And just like that, another autumn rolls around. Perhaps it was what felt like the briefest summer in history wrapping up early, or maybe it’s our penchant for all things cosy-chic, but we’ve been anticipating the arrival of autumn/winter 2023 for what has felt an age, and now that it’s finally upon us, there’s a lot to get excited about.
When it comes to new-season shopping, figuring out which trends are really worth investing in is an art we’ve got down to a T. After all, not everything that appears on the runway is necessarily strong enough (or wearable enough) to make the cut—and if you didn’t spend last year stocking up on leg warmers and novelty knits, you’ll already know that to be true. But each season there are a select few buys that standout from the crowd; items so instantly impressive that editors, influencers and fashion devotees alike rush to add to their baskets, and this leads us to today’s topic: autumn 2023’s cult buys.
If you hear the phrase “cult buys” and immediately think of overhyped, overpriced products that come with an extensive waiting list, consider this your introduction to the Who What Wear UK way of shopping. For us, cult buys can come from anywhere and at any price—they’re simply the season’s most-discussed pieces (and for very good reason), and we expect them to stick around long after you see them trending on socials. Think less trend-led items and more timeless talking points.
After poring over the A/W 23 shows, scouring through street style photographs and tracking the new-in sections of some our favourite brands, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of what we’re confident will be the season’s most sought-after pieces. From the classic coat we rely on year after year to the accessories to watch out for, 2023’s cult buys are smart, classic purchases that you’ll want to wear next autumn, too.
So keep scrolling to see the nine pieces that our editors are confident are the most double-tap worthy buys of autumn 2023. And when you start to see them all over your social-media feeds, just remember you saw them here first.
“After a brief flirtation with the teeny-tiny top-handled bag (thank you, Jacquemus), it’s fair to say that autumn 2023 is about to turn up the volume. Hoarders, rejoice—the XXL tote bag returns, and it’s bigger and better than ever. In the latter half of the year, you needn’t downsize to fit your essentials into a mini baguette; these roomy, structured bags are designed to fit everything (including the kitchen sink) and look pristine whilst doing it. Finally, a trend that marries both fashion and function and makes the accessory the star of the show. Pair Loewe’s geometric, foldable totes with slouchy leather or Bally’s gigantic styles with statement shearling to style these ludicrously capacious bags.”
“Let’s be honest—tailoring in September is nothing new. After months of wearing loose cotton summer dresses, when the ‘back to school’ mood returns, so does our desire to wear sartorial pieces that feel a little more structured. Though this trend may not be anything we’ve not seen before, the execution of it by Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent and Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga certainly offers a fresh take on classic ’80s power dressing. Pinstripes, pencil skirts and shoulder pads so big they’d make even Grace Jones raise an eyebrow feel like an ode to the decade, but in compelling and contemporary way. The key is to vary the cuts—long blazers, cropped blazers, baggy trousers, culottes. A mix of dimensions and unexpected proportions bring the drama so you don’t have to.”
“There’s been a democratisation of flat shoes over the past few seasons, and autumn/winter 2023 continues the trend. Where once sandals, boots and trainers were the main flat shoes on the fashion roster, the revival in appreciation of ballet flats, Mary Janes and loafers is proof enough that flat shoes have reclaimed their place. For the new season, designers have honed in on the clear adoration of flat shoes for all times of day, and it will be all about pointed-toe flats. Sharp, elegant and noticeable even under slouchy, tailored trousers, pointed flat adds a directional silhouette to any outfit. From Miu Miu to Tory Burch, pointed flats strode down the runways in every form, from subtly minimal to boldly adorned, and even presented in metallic iterations.”
“Coats are my specialist subject, and this season, I’ve been thoroughly spoiled by designers who produced beautiful style after beautiful style. And whilst there are many microtrends to look out for within the coat category, there was one significant overarching theme this year: More is more. Autumn/winter 2023’s cult coats aren’t just more exaggerated in shape and texture, but in length too. Basically, if it isn’t floor skimming, I’m not interested. Luckily, if you don’t have a few thousand tucked away to invest in Ferragamo’s showstopping red shearling number or one of Stella McCartney’s slouchy, tailored styles, the high street is already jumping on the maxi-coat trend. Look to COS, Arket and Weekday for the best designer-looking options. You know what they say—bigger is always better.”
“The revival of low-rise jeans hasn’t happened overnight. Slowly but surely, Y2K obsession has permeated, touching even those of us who vowed to never go back. Luckily for us, low-rise jeans have shaken off their former form of ultra-low and ultra-skinny, leaving us with a silhouette that is not only more flattering but also looks totally fresh. The baggier shape offers an effortless feel that styles well with a longline overshirt or blazer for a decidedly 2023 take on the retro style.”
“Most often, it’s the smallest details that can make the biggest difference your style, and this season, everyone seems to be investing in a specific jewellery trend to give their ensembles a refresh. Luxury heavyweights Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo and Saint Laurent have all dabbled in jumbo stud earrings this season, sparking a mass reaction unlike anything we’ve ever seen in the realm of jewellery. Whether you choose teardrops or abstract shapes in gold or silver, so long as your earrings are big—I’d say about the size of a large grape and upwards—you’re on the right track.”
“I have been and always will be a knee-high-boot girl. Perhaps it’s down to my stature, because there’s something about creating a seamless line between knee boots and long skirts (no leg on show) that makes my 5’1” frame appear that little bit taller. Either way, knee boots are back and looking chicer than ever, so this is the season I’ll stock up on the styles that I know I’ll wear for decades to come. From quiet luxury iterations seen at the likes of Loro Piana through to more adventurous takes, like Phillip Lim’s python-effect square toe pull-ons, I don’t discriminate—I’m here for different finishes (I love stretch suede, snake print, patent), heels (block, kitten, but mostly anything low) and colours (red for the win though).”
“It might have been a while since you thought about taking a clutch bag out with you instead of your trusty crossbody or tote, but according to autumn/winter 2023’s most covetable designer collections, all that is about to change. Clutches of all kinds were the cult bag to be seen with at so many labels. Even if bags had straps, models tightly clung onto them under their arms as they walked the runways. Some, like at Bevza, were reminiscent of the smaller, boxier clutch bags of the 2010s, but most were softer, slouchier or more sizeable—at least we’re not leaving practicality behind completely. Whichever style you land on, be it simple or statement, mini or supersized, it will do the job a clutch has always done and make your autumn/winter outfits look instantly more polished.”
