The Bazaar Guide to Building Your Fall 2023 Wardrobe

Forget what you think you know about wardrobe foundations and closet staples. The fall 2023 fashion trends that most impressed me as Bazaar’s senior fashion editor were fresh perspectives on timeless and polished essentials. Classic pencil skirts come with slightly elongated hemlines (but not so long that they hide our favorite flats), while trousers are splashed in the beautiful, bold red from the runway. Oversize suiting has added flair in the form of a pinstripe print. As for new accessories? Box bags worth cherishing forever arrive with a pop of color, and belts with bold hardware promise to tie every look together through all of the seasons. Then there’s the splurge at the top of the entire office’s wish list: Prada’s fall/winter runway white leather flat adorned with tiny flowers.

All in all, there’s so much to elevate our definition of an essential. From the pages of Harper’s Bazaar’s early fall issues, I break down my favorite must-have trends of the season and how to wear each one.

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Hero: The Prada Spazzolato Leather Flats

Adorned with a spray of tiny handmade flowers, Prada’s latest It shoe puts a fresh point on everything from slim trousers to a full skirt.

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Pinstripe Blazers

Oversize blazers are a perfect finish to any workday look, whether you’re running into a meeting or off to a business lunch. (I would know: I often wear a blazer throughout the week, and always have one hanging on the back of my office chair.)

Designers are leaning into this annual fall staple with new, pinstripe versions. The stripes break up the look and make it more dynamic, even when a blazer is layered over a plain trouser. I love the idea of borrowing from Saint Laurent’s playbook, wearing one with a white T-shirt and a leather skirt. It’s also suited to an easy jeans-and-loafers outfit.

Why don’t you… Swap the red lip for a watch with a Bordeaux leather strap.

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Midi Pencil Skirts

The midi pencil skirt silhouette is on its way to becoming a new staple–just look at Paris Fashion Week street style for proof. The style is easy to wear throughout the day, yet it always looks so put-together—either with a kitten heel for a more dressed-up approach or a Mary Jane flat for a busy day on your feet.

Variety might be the skirt’s best quality. I’ve seen pencil midi skirts in leather, wool, knit, and embellished variations for fall. Prada’s runway floral white appliqué skirt is at the top of my personal wish list. (And the runway offered a helpful styling tip: You can never go wrong pairing a pencil midi skirt with a classic gray crewneck sweater.)

Why don’t you… Keep things easy—and elegant—with a gray crewneck.

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Dark Florals

Florals have a place in your fall wardrobe when they come in a moody, dark palette. These prints feel even cooler layered with a pair of jeans and a waxed jacket, or tucked into a mini denim skirt with a pair of high equestrian boots. There’s also the option to go full floral, and as someone who loves a floral pant (year-round!), I’m all for this idea.

For an additional pop, I’d wear a classic investment bag in a color that will complement the florals. A chestnut brown or black belt could break up the look, perhaps in braided leather for extra texture. Finally, chunky gold jewelry can make these bolder florals feel true to your everyday style.

Why don’t you… Offset the print with a monochromatic box bag.

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Red Trousers

As people who work in fashion love to say, “Trousers are always a good idea.” This mantra ties back to my very own uniform, especially in the color of the season—red! Whether you go in a monochromatic direction with a red top or break the palette up with a white shirt, these bright trousers are a fresh take on a wardrobing staple.

For an even bigger statement, I love the idea of color blocking with a red sweater that is slightly darker or lighter than the trousers’ shade. Or, staying within warm tones and pairing them with a pink crewneck.

Why don’t you… Break up an all-red look with a black leather belt.