2022 was a year filled with so much change. While the world opened up again, we rediscovered our place within it, while seeking to restore balance in our lives. Shoppers of all ages fell in love with the coastal grandmother aesthetic, and many also embraced dopamine dressing and mood-boosting hues (hello, hot pink!).

With trend cycles faster than ever, the concept of duality is emerging as a key theme for 2023—as several (sometimes seemingly opposing) trends are showing they can co-exist at the same time. And the best part is that in today’s world it’s not an either-or situation; shoppers can embrace a mashup of whatever styles speak to them.

Etsy sellers are at the forefront of the global digital economy, and we’re watching these new trends bubble in real-time. And by shopping directly from makers and vintage sellers, accessing trends has never been easier, with so many items available at every price point. Read on for the trends we’re anticipating will be making waves in 2023.

Etsy’s First-Ever Colors of the Year: Indigo & Honeycomb

The theme of duality is all about embracing contrast and exploring opposites—a concept that inspired the choice to have not one – but two! – official Etsy Colors of the Year that each bring out the other's radiance. A beautiful blend of blue and violet that represents wisdom and intuition, indigo carries with it both a high-impact and futuristic tone, while honeycomb lights up a room and reminds us to appreciate and protect the intelligence of nature that exists all around us.

Home & living

Statement marble

Marble offers brightness and dimension to a space, and shoppers are embracing this timeless material in fresh ways in 2023 – including new colorways like green and burgundy and dramatic statement pieces featuring patterns with heavy veining – from custom-carved sinks to vintage bookends and candlestick holders. We’ve seen a 183% increase in searches on Etsy for marble sinks* and a 117% increase in searches for marble coasters*.

Melting forms

A variety of home decor pieces are taking inspiration from the organic movement of molten lava to create melting, textured forms within everything from ceramics and glassware to mirrors and sculptural candles. An evolution of the popular wavy, curvy and relaxed edges decor trend, this aesthetic reveals the fluidity of decor trends today and is a dynamic contrast to the more geometric decor styles of the recent past. On Etsy, there has been an 8% increase in searches for melting or molten items* and we expect that number to continue to grow throughout 2023.

Style

Super-sized bags

Move over, micro bags! Big handbags are making a comeback as shoppers embrace bolder, more practical on-the-go storage solutions. From spacious totes and hobos, to oversized clutches and crossbody bags (which have seen a 10% spike in searches on Etsy*), these options are more than just a stylish statement as they can take on work commutes, travel and everything in between.

Y2K grunge

Shoppers are looking optimistically towards a future that remains unknown, while seeking the comfort and reassurance found in the past. And while the early aughts fashion revival isn’t new, in 2023 we’re seeing a distinctly grunge-inspired shift take hold. On Etsy, we’ve seen a 123% increase in searches for Y2K hoodies or sweaters*, a 102% increase in searches for Y2K sunglasses*, a 57% increase in searches for fishnet bodysuits*, a 56% increase in searches for cargo pants* and a 29% increase in searches for vintage grunge items*, as shoppers channel the aesthetic of the early internet era that straddles the line between late ‘90s grunge and futuristic Y2K fashion.

Weddings

‘80s glam

If the ‘80s were all about going over the top, we’re seeing a similar sentiment emerge for post-pandemic weddings that can be interpreted as a reaction against some of the more minimal bridal looks we’ve seen dominate in recent years. This trend celebrates epic proportions and having fun with your look: think statement sleeves, high necks, and all the volume. On the decor front, the decade was known for maximalist receptions with multi-tiered cakes and larger-than-life floral displays. On Etsy, searches for cathedral length veils are already up 65%*, alongside surges in searches for detachable sleeve wedding dresses (up 54%*), embroidered veils (up 49%*), wedding gloves (up 21%*) and high neckline wedding dresses (up 14%*).

Pro tip: To keep this trend feeling modern, I recommend picking one dramatic element and running with it.

Bridal capes

Capes are rising in popularity as a great veil alternative for non-traditional brides who still want to add the elegance that a veil brings. Searches for veil capes are up 11% on Etsy*, while searches for embellished capes have increased by 7%*, and these stylish accessories come in a variety of styles, with options ranging from the dramatic to the whimsical.

Kids

Block party

Parents are getting back to basics with analog toys, and old-school wooden blocks are seeing a resurgence in popularity: on Etsy, there has been a 56% increase in searches for building block sets or toys*. Block play has been shown to build kids’ creativity, motor skills and spatial awareness and this open-ended, tactile activity allows kids to be in control and let their imagination run wild—especially important in today’s overstimulated world.

Exploring the Natureverse

With travel on the rise again, we’re seeing an increase in children’s items that emphasize adventure and discovery of the many species of land and sea: we’ve seen a 49% increase in searches on Etsy for jungle nursery decor* and a 12% increase in searches for ocean nursery decor*. From marine creature toys and mobiles to jungle-themed wallpaper, these pieces spark kids’ curiosity and help teach them about the importance of protecting the many precious plants and animals that call Earth home.

Find these items and more at www.etsy.com/trends

*From August - October 2022, compared to the same time the previous year.