With a new year comes a fresh start, and lots of fresh trends to look forward to! From dreamy to dramatic, the roundup ahead provides a snapshot of trend predictions that you can expect to see in 2023, which we will be incorporating into Sallie Tomato's upcoming projects, tutorials, and products for this year. We plan to continue to be your source for the latest trends in sewing, in a sustainable way.
Looking to the runaways and also to real-life style influencers, 2023 is predicted to cover a wide range of aesthetics, each mirroring a cultural shift, with the spectrum ranging from joyous style to sensible stapes. Amongst all of the changes in the fashion world, there is an overall theme for 2023: investment. The fashion and accessories crowd will be shopping for the long-term. Consumers are actually shifting away from trends and looking for pieces with a timeless appeal that complement their hybrid lifestyles. Expect to see sheer looks, sleek tailoring, continued popularity for all things 1990s and 2000s, bold futuristic looks, and also those who are embracing the vintage market.
After reviewing the trend predictions, I adapted runway fashion and social media influences to sewing and crafting to be more relatable, practical, and sustainable. Remember that trends can be modified to fit your own personal style and can be incorporated with timeless elements.
So, here's what's ahead for 2023:
ELEVATED EVERYDAY WEAR
Less is more in 2023. Runway fashion and online searches for sheer, mesh, cut-out, and transparent looks are gaining popularity. However; there is also a progressive shift towards modest, tailored looks. This trend of low-key luxury is on the rise for everyone and anyone. And it’s all about clever execution of casual comfort and those quality pieces that have longevity to make your wardrobe inspiring and worth the investment.
To practically mesh these opposing trends to elevate your everyday wear and accessories, combine relaxed tailoring with subtle interesting materials or unique fits, such as sheer laying pieces.
Plus, with a return to the office means bags and accessories are getting bigger again. Professionals need to carry everything from their laptop to cosmetics. Expect roomy, minimalist totes and large handbags with lots of pockets and statement shapes or quilting.
How you can incorporate this trend in sewing and craft projects:
- Incorporate delicate lace trims, romantic ruffles, and mesh into your sewing projects for the hottest accessories and apparel.
- The bigger, the better; select sewing patterns for large-sized bags such as our Phlox, Sandy, Commuter, Phileas, Katye, and Paloma patterns.
- Visit the thrift store for inspiration and to find layering pieces.
- Make a belt for styling layered outfits which is included in our Phileas tote pattern, or our Perfect Belt pattern.
NOSTALGIC STYLE
Brace yourself for the continued craving for nostalgia. Gen Z continues to be the driving force behind the obsession with the not-so-distant past. The best way to follow this trend is by doing it authentically. Search for vintage pieces or dig through your wardrobe to reacquaint yourself with the past. Combine elevated basics with subtle Y2K details if you’re not interested in trending all the way back to the 1990s or 2000s, but remain sentimental about the era.
How you can incorporate this trend in sewing and craft projects:
- Denim rises to the top of the Y2K must-haves. Whether it’s printed, distressed, patchwork, studded or all of the above, you can’t go wrong.
- Accessories are an easy way to adopt the Y2K look such as bags, jewelry, and hair clips. A few bag patterns you could make include the Scarlett shoulder bag, Barbara tote, Aurora slouchy tote, Ferris fanny pack, and our free Back to Basics tote.
- Shop for ‘90s and ‘00s inspired fabrics to add a little flair to your projects.
FUTURISTIC FASHION
Prepare for a riot of texture, glistening metallics, explosions of feathers, multi-pocketed designs, asymmetric hems, and long-layered fringe to liven up apparel and accessories. People are pushing the boundaries of fashion with dark, digital, and moody looks. Polished grunge, cargo pockets, and distressed denim are all making a name for themselves. Also, while the electric rainbow of colors trend from 2022 is here to stay, silver is taking the spotlight this year as well. Elements and embellishments like these are key to adding that touch of glamor and tie into our digital future.
How you can incorporate this trend in sewing and craft projects:
- Incorporate unique accessories, dominating colors, and step outside of your comfort zone to transform your projects with embellishments such as rhinestones, studs, rivets, and metallic embroidery.
- For a high glam look, add unique designer locks, strap connectors, metal labels, strap arches, and metal handles to bags
- Free-spirited fringe helps people feel a sense of ease and flirtatious fun. Add long fringe tassels and asymmetric fringe to your beloved patterns for a low-effort, but high-impact way to embrace this trend.
- Sew with our new sequins fabric, unicorn leather, or faux metal metallic zippers to add some shine to your next project.
- Make a pattern with asymmetrical design such as our Commuter and Free Custom Tray or Basket patterns.
VINTAGE MODERN AESTHETIC
The word “trend” can evoke negative thoughts associated with fast fashion and flashy statement pieces. However, there’s the flip side - some trends can simply be a return of classic pieces with fresh styling choices. And this trend is just that. This aesthetic focuses on outfitting your home, wardrobe, and accessories with pieces that will last for several years for a timeless aesthetic.
Also spotted on the runway was the return of 16th-century farthingales, 17th-century panniers and 19th-century crinolines. So looking ahead, but also far into the past, historic apparel features and accessories are predicted to be in the spotlight.
Also gaining traction in vintage aesthetics is grunge style, which is more romantic during this wave of revival. Plus, designers are adding contemporary touches to classic bag shapes. I think this is my favorite trend of the new year because styles are trending towards timeless pieces with a modern twist, which defines Sallie Tomato perfectly.
How you can incorporate this trend in sewing and craft projects:
- Use gold or antique hardware on bags to resemble old-world and vintage design.
- Sew with our exotic selection of faux fur fabrics for a historic, luxury look.
- Watch our Thrift Flip series on YouTube for inspiration on how to repurpose old pieces into something more modern.
Are you ready to embrace some of the 2023 trends? Which trend are you most and least looking forward to in 2023? Comment below!
I sincerely hope you enjoyed this roundup. We are excited to put these trends to the test and apply them to sewing in a sustainable way!
Jessica Barrera
Founder of Sallie Tomato
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