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As the mastermind behind the headline-making red carpet looks of stars including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Olivia Wilde, Sarah Paulson and Tracee Ellis Ross, Karla Welch is one of the most powerful celebrity stylists in the game.
So with 2023 right around the corner, we could think of nobody better to ask about the fashion trends that are poised to be everywhere in the new year.
From seasonal-inspired colors to sexy sheer styles, the looks below are set to define 2023, according to Welch. Read on for the scoop — and to shop each one.
Color analysis
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While Welch tells Page Six Style she expects to see Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, represented in a big way next year — “They always really nail it,” the stylist says — she’s recently become interested in seasonal color analysis, a method of determining which shades best complement one’s complexion and eye and hair colors.
It’s already a booming trend on TikTok that’s racked up nearly a billion views, and Welch expects it to go even more mainstream in the months ahead.
“I was kind of floored by it. Being a stylist for 20 years, I have a trend-based approach to color. And knowing my clients, I know what colors look good on them,” she says. “But I think [color analysis] is great for a consumer … someone who’s like, ‘I’m not sure this color looks good on me,’ which is something I get from people who aren’t my clients and love fashion.”
To that end, Welch recently partnered with Amazon Style on its Color Me Curated pop-up, offering shoppers free color analysis consultations led by Mariana Marques of The Outfit Curator. Welch curated racks of clothes for each seasonal palette at the event, held at the the Americana at Brand in Glendale, California.
Shop the trend:
Elie Tahari Wool-Cashmere Colorblock Wrap Coat ($695)
Frances Valentine Bici Chain Pouch ($228, originally $348)
Vince Camuto Hooded Boucle Jacket ($220)
Playful prints (and patterns)
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Bad news for those who hated Haley Lu Richardson’s character’s chaotic Gen-Z looks on “The White Lotus” — “I think we’re going to see a lot of people leaning into Portia [and her style],” Welch says, dubbing her outfits “so bad” yet “amazing.”
That means mixed prints, clashing colors and piled-on patterns are fair game, though perhaps not all worn simultaneously like the HBO hit’s put-upon assistant; even Welch admits Portia’s looks were “out of control” at times.
Still, she adds, “I think we’re going to see lots of that kind of freedom in dressing.”
Shop the trend:
Farm Rio Jacquard-Knit Cardigan ($175)
Sea Carson Floral Pants ($255)
Purfanree Leopard Print Faux Fur Bucket Hat ($14)
Luxe leather
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Welch says she’s “always obsessed” with the buttery material, and points to leather jackets as a particularly good purchase for the new year; she was even wearing a faux leather blazer at the time of our chat.
“Literally, everybody needs [one],” she says. “It’s affordable, it’s so comfortable. And it’s like the perfect piece that’s going to live in your wardrobe for a few years.”
For those who prefer just a touch of the stuff, Welch says a leather scrunchie is a “great little way to bring a little bit of ’90s back in and get it right.”
Shop the trend:
Steve Madden Audrey Blazer ($99)
Eightown Soft Faux Leather Hair Scrunchies ($12 for four)
Blank NYC Moto Jacket ($70, originally $98)
Feminine flair
“There’s a real femininity that I’m seeing in dressing again,” Welch says — not just when it comes to trending touches like ruffles and lace, but also “a return to shape,” with fitted pencil skirts and wasp-waisted silhouettes filtering back into fashion.
For those whose personal style leans more minimalist, like her own, Welch says a well-placed girly accessory’s a good way to go.
“We have this great black satin shoe with a big crystal bow on our rack right now,” she says. “A little statement shoe goes a long way.”
Shop the trend:
Max Mara Hiltex Jersey Ruffle-Hem Pencil Skirt ($525)
L’Agence Jenica Lace Blouse ($395)
Mach & Mach Double Bow Embellished Satin Pumps ($984)
Sheer genius
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“I love the naked dress — I don’t even think it’s necessarily a thing anymore,” says Welch, who recently dressed Wilde in a much-discussed lacy Dior version for the People’s Choice Awards. “It’s like a boyfriend jean; the boyfriend jean is never going anywhere, right? It’s become a staple.”
The stylist particularly likes working with see-through styles as they “really show craftsmanship, like beautiful lace or handworked crystals,” but notes that you certainly don’t have to go sheer from head to toe to get in on the trend.
“A little crystal skirt is a fun piece to work in. I just think it needs to be balanced; like, I’m going to wear (mine) with a sweatshirt and a pair of tights and a great pair of boots.”
Shop the trend:
Fleur du Mal Purple Rhinestone Miniskirt ($375)
& Other Stories Sheer Lace Midi Dress ($149)
Free People Under It All Bodysuit ($58)
Sharp suiting
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You can’t go wrong with a tailored pair of trousers or an oversized blazer, according to Welch. “I’m such a classicist; I love a suit,” she says, adding that she loves seeing the lines between men’s and women’s fashion continuing to blur.
“I think there’s so much more freedom in dressing, and I love the fluidity,” she says.
Shop the trend:
Halogen Single Button Blazer ($129)
Bardot Pinstripe Wide Leg Pants ($129)
Reiss Lennon Tuxedo Jumpsuit ($390)
