subtle detailing at Maisons such as Paco Rabanne and grand, structural elements like the oversized tops at Nina Ricci. Elsewhere the bow took on a gothic air at Rodarte and Bora Aksu — look out for plush black velvet or hair accessory versions of the trend, while oversized ribbons replaced the need for belts at Carolina Herrera. However you wear it, it’s clear that bows are a statement worth making.

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