The future of fashion: Experts predict sci-fi looks will be big in 2023
This article contains affiliate links. We will earn a small commission on purchases made through one of these links but this never influences our experts’ opinions. Products are tested and reviewed independently of commercial initiatives.
From Dune-inspo to dystopian, the future of fashion is, well, futuristic.
At least that’s what those in the know say is coming up in 2023.
According to the Pinterest Predicts series, searches for sci-fi-esque looks are expected to hit high, as demand rises among Gen Z and Millennials.
The company analysed their data and global search data from between September 2020 to September 2022 and found a 215% increase in searches for ‘dystopian outfits’, a 225% rise in ‘avant-garde outfit’, a 70% increase for ‘cyber streetwear’ and for ‘futuristic glasses’, and a whopping 3370% rise in interest in the ‘gamer girl look’.
We all know that Y2K is still dominating the trend cycle, and that also came with its own heavy futuristic and dystopian themes the first time around. From super hits like The Matrix and the growing power of the internet, to the myth of the Millennium Bug, tech permeated the zeitgeist like never before.
So forecasts that sci-fi fashion is rearing its head in a big way should come as no surprise.
Susie Hasler, personal stylist at Styled By Susie and style expert at Vinted tells Metro.co.uk it could have something to do with our bleak outlook on the future – yay!
She explains: ‘In recent years, we have seen trends that reflect the events from 2020. For example, the pandemic saw a rise in comfort and loungewear. When lockdowns ended, we saw a trend towards dopamine dressing where we were turning to bright colours, loud prints and anything fabulously over the top. We used clothes to lift our mood and celebrate our newfound freedom.
‘Fashion in 2023 is taking a completely different turn – some would say the polar opposite. We will be seeing a lean towards dystopian fashion, which is harder, darker and slightly futuristic. This trend reflects society, where many are feeling unsure and not too optimistic about the future. Dystopian fashion has a rebellious, punk feel to it, and while it sounds depressing, you can have a lot of fun with it too.’
Indeed, we’ve already seen some stillsuit-esque ensembles on the Dior catwalk, with the house’s Men Pre-Fall 2023 Menswear show full of helmets, capes, and chunky space boots.
On the subject of inspiration, designer Kim Jones told Vogue Runway: ‘I’ve always loved Dune, which was really the first of sci-fi. And we’ve worked with NASA on some of the more technical prints.’
And speaking of the trend cycle, remember galaxy print? Even that seems to be making a comeback, with Kim Jones using the iconic early 10s staple print a lot in the Dior 2023 menswear finale looks – yes, including leggings. The Dior website even reads: ‘A futuristic odyssey, the Dior Men Fall 2023 line is an invitation to break away and explore.’
Meanwhile, MSGM’s fall ready-to-wear collection included some very cute embroidered takes on galaxy print that brings the iconic Space Jam website to mind.
As fashion writer and trend researcher Mandy Lee (do yourself a favour and follow her if you don’t already) says in one of her recent TikToks on the collection’s prints and headpieces: ‘To me, this points to a very direct reference to the 1960s retro-futurism, space-age fashion. That’s where my mind immediately went.
‘All while styling it in a very indie sleaze, kind of Tumblr way.’
