6 Unlikely Staples I Predict Are About to Be Major

The spring/summer 2023 runway shows are a window into the trends that will be huge next year and the key buys for the upcoming season. We already know some major trends that are about to be huge, including metallics and bubble dresses, shoe styles like heeled Mary Janes, and handbags that are designed for back-to-work lifestyles. I have also had my eye on cool new staples that will define what everyday dressing will look like in the New Year, and some of them are surprising.

Looking to directional brands including The Row and Prada, which always have a hand in shaping what style looks like in the upcoming season, there are some notable staples to have on your radar. Pieces ranging from crisp boxer shorts to skinny pants may sound unlikely, but the way we're seeing them styled on the S/S 23 runways is sure to impact your stance on them. We're also seeing early adopters already wearing them now if you need further proof these are about to be huge. Ahead, the best fashion staples to invest in for 2023, according to the most-talked-about runway shows of the season.

Boxer Shorts

On the runway:

Photo:

Courtesy of The Row

Boxer shorts gained traction over the last several years when dress codes relaxed during the pandemic. Oftentimes they still look like pajamas in a street style context, but it wasn't until I saw them styled on the runway at The Row that I saw them as an elevated piece.

On the style set:

Photo:

@louloudesaison

Take cues from The Row's collection, and style crisp boxer shorts with a button-down, a tailored coat, and sneakers—all in shades of white for a chic tonal look.

On the runway:

Photo:

Courtesy of Ferragamo

Ready or not, skinny pants are making a comeback. This comes on the heels of Gen Z declaring the pants out, but if collections from designers including Ferragamo have anything to do with it, they're already on their way back.

On the style set:

Photo:

@rosiehw

Notably, we're seeing skinny pants take hold rather than their denim counterparts. If you add a pair to your closet, I predict we'll be seeing suede, wool, and legging versions more than other styles.

Elevated Flip-Flops

On the runway:

Photo:

Courtesy of The Row

Flip-flops have been a rising trend over the past several years, but it's full steam ahead for the shoes in 2023. If you've been on the fence, now is the time to invest in them. We're specifically seeing elevated leather versions.

On the style set:

Photo:

@jordanrisa

While platform flip-flops are the major way we've seen the shoes bubble up recently, sleeker versions are emerging for 2023.

Satin Outerwear

On the runway:

Photo:

Courtesy of Tory Burch

Tory Burch's S/S 23 collection was a masterclass in layering, and one of the standout items were the satin coats that made a major impact on the runway. Satin was spotted elsewhere throughout the season, so I'm placing bets that we'll see plenty of cool, shiny pieces emerge next year.

On the style set:

Photo:

@neelam.ahooja

Whether you go for a bold shade or a simple neutral, satin coats and jackets are the ultimate polished take on outerwear.

On the runway:

Photo:

Courtesy of Miu Miu

Basics are anything but basic when excessive layering is involved. No brand demonstrated this better than Miu Miu, where many layers of jersey tees and dresses were worn together for a cool, maximalist take on simple shirts.

On the style set:

Photo:

@sophiaroe

Opt for different shades of the same piece to add some dimension to your simple staples.

Socks

On the runway:

Photo:

Courtesy of The Row

A piece as simple as socks looks 10 times cooler when paired with heels and sneakers—that is yet another takeaway from The Row to borrow for your 2023 wardrobe.

On the style set:

Photo:

@tylynnnguyen

Exposed socks feel intentional and cool. Test out different shades and shoe combinations.