Want to be on top of your style game this year? This year’s trend predictions are forecasted to be bright, glittery, feminine and otherworldly. From ballet core to mermaidcore, this year will be the year of fashion aesthetics. If you see brands such as Zara, H&M or Forever 21 copying these designer runway show looks, it is officially a trend. 

• Silver and Gold Metallics 

On runways for this year’s upcoming spring/summer season, there was no shortage of eye-catching shine, with metallics featured everywhere: from outerwear to bags to shoes. For example, Tory Burch featured reflective gold textiles in coats and bags alike, and Michael Kors released the ultimate 2023 cool girl outfit showcasing a silver sequined maxi skirt worn with a gray-marl tank. On top of that, Fendi just released an entire baguette bag collection with the theme being a metallic frenzy of glittery hues. From scaly, mermaid-tinged sequins at Chloé to shiny fabrics at 16Arlington, sparkle and glitter fabrics dominate the runways, signaling an unexpected interruption of 2023’s gloomy fashion forecasts of neutral tones. 

• Cyber Alien Chic 

Cyber chic or “cyber core” is a trend that evolved from last year’s subversive fashion trend. It is a slight level-up on subversive fashion because it adds an edgy maximalist aesthetic that meets a galactic space vibe. Think metallic fabrics, unexpected cutouts, Star Trek-inspired sunglasses and futuristic designs. Sci-fi and dystopian influences from movies such as “Dune” and “Mad Max” have inspired this trend to involve an avant-garde-futuristic aesthetic. If you want some inspiration on how to style these, check out Rick Owens’ SS19 Collection or any of Diesel’s recent runway collections featuring shiny silver purses, unique cutouts and metallic mini-skirts. Video games and dystopian movies are also great sources for cyber alien outfit inspiration. Even if you’re not a gamer, you can channel the techie look with futuristic glasses, loose-fitting jeans, and lots of black, silver and shiny chrome textures.

• Mermaid Core

Inspired by the recent remake of “The Little Mermaid,” the mermaid core trend features a watery siren look filled with luminous fabrics, pearls, sea shells jewelry and relaxed silhouettes. It provides a contrast to the other recent “coastal grandmother” trend that was born on TikTok last year. The first glimpse of what would become the mermaid core emerged in Versace’s SS21 collection, where models walked the runway in dresses printed with seashells and starfish. Fast-forward to 2023, recent spring/summer and resort collections are covered in scale-like paillettes or drenched in shades like sea glass, ocean and aquamarine. Although sequins and illuminating fabrics are not new on the runways, having them featured in fall-winter collections is a first. For example, recent emerging brands such as Siedrés and New Arrivals have all featured a form of disco-meets-deep sea embellishment in their resort and fall/winter collections. To style this ocean-inspired trend, focus on wearing seashore-inspired accessories such as sea shell necklaces and starfish earrings, blue, green and purple tones and relaxed satin or sequined fabrics.

• Ballet Core 

Although always prevalent, the ballet core aesthetic is the most recent trend dominating the runways. Miu Miu’s most recent collection released $900 ballet flats, making their customers immediately flock to purchase them. Ballet core was inspired by the performance costumes of dancers and rehearsal attire such as leg warmers, ballet flats and the color palette: pink, gray and white. Many are viewing this trend as a natural progression in the leisurewear space through its melding of practical materials such as spandex and cotton with stylish couture undertones. The key to styling this trend is wearing light pink, gray and white tones with sweaters and leg warmers perfect for a cozy and chic winter look.