Leather And Lace Are Set To Be On The Forefront Of TikTok Fashion In 2023

Social media is no longer just a place to keep up with friends and family. Over the years, social platforms have placed themselves on the frontier of the fashion industry. It's not only thanks to marketing by brands but also because of individual creators. Influencers of all sizes are changing the face of the fashion industry one post at a time. And TikTok is becoming one of the platforms where fashion trends are created and displayed.

With over 1.5 billion active users monthly, according to Demand Sage, TikTok is the sixth most popular social platform in the world. And with niche interests, often referred to as "sides," communities with unique features quickly begin to rise. The fashion side of TikTok sees large influencers and even regular people trying new outfits and cultivating new aesthetics that is driving many of the trends in the overall fashion world. According to videos on this popular app, here are the leather and lace fashion trends you'll be seeing in the upcoming year.

A mix of classic and edge, lace is a must-have for any wardrobe. Black lace is a staple that can make any outfit feel sophisticated and sexy. Of course, black lace has never truly gone out of style, but you can expect to see this detail in more outfits going forward. Lacy blouses and tights are going to rock the colder seasons, and lacy tanks will be a popular option in spring and summer. Layer these pieces with skirts and jeans to give an outfit a feminine flare.

Leather is another fabric that is getting a lot of attention on TikTok. Sleek leather and faux leather are, of course, nothing new in the world of fashion. But as people look for ways to customize their wardrobe, leather is an option that adds texture and edge. Jackets, pants, and mini skirts are all trending when made from leather. And while black leather will always be timeless, bright pops of color are making this trend feel unique. Pair these pieces with your favorite graphic tee or delicate blouse for contrast.

Past decades are making their way back in new and creative ways. The grunge look of the 2010s is the inspiration behind the new Indie Sleaze. Think an updated version of the styles popularized on Tumblr in the 2010s, where photos of Alexa Chung and Agyness Deyn were pinned on everyone's mood boards, says Thrillist, and inspiration from Nylon and American Apparel was at its height. This aesthetic features ripped band tees, tiny mini skirts, and tight jeans. Black leather shorts and leather loafers are the ideal way to bring this "vintage" style into a new era.

For a long time, social media has been about a perfectly curated aesthetic. But right now, the days of presenting perfection are giving way to trends and styles that are more organic. Many are opting to forgo the curated look for outfits that are more campy and chaotic. Since fashion is a great way to express yourself, you shouldn't feel limited by the traditional fashion rules of textures, silhouettes, or colors that "should" go together. Experiment, mix and match different elements to create a look that's unexpected. Try layering a lacy top with a leather vest.

Cyclical fashion is always the name of the game, and the silhouettes popular in the 1990s are quickly becoming a timeless style. You can see it in street style with baggy and faded denim and loose flannels. Power suits with strong silhouettes are also coming back in style, but they're not stopping at workwear. Structured blazer and blazer dresses are the perfect piece for going out for after-work drinks or weekend date nights. A leather blazer dress gives powerful women vibes. Choose these layers and dresses in vibrant colors to modernize the classic look. Throw on a leather blazer with jeans for an elevated edgy outfit. 

Fashion has always moved quickly, but social media has increased the pace. Microtrends are on the rise and are made to go out of style within a few weeks or by the end of the fashion season, according to Pavement Pieces. These can be hard to keep up with and detrimental to the environment, so it makes sense that many people are moving to capsule wardrobes and slow fashion. Having classic pieces that work from season to season, like a well-fitting pair of jeans, a simple tee, or a delicate lace blouse will ensure you always have a base for trendier pieces.

In TikTok terms, -core as a suffix denotes an aesthetic inspired by something in particular. This creates a niche style that not only focuses on clothing but often home decor and lifestyle as well. Mermaidcore is exactly what it sounds like: inspired by the mythical creatures of the sea. This style brings the colors of mermaids, like blues, greens, and purples, and combines them with mermaid motifs like metallics, sparkles, and flowing and skin-baring garments like colorful lace tops layered over a bralette. This aesthetic allows individuals to get creative and play in fantasy. Expect to see this aesthetic all summer long.