As we head out of winter and embrace the new spring season, it is time to think about refreshing our mental state and closet at the same time. As more of us are spending more time in the office, it is a great time to check in on the state of clothes for professional women in 2023. It almost feels exciting to think about dressing up for something again, and we can’t be the only ones feeling that way. Obviously we wish it was dinner or a show while on vacation but if it’s just running to the office lunch spot with our work bestie, we’ll take it.
First, we are seeing a continued emphasis on comfort and functionality. We did spend 3 years in sweatpants, that embrace of coziness isn’t just going to disappear. This means more relaxed fits, and easy-to-move-in fabrics like cotton and stretch polyester. Gone are the days of not being able to reach to grab something off the edge of your desk. We are also seeing a rise in athleisure-inspired clothing, pairing a pantsuit with sleek sneakers instead of heels, or joggers in work-appropriate fabric like wool or silk with a structured jacket. More and more companies are moving to hybrid office schedules so pieces that pull double duty, looking great on Teams and in a conference room, are a value add to closets.
Another trend to watch for in professional wear for women is the use of bold colors and prints. Heck Yes! We are happy to see the embrace of colors other than Navy and Grey in the office. Bright shades like pink and green are becoming a popular office standout in the sea of black basics, as are bold geometric patterns and abstract prints. This is a great way to bring your personality to the office. We suggest a classic silhouette like the Heather, in pink for that extra pop to brighten your day at the office.
Sustainability is also a trend to watch for in 2023. Many women are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact, and are choosing clothes made from sustainable materials, slow fashion brands or pieces that can be worn in more than one way to get the most out of each piece. We produce in small batches, this avoids excess inventory that could potentially end up in landfills. Also highly recommend playing with the neckline on the Yaa or wearing the Becca buttoned up, over pants or as a layering jacket to get the most out of these styles.
In terms of specific clothing items, blazers and tailored jackets are going to be big in 2023. (this is a BIG hint on our next collection!) These can be dressed up or down and are a great way to add some structure to a more relaxed outfit. Pairing a blazer with a coordinated bottom or sheath dress brings big boss vibes when you need to as well. Since they are the go to layering piece in professional wear for women, blazers and jackets are always a good investment piece. Having a go to blazer makes getting dressed in the pre-work dash simple or if you’re taking meetings from the comfort of your laptop, it helps elevate a t-shirt.
Overall, the key to office fashion in 2023 is about finding a balance between comfort and style. Whether you're embracing bold colors and prints, choosing sustainable fabrics, or experimenting with new silhouettes, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in what you're wearing.