Ariel, Barbie and Ken and Noughties icons provide inspiration for Gen Z in 2023

Design experts at ASOS have unveiled their predictions for the top five trends in 2023 for Gen Z – with the 20-29 demographic set to take their inspiration from Ariel, Barbie and Ken and Noughties icons.

The list of trends and influences was put together by the retailer’s Vanessa Spence, commercial design and visual director; head of menswear design, Nick Eley; and head of womenswear design, Melika Imoru, reported The Industry.Fashion.

Film and music stars are expected to have a big influence on fashion this year. Avatar: The Way of Water and The Little Mermaid could drive appetite for sheer and ethereal dresses and tops, while the release of the Barbie movie will see bright pink featuring again.

Gen Z favourite Olivia Rodrigo is due to release new music in 2023, with ASOS predicting that her love of grunge and 1990s’ fashion will be a source of inspiration, alongside Zendaya and Wednesday star Jenna Ortega.

Ballet core is tipped to grow its popularity – with pastel tones of greys, nudes, creams and white driving looks that feel feminine yet functional.

Catwalks have seen a resurgence of Noughties denim brands such as Diesel, while double denim is a key look – referencing back to stars such as Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.

Finally, traditional trainers are back, with sales particularly strong for Adidas Samba and Gazelle styles. ASOS predicts that the ‘it’ rotations are between black, white and gum colours, as seen on Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid.

An ASOS survey of 2,000 Brits aged 20-29 has also found that they consider clothing and fashion to be their most important priority when it comes to spending in 2023, saying it is important to their wellbeing.

Over two-thirds (69%) say they will spend the same or more on clothes and fashion in 2023 as they did in 2022 despite the cost of living crisis.

“Fashion remains a huge part of most 20-somethings’ lives,” commented Vanessa Spence, commercial design and visual director ASOS. “What we wear has a massive impact on how we feel and it can help uplift us, make us feel more confident, optimistic and able to express who we are.

“2023 is going to be a year dominated by film, ballet core, and grunge trends. We can expect to see sheer and ethereal styles, grunge and 90s fashion or ballet inspired fits on fashion-loving 20-somethings.”

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