At the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) in September 2023, a number of trends came to the fore that promise to define the fashion aesthetic moving into spring 2024. These include drop waists, metallics, sheers, sequins, cropped blazers, v-necks, and ruffles.

1. Five Fashion Trends
that Dominate the
2023 New York
Fashion Week

2. At the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) in September 2023, a number of trends came to
the fore that promise to define the fashion aesthetic moving into spring 2024. These
include drop waists, metallics, sheers, sequins, cropped blazers, v-necks, and ruffles.

3. Drop waists have the seams and waistband
below or at the hips rather than at the natural
waist, the thinnest point of the abdomen,
between ribcage and hips). This presents an
elegant, draping silhouette that looks as
striking with a casual dress as with a
ballgown. It dates back to the 1920s and the
age of the flapper in the way it deemphasizes
the hips while adding a flowing element that
extends the profile.

4. Drop waists can be incorporated in a number of dress styles, including midis, which have
hems that come down to the mid-calf, below the knees, and effectively create the
impression of a longer torso. The drop waist also works well with a much shorter
hemline, such as a puffy skirt minidress that adds a flair for festive events. Among the
labels that sported distinctive drop waist looks at NYFW were Rachel Comey, Collina
Strada, and Christian Siriano.

5. Another lookprevalentat the fashionweekwas the cropped
blazer, which combinesfull,business-appropriate shoulders
witha cut-off at(orjustabove) the waistline.This eye-catching
combinationcanbe equally effective onthe dance flooras in
the boardroom.It createsan illusionof a smaller waist,
particularly among those with petite sizes.Among the fashion
housesthat featured this lookprominently onthe NYC runway
was FlyingSolo,which created a “disco vibe” througha
combinationof cropped silhouette and gunmetal sequins.By
contrast, Sergio Hudsondelivered a preppy,estate lookusinga
houndstoothpatternpaired withblackleather glovesand blue
jeans.

6. Necklines at the NFWY also took a plunge, with deep V-necks nearly reaching the navel
prevalent in maxidress designs from Dennis Basso, Falguni Shane Peacock, and Bevza.
As these daring, curve-enhancing silhouettesmay be difficult for many to replicate off
the runway, Vogue France notesthat the off-the-shoulder Bardot neckline is also making
a comeback. Popularizedin the 1960s, the typically strapless (or single strap) style is
quintessentiallyFrench and elegantly draws attention to the neckline, shoulders, and
hairstyle, but with a neckline that is horizontalor only slightly plunges at the upper
bosom.

7. AnotheremergingNYFW trend involves ruffles gatheredat the
face and neck. Thisstyle dates back to the mid-16th century
and was originallycommonamongmen and women.Once
associatedwith aristocracy, it now defines“Coquette fashion”,
whichcombinesplayfulnesswithan intricatedesign that can
add volume, pattern,color,and depth to the torso.At New York
FashionWeek, ChristianSirianoemployedtutu materialthat
extended fromshouldersto waist in an attention-getting
explosionofpale pink tulle. By contrast, Adeam combined
layers of lace in a way that was evocative of Victorian
nightgowns.

8. Sheers are another trend that has been ongoingfor
some time and showsno sign of slowingdown.
Often hidingas much as they reveal, such materials
add layer and complexity to the formand a gauzy,
flowingelement that overlays solidstrips of fabric.
Hidingas much as they revealed, sheerswere on
the Coachand ChristianSirianorunwaysand
featuredintricate lace designsand patterns,
includingsheermaterialdownto the ankles.