2023 Trends I Refuse to Wear (And A Few I Love) - Nada Manley

It’s a jungle out there, ladies. I’m not going to lie. It’s a good thing you have me, if I do say so myself. How else would you know that head-to-toe sheer dresses and showing your bum in public may not be the most wearable trends to try in 2023. It takes a true fashion expert like me to make that kind of call. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

I have to keep reminding myself that fashion shows are theater and that we’re not expected to wear everything on the runway, the way that it is shown. So, for example, the runways send models strutting out in “naked” dresses. And, with the exception of a pop star or a Kardashian, no one else is going to wear naked dresses.

The sheer trends translates, in real life, to pretty feminine sheer sleeves or details on otherwise wearable styles. I know this, of course, having spent my entire career in the fashion industry.

But some looks still take me by surprise.

In today’s video, I share the trends I will NOT be wearing in 2023 (and many that you might want to seriously consider skipping as well), some that I’m on the fence about, and a few faves.

But first, let’s start with an overview.

There are two main themes happening in fashion for 2023. Let’s call them Utilitarian Tailoring and Goddess Glam.

Utilitarian Tailoring focuses on sharp tailoring, strong shoulders, power suits, trousers, cargo pants, and neutral or subtle colors.

Goddess Glam focuses on sequins, shine, lame, goddess-inspired draped and ruched silhouettes, stilettos, baroque, lace, pretty shoes, bold colors, and general fanciness

Colors For 2023

Although Pantone tapped Magenta as the color of the year, it shares the limelight with other equally bold color options.

Trends I Won’t Be Wearing

This list is pretty long, and while in some cases these are based on personal style, in most cases the trends I reject are based on wearability, flattery, and appropriateness.

Trends I’m On The Fence About

The line is a little blurry, if I’m being honest, because a glance at the above list shows a couple (bubble skirts, cargo pants) that I would consider in the right context or on the right piece. The same is true for the items shown here. They’re just not right for me, whether it’s because I won’t find them flattering or wearable or because I simply don’t love how they look.

Trends I Love

You all know that I am generally positive and LOVE fashion, crazy trends and all, and there was a lot for me to love this season. Here, a few of my fave trends for 2023.