We can now focus on the spring and summer fashion trends for 2023 now that the days are growing longer and unquestionably warmer. Praise be! Now, even if you’re reading this article while still donning a sweater (or light cardigan), know that warm evenings are soon to arrive. With that in mind, it’s time to familiarize yourself with all the major trends for spring and summer colors, designs, and It-pieces that are predicted to rule the upcoming season. When shopping with your friends, keeping up with the hottest trends will not only make you appear very “in the know,” but you’ll also know what to search for on the high street, allowing you to nab the It-pieces before they eventually sell out.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of the sole trends you need to be aware of this season after scouring the runways of New York, London, Paris, and Milan. To begin with, we’re going to primarily focus on the largest trends for 2023, but there are usually a few lesser micro trends you might want to experiment with midway through the season. Here are my top suggestions for everything from the hues and materials you’ll want in your wardrobe to the unique accents you’ll start seeing everywhere:
1. Cutouts
At least recently, it feels like every day is just another cutout piece. The negative space trend has been popular among celebrities for the past year, and it shows no signs of abating. Cutouts come in all sizes and shapes, so there is a style for everyone interested in attempting the trend, from adding a playful edge to longer, elegant dresses (Saint Laurent, Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, Nensi Dojaka, Tom Ford), to turning up the fierceness on more casual piece coords (Ester Manas, Rejina Pyo). Check out our editor’s selections of the top cutaway dresses available this season.
2. Purple
When you think of a trendy hue, purple may not be the first color that springs to mind, but that is all changing this season. Just three years after “Ultra Violet” was designated the color of 2018, Pantone named “Very Peri” the year’s color in 2017. It appears that lavender tones are becoming more popular. Versace, Sinéad O’Dwyer, Nensi Dojaka, David Koma, Philipp Plein, Versace, and LaQuan Smith are just a few designers who have used the vibrant shade into sophisticated evening wear and upgraded summer-like styles (Ester Manas).
3. Low-rise
The resurgence of low-rise bottoms is certainly not slowing down thanks to the Y2K renaissance (no matter how hard some of us pray). Of course, not everyone (including the members of the present firm) like having a waistline that extends below the belly button, and many of us have vowed never to go back. By pairing a midriff with a pair of bold trousers, this detail will clearly reference to the runway set if you’re feeling a little daring (Jacquemus, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana).
4. Sheer
Transparent apparel keeps making its way off the runway and into our favorite high street shops and onto the red carpet. Go for it if you’re brave enough to try this risky trend! If you’re unsure, you might perhaps start by experimenting with mesh panels. You can’t go wrong with a coordinated set for maximum impact (Acne Studios, Prabal Gurung, Jacquemus); alternatively, keep it straightforward with a translucent midi dress (Chanel, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace).
5. Red
During past few seasons, hot pink was undoubtedly a fan favorite, but now red, a fiercer color, should take center stage. Instead of opting for subdued scarlet accents, the catwalks are overrun with costumes that are completely saturated. Choose an evening gown or suit that is full-length (Christian Siriano, Acne Studios, Sinéad O’Dwyer, Michael Kors, Valentino, LaQuan Smith), or pair a small dress with colorful accessories that are complementary to it (Micahel Kors).
6. Tank tops
Although they may have gotten a poor rap when we were younger, tank tops are now a staple of our summer wardrobe. You may certainly pair yours with whatever you choose, but for a truly fashionable finish, opt for a monochrome ensemble with high-waisted, wide-leg pants (Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, Sinéad O’Dwyer). Layer yours beneath a dress or corset top for added style points (à la Brandon Maxwell).
7. Bralettes
This trend is for the more fearless fashionistas among us. Ditch your shirt entirely and take the crop top trend to another level by wearing just a bralette out. If you’re planning a summer holiday, you might already be a fan of the bikini top and skirt trend and, well, this is pretty similar. For vacay inspo, opt for woven fabrics and tropical tones (Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Jacquemus, LaQuan Smith, Nensi Dojaka). Alternatively, keep the It-piece up your sleeve for urban outings by repping monochrome hues and even layering under a blazer (Tom Ford, David Koma, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana).
8. Oversized blazers
This season, larger is unquestionably better when it comes to blazers. Your coat is unquestionably the focal point of the outfit, whether you’re wearing it over mismatched bottoms (Dries Van Noten, Jacquemus) or as part of a fitted ensemble (Coach, Stella McCartney). Our preferred outfit consists of wearing your XXL style over a matching skirt with no buttons (Michael Kors)