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As the mastermind behind the red carpet covers 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 just around the corner, we can’t think of anyone better to ask about the fashion trends that will be everywhere in the new year.
From seasonal colors to sexy sheer styles, the looks below will define 2023, according to Welch. Read on for the measurements — and to shop each one.
Color analysis
Have you ever wondered why Hailey Bieber (pictured in Saint Laurent) looks so good in shades of beige? Like soft fall, it has the warmth to make them work—without looking washed out.
Have you ever wondered why Hailey Bieber (pictured in Saint Laurent) looks so good in shades of beige? Like soft fall, it has the warmth to make them work—without looking washed out.
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While Welch tells Page Six Style that she expects to see Pantone’s 2023 color of the year, Viva Magenta, introduced in a big way next year — “They’re always really good,” the stylist says — she’s recently become interested in seasonal color analysis, a method of determining which shade they best complement one’s complexion and eye and hair colors.
It’s already a growing trend on TikTok that has amassed nearly a billion views, and Welch expects it to become even more popular in the coming months.
“I was kind of desperate about it. Having been 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 the consumer … someone who says, ‘I’m not sure this color looks good on me,’ which is something I get from people who are not my clients, but who love fashion.”
To that end, Welch recently partnered with Amazon Style on its Color Me Curated pop-up, offering customers free color analysis consultations led by The Outfit Curator’s Mariana Marques. Welch prepared racks of clothing for each seasonal palette at an event held at Americana at Brand in Glendale, California.
Shop the trend:
Elie Tahari Wool Cashmere Coat With Color Block Wrap ($695)
Frances Valentine Bici Chain Pouch ($228, originally $348)
Vince Camuto Hooded Jacket ($220)
Playful prints (and patterns)
Lashana Lynch’s multicolored sequined slip dress looks really pretty on its own, so Welch smartly kept her accessories simple.
Lashana Lynch’s multicolored sequined slip dress looks really pretty on its own, so Welch smartly kept her accessories simple.
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Bad news for those who hated Haley Lu Richardson’s chaotic Gen-Z look in “White Lotus” — “I think we’re going to see a lot of people rooting for Portia [and her style],” Welch says, calling her outfit “so bad” yet “amazing.”
That means mixed prints, clashing colors and piled-on patterns are all fair game, though they may not all be worn simultaneously like HBO’s hit sidekick; even Welch admits that Portia’s appearance was sometimes “out of control.”
Still, he adds, “I think we’re going to see a lot of that freedom in dress.”
Shop the trend:
Farm Rio Jacquard Knit Cardigan ($175)
Sea Carson Floral Print Pants ($255)
Purfanree Faux Fur Leopard Print Beanie ($14)
Luxurious leather
Justin Bieber’s shiny leather Balenciaga pants may have divided fans (and inspired more than a few Ross Geller comparisons), but they were certainly fashionable.
Justin Bieber’s shiny leather Balenciaga pants may have divided fans (and inspired more than a few Ross Geller comparisons), but they were certainly fashionable.
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Welch says she’s “always obsessed” with buttery material and singles out leather jackets as a particularly good buy for the new year; she was even wearing a faux leather blazer at the time of our conversation.
“Literally, everyone needs it [one],” she says. “It’s affordable, it’s so comfortable. And it’s like the perfect piece that will live in your closet for a few years.”
For those who prefer just the touch of things, Welch says the leather elastic is “a great little way to bring back a little bit of the ’90s and make everything just right.”
Shop the trend:
Steve Madden Audrey Blazer ($99)
Eightown Soft Faux Leather Scrunchies ($12 for four)
NYC Blank Moto Jacket ($70, originally $98)
Feminine touch
“I’m seeing a real femininity in dress again,” says Welch—not just in trendy accessories like ruffles and lace, but also a “return to form,” with fitted pencil skirts and wasp silhouettes. back in fashion.
For those whose personal style is more minimalist, like hers, Welch says it’s a well-placed girly fashion accessory.
“We have this great black satin shoe with a big crystal bow on our shelf right now,” she says. “A little statement shoe goes a long way.”
Shop the trend:
Max Mara Hiltex Ruffled Hem Pencil Skirt ($525)
L’Agence Jenica Lace Blouse ($395)
Mach & Mach Double Bow Satin Loungewear ($984)
Pure genius
Olivia Wilde’s leather and lace Dior dress set social media on fire.
Olivia Wilde’s leather and lace Dior dress set social media on fire.
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“I love a nude dress – I don’t even think it’s necessary thing ” 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; boyfriend jean never goes anywhere, does he? It has become a staple.”
The stylist especially likes working with see-through styles because they “really show off the craftsmanship, like beautiful lace or hand-worked crystals,” but notes that you certainly don’t have to go head-to-toe bare to rock the trend.
“The little crystal skirt is a fun piece to work with. I just think it should be balanced; like, I’ll wear (mine) with a sweatsuit and a pair of leggings and a great pair of boots.”
Shop the trend:
Fleur du Mal Purple Rhinestone Mini Dress ($375)
& Other Stories Sheer Lace Midi Dress ($149)
Free Under It All Body ($58)
Sharp suit
No one wears a brightly colored suit quite like Tracee Ellis Ross, seen here in a Lafayette 148 look.
No one wears a brightly colored suit quite like Tracee Ellis Ross, seen here in a Lafayette 148 look.
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According to Welch, you can’t go wrong with tailored pants or an oversized blazer. “I’m such a classicist; I love the suit,” she says, adding that she likes to see the lines between men’s and women’s fashion continue to blur.
“I think there’s a lot more freedom in dressing and I like the fluidity,” she says.
Shop the trend:
Halo One Button Blazer ($129)
Bardot Striped Wide Leg Pants ($129)
Reiss Lennon Tuxedo Jumpsuit ($390)