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.


Hero: The Prada Spazzolato Leather Flats

prada shoes pradacom

Jamie Chung

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.


Pinstripe Blazers

a woman wearing a black and white outfit and holding a white cup

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMY TROOST. MODEL: SASKIA DE BRAUW, BAZAAR, MARCH 2022 ISSUE

a collage of a man in a suit and sunglasses

FROM LEFT: DRIES VAN NOTEN, SAINT LAURENT, A-COMPANY; COURTESY THE DESIGNERS

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.

Tansy Oversized Blazer
The Frankie Shop Tansy Oversized Blazer
Credit: Richard Majchrzak
Boyfriend Jacket
Nili Lotan Boyfriend Jacket
Comfort Pinstripe Blazer
Brunello Cucinelli Comfort Pinstripe Blazer
Credit: Richard Majchrzak
We the Free Blazer
Free People We the Free Blazer

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

watches with red straps

RICHARD MAJCHRZAK

Midi Pencil Skirts

a person in a brown coat

PHOTOGRAPH BY DEIRDRE LEWIS. MODEL: ABBY CHAMPION

a collage of a man

FROM LEFT: TOVE, PRADA, EMILIA WICKSTEAD; COURTESY THE DESIGNERS

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.)

Hollywood Vegan Leather Skirt
Anne Klein Hollywood Vegan Leather Skirt
Credit: Richard Majchrzak
Lambskin Leather Pencil Skirt
Lafayette 148 New York Lambskin Leather Pencil Skirt
Pencil Skirt
Marciano Pencil Skirt
Credit: Richard Majchrzak
Pencil Skirt
L’Amours Pencil Skirt
Credit: Richard Majchrzak

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

a group of grey and black shirts

RICHARD MAJCHRZAK

Dark Florals

a woman in a dress

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMY TROOST. MODEL: GRETA HOFER

a collage of a person in a dress

FROM LEFT: ETRO, CHANEL, CAROLINA HERRERA; COURTESY THE DESIGNERS

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.

Maria Floral Blouse
Etoile Isabel Marant Maria Floral Blouse
Credit: Richard Majchrzak
Shirt With Thin Bow
Adam Lippes Shirt With Thin Bow
Credit: Richard Majchrzak
Shirt
Duro Olowu Shirt
Credit: Richard Majchrzak
Icon Printed Satin Blouse
Marciano Icon Printed Satin Blouse

Now 30% Off

Credit: Richard Majchrzak

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

monochromatic box bags clockwise from top left giorgio armani la prima handbag, $1,795 armanicom cartier double c de cartier mini shoulder bag, $2,700 800 cartier gucci horsebit 1955 bag, $3,250 guccicom celine by hedi slimane classique triomphe bag, $4,150 celinecom

RICHARD MAJCHRZAK

Red Trousers

a person in a pose for the camera

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMY TROOST. MODEL: QUINN MORA, BAZAAR FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE

a collage of a person in a red suit

FROM LEFT: FERRAGAMO, MARNI, A.W.A.K.E. MODE; COURTESY THE DESIGNERS

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.

High-Rise Trousers
Mango High-Rise Trousers
Credit: Richard Majchrzak
Tailored Trousers
Attersee Tailored Trousers
Credit: Richard Majchrzak
Calla Pleated Trousers
Free People Calla Pleated Trousers
Credit: Richard Majchrzak
Clement Trousers
Interior Clement Trousers
Credit: Richard Majchrzak

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

belts

RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Headshot of Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen

Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor

Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen is Harper’s Bazaar’s Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor. Outside of the office she can be found downtown with her twin sister, figure skating somewhere or on the hunt for the perfect striped top. Follow her on Instagram @jaclynalexandra