2023: The Year of All-Out Event Dressing

2023 The Year of Elevated Event Fashion

2023 The Year of All-Out Event Dressing

The intersection of fashion trends and pop culture was a sight to behold in 2023. From Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, and not to mention the highly anticipated Barbie movie, these events created a level of frenzy we hadn’t seen in ages. People were not just attending these events, they were turning them into full-blown costume parties, complete with elaborate and unique outfits that were showcased on social media for all the world to see.

2023 was truly the year of all-out event dressing, and we must take a moment to reflect on this explosive trend. To dive deeper into the phenomenon, we chatted with celebrity stylist Ashley Afriyie and Depop trend specialist Agus Panzoni. These fashion experts have their fingers on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the industry.

Meet the Experts

Let’s meet our style gurus before we dive into the nitty-gritty:

• Ashley Afriyie, a fashionista with a stellar background in the fashion industry, having worked with top luxury brands like Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue.
• Agus Panzoni, a trend forecaster specializing in fashion and media, and a true expert in the world of secondhand apparel and jewelry.

The Events We Dressed Up For

In 2023, a trio of mainstream pop culture events took the world by storm. Not only did Beyoncé and Taylor Swift embark on highly anticipated tours, but the Barbie movie also captured our collective imaginations. Suddenly, it felt like everyone was planning their show-stopping looks for these events, embracing all things silver, friendship bracelet beads, and the color pink. But this trend didn’t come out of thin air. We saw a glimpse of it during Harry Styles’ Love On Tour in 2022 when fans transformed arenas into feathery wonderlands.

The excitement surrounding dressing up for these events had a two-pronged effect. The fans took it on themselves to wear themed clothing, and the organizers also played their part. Beyoncé, for instance, personally requested concert-goers to don silver outfits for specific shows, which led to a surge in Depop searches for sequins and mirrored pieces. Taylor Swift fans embraced the album-specific “era” aesthetic, rocking everything from fringe gold dresses to snakeskin bodysuits. And with the release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie, fans were inspired to channel their inner Barbie and rock their best “Barbiecore” looks.

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Pre-Pandemic Nostalgia or Social Media Culture?

What’s the driving force behind this surge in event dressing? Well, it’s a combination of post-pandemic nostalgia and our obsession with social media. After years of working from home and wearing sweats, people are itching for reasons to dress up and make a statement. And of course, the allure of capturing the perfect outfit and posting it on social media is hard to resist. In this age of viral moments, we’re all looking for the next big thing, and crafting the perfect outfit has become an art form. Just ask the TikTokers who’ve gone viral for documenting the intricate process of creating their concert ensembles.

Post-pandemic life and social media culture go hand in hand, bringing a sense of unity and shared experience. Posting your outfit on social media is not just about showing off; it’s about finding comfort in knowing that thousands of others are partaking in the trend with you.

The Red Carpet of It All

But it’s not just the fans who are driving this trend. Celebrities and stylists have hopped on the bandwagon, fully embracing event dressing for press tours and premieres. Margot Robbie, for instance, paid homage to classic Barbie dolls through her fashion choices, leaving us in awe. We also witnessed actors embodying their characters on the red carpet, with Halle Bailey channeling her inner mermaid for multiple outings related to The Little Mermaid, and Anya Taylor-Joy donning a custom pink Dior jumpsuit inspired by Princess Peach for the Super Mario Bros. movie premiere. Stars use their red carpet looks to reconnect with their characters, bringing a sense of excitement and anticipation to fans.

Is This Sustainable?

While dressing up for events has never been more accessible, courtesy of fast fashion brands providing low-cost options, there are more sustainable ways to participate in this trend. Repeat outfit-wearing and shopping on secondhand resale platforms like Depop allow you to join the trend in a circular and sustainable manner. Accounts like @extremelybeautiful and @dutchfonzie showcase how to wear micro-trends in creative and versatile ways, inspiring multiple uses for a single item of clothing. Depop even introduced a new “repop” feature that simplifies the process of reselling items you bought for specific occasions. This way, you can extend the lifespan of your clothes and reduce waste.

So…What’s Next?

As we bid farewell to 2023, we can’t help but wonder if the all-out event dressing trend will continue into 2024. While next year promises exciting concerts, they might not reach the cultural phenomenon status of Swift and Beyoncé’s tours. Nevertheless, the tradition of dressing up for events is here to stay. As Agus Panzoni aptly puts it, “Pop culture has evolved into a tapestry of connection, crafting a collective identity and forging a sense of belonging that transcends the barriers of our everyday lives.” Participating in these trends and traditions is more than just showing support; it is about building bridges and fostering a sense of togetherness in a world that often feels isolating.

So, get ready for what’s to come, fashionistas! Keep up with the trends, delve into your creative side, and remember that every outfit you wear tells a story. Share your event looks on social media, be an inspiration to others, and let’s keep this collective experience alive!

• Fashion Trends
• Style