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6 Micro Trends We Spotted During London Fashion Week (from Faux Fur to Colorful Suits)

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As a fashion editor, Fashion Month—aka the month-long period when NYC, London, Milan and Paris host hordes of editors, influencers and buyers at hundreds of runway shows and brand presentations—has long been one of my favorite times of the year. Not because I get to go to fun shows (although that is a perk), but because it’s the best time of year for people watching. I love combing through street style photos of chic attendees to see what runway trends have actually been adapted to real life. This helps me predict which styles you’re likely to see flooding your Instagram feeds in just a few short weeks, and which are more likely to be relegated to editorial spreads and red carpets.

First it was New York City’s turn in the spotlight, but now it’s London’s time to shine. Here are six micro trends I spotted making the rounds during LFW that might just prove to be the next big thing.

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london fashion week micro trends draped sweater
Edward Berthelot ; Christian Vierig/Getty Images

1. Sweaters Draped Over Shoulders

This preppy styling trick is perfect for transitional spring weather, when mornings can be frigid and afternoons suddenly jump up 20 degrees on the thermometer. Some folks knotted them snug around their necks (almost like a scarf), while others left the arms hanging down for a more casual vibe. Either way, this gives you a cool new way to add some depth to your ensemble, and a bonus layering option throughout the day. Stick with sweaters that contrast your jacket or top for maximum effect.

london fashion week micro trends fun suiting
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

2. Fun Suiting

Suits were a popular choice for London Fashion Week, but in particular folks seemed to be drawn to bolder colors and funkier patterns that your average office attire. Rather than dress them down, fashion week attendees seemed eager to play up the fun by adding equally colorful or statement accessories, like silver boots, pastel overcoats and oversize earrings. If you would prefer to tone down a standout print, opt for classic silhouettes in neutral hues—like black loafers or tan tote bags—to help strike a balance.

london fashion week micro trends denim on denim
Christian Vierig; Raimonda Kulikauskiene; Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

3. Denim on Denim

I’m not just talking about denim jackets or shirts over jeans (although that was a pretty consistent combo). I also saw folks layering shackets over boiler suits, denim corsets over maxi skirts and even wearing multiple jean jackets of varying styles at once. As always, the best ways to ensure your denim pieces work well together is to either invest in multiple pieces from one brand in the exact same wash or to go for fully contrasting washes (bleached with black, dark indigo with acid wash, etc.), rather than attempting to match two slightly off mid-wash blues.

london fashion week micro trends split hem pants
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

4. Split-Hem Pants

This trend has been lurking in the background for some time now, but I’m predicting it will be a big hit for 2023, both with office-ready trousers and denim. They’re a great alternative to both wide-leg and boot-cut styles, as they offer the same sort of kick at the bottom, just with a slimmer fit up top. Be sure to choose standout footwear, like contrasting lug-sole sneakers or trendy ballet flats to pair with them—that split in the material feels almost like a stage curtain allowing the shoes underneath to steal the spotlight.

london fashion week micro trends faux fur coats
Jeremy Moeller; Christian Vierig; Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

5. Faux Fur

As excited as I am about the prospect of warm weather being right around the corner, truth is the tail end of winter has yet to be dealt with. But rather than trudge along in your trusty puffer coat, take inspiration from these chic Londoners and their cheery faux-fur jackets. Whether you decide to go all in with a furry cropped topper or prefer the look of a (slightly) more subtle trim, the best colors to choose are lighter neutrals or unnatural hues that really drive home the “faux” part of faux fur and have more of a spring feeling than dark brown or leopard spots.

london fashion week micro trends unexpected layers
Neil Mockford; Raimonda Kulikauskeine; Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

6. Unexpected Layering

Looks like the Y2K trend of wearing skirts over pants might finally be coming back around. There were multiple instances of street style stars rocking interesting layered looks, whether they opted for one piece with the layers built into the design or went their own route with a few mismatched pieces. This definitely isn’t a trend for the faint of heart, but if you do want to try it, stick with styles that have a sharply tailored vibe in equally posh materials—like a wide-leg trouser and split pencil skirt, both crispy ironed—to avoid looking sloppy.

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Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...