In case you missed it, robots have come for your job. No, really. Over the last few months, the rise of artificial intelligence and automated chatbots is all anyone has been able to talk about. And there’s no other crowning glory than ChatGPT, the OpenAI-published platform that can craft an email to your boss as easily as it can create a travel itinerary. While ChatGPT has been known for its impediment to technical, data, and media jobs, AI software hasn’t been able to enter the fashion space as seamlessly as you would have thought.
As a shopping editor at Who What Wear, I spend most of my time researching trends and developing expert product recommendations based on runway trends and the retail market. Naturally, my eye for of-the-moment trends and aesthetics has only soared since being here, but is it a match for one of the world’s most buzzed-about supercomputers? While watching re-runs of Gossip Girl at 2 a.m. on a random weeknight, I decided to find out.
While ChatGPT is pretty straightforward to use, I wanted to make sure my asks were as detailed as possible, given that the platform doesn’t go into data-driven real-time details or specifics. Pulling upon some of the internet’s most viral trends, items, and colors of the season, I’m shocked that these six outfits are actually things I’d wear. Gone are the days of staring at my closet and putting together outfits on my head. As the saying goes, there’s AI for that now.
Given the rising quiet-luxury trend, the first outfit I asked ChatGPT to create fell within this aesthetic. Its answer? “Start with a flowy midi-length slip dress in a luxurious fabric like silk or satin. Opt for a soft and muted color such as ivory, blush, or dove gray.” For accessories, ChatGPT recommended summer staples like structured leather handbags and “minimalist leather sandals or pointed-toe mules in a neutral tone.”
There will always be two constants in life: death and our love for French style. The anti-trend motif has been picking up some steam in the summer months, and naturally, ChatGPT had to weigh in. A “breezy white linen button-down shirt” and “high-waisted straight-leg jeans in a medium wash” are the core of this on-trend summer 2023 look. Aside from dainty, stackable jewelry and minimal white sneakers, you should “layer a lightweight knit sweater over your shoulders for a chic and nonchalant look.” Done!
When it comes to micro-trends, I was pleasantly shocked to see ChatGPT present a list of chic items that have cemented themselves as my most exciting buys of the season. Even though you can’t technically have an AI chatbot be a fashion editor, the outfit the system suggested to go along with the cut-out micro-trend was something I would have bought without a second guess. Its suggestion? Cut-out one-pieces and tops with simple jeans are the way to go. “Cut-outs are making a statement in summer 2023. Look for tops, dresses, and swimwear with strategic cut-out designs, whether on the shoulders, waistline, or back. This trend adds a touch of intrigue and allure to your summer outfits.”
Thanks to celebrity placements, crochet dresses have been everywhere. If you’re looking for an AI-approved outfit, ChatGPT suggests a relaxed, white knitwear dress worn with “strappy leather sandals in a neutral color” and “delicate gold rings and a simple bracelet.” The fact that I already wore something like this to brunch last week is quite telling—ChatGPT low-key knows what it’s talking about.
High-waisted wide-leg jeans have to be some of my favorite things to wear in the summer. While I’m used to always throwing on a simple white T-shirt and not thinking much about my outfits, ChatGPT suggests sleeker, elevated alternatives for the extra-wide style. Pieces like straw bucket bags (à la Jane Birkin), strappy sandals, and cropped poplin shirts are highly encouraged. “Look for a blouse with puffed sleeves or unique detailing to add a feminine and trendy element.”
Just like my personal style mantra, ChatGPT has one timeless summer staple that celebrities and editors rely on time and time again for elevated looks: linen pants. “Start with a pair of high-waisted wide-leg linen pants in a neutral color like beige, white, or light gray,” it recommends. “The linen fabric adds a lightweight and breezy feel to the outfit, perfect for summer.” ChatGPT then suggested a relaxed-fit white tank top or linen blouse paired with tan slides and round oversize sunglasses.
