With the days now getting longer and undeniably warmer, we’re finally able to turn our attention to the spring/ summer 2023 fashion trends – praise be! Now, while you might still be wearing a jumper (or light cardigan) as you’re reading this, rest assured, balmy eves are just around the corner.
So with that in mind, it’s time to clue up on all the biggest styles, colours, prints and It-pieces that are set to dominate the season ahead. Not only will checking out the biggest trends now make you look super ‘in the know’ when shopping with your mates, but you’ll also be aware of what to look for on the high street, meaning you can snatch up the It-pieces before they inevitably sell out.
Below, I’ve scoured the runways of New York, London, Paris and Milan to bring you a curated edit of the only trends you need to know this season. Something to remember is that there’s always a handful of smaller micro trends you might wanna experiment with halfway through the season but, to start, we’re going to focus exclusively on the biggest trends for 2023. From the colours and fabrics you’ll want in your wardrobe to the cool details you’ll start seeing everywhere – here are my top picks:
- Cutouts
- Purple
- Low-rise
- Sheer
- Red
- Tank tops
- Bralettes
- Oversized blazers
- Hoods
- Big bags
- Underwear as outerwear
- Pockets
- Netting
- Unbuttoned top
- Asymmetric hems
1. Cutouts
From left: Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung and Saint Laurent
Another day, another cutout piece – or at least that’s how it feels recently. Celebrities have been loving the negative space trend for the last year, and the trend is showing no signs of slowing down. From adding a fun edge to longer, elegant dresses (Saint Laurent, Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, Nensi Dojaka, Tom Ford), to turning up the fierceness on more casual pieces co-ords (Ester Manas, Rejina Pyo), cutouts come in all sizes and shapes, meaning there’s a style for everyone interested in trying the trend.
Celebrities wearing the trend: Kim Kardashian, Margot Robbie, Priyanka Chopra, Rita Ora, Dua Lipa, Maya Jama, Kourtney Kardashian, Megan Fox, Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Millie Bobby Brown, Zoë Kravitz, Megan Thee Stallion, Vanessa Hudgens, Emily Ratajkowski and Anne Hathaway.
2. Purple
From left: Ester Manas, Nensi Dojaka and Versace
Purple isn’t the first colour that comes to mind when you think of a trendy hue, but that’s all changing this season. Last year, Pantone named ‘Very Peri’ the Colour of the Year – just three years after ‘Ultra Violet’ was dubbed the tone of 2018. So it seems that lavender tones are on the up. Rather than being reserved solely for Y2K-esque tributes (see: Versace), the fun hue has made its way into fancy evening looks (Sinéad O’Dwyer, Nensi Dojaka, David Koma, Philipp Plein, Versace, LaQuan Smith) and elevated summer-y looks (Ester Manas).
Celebrities wearing the trend: Simone Ashley, Megan Fox, Kendall Jenner.
3. Low-rise
From left: Dolce & Gabbana, Jacquemus and Stella McCartney
The Y2K revival is really not letting up on the return of low-rise bottoms (no matter how hard some of us pray). Now, it goes without saying that under-the-belly-button waistlines aren’t to everyone’s taste (present company included), with many of us swearing never to go back. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, this detail will give a clear nod to the runway set by teaming a midriff with a pair of statement trousers (Jacquemus, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana).
Celebrities wearing the trend: Rita Ora, Jennifer Lopez, Hunter Schafer, Dua Lipa.
4. Sheer
From left: Nensi Dojaka, Dolce & Gabbana and Jacquemus
Transparent clothing continues to make its way down from the runway onto the red carpet and even our favourite high street stores. If you’re bold enough to try this daring trend, go for it! Alternatively, if you’re less sure, why not try experimenting with mesh panels first? For maximum impact, you can’t go wrong with a co-ord set (Acne Studios, Prabal Gurung, Jacquemus) or, alternatively, keep it simple with a translucent midi (Chanel, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace).
Celebrities wearing the trend: Florence Pugh, Jenna Ortega, Olivia Rodrigo, Priyanka Chopra, Halle Bailey, Anne Hathaway, Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, Lily James, Kourtney Kardashian, Hailey Bieber.
5. Red
From left: Michael Kors, Acne Studios and Valentino
Hot pink was certainly a crowd-pleaser these last few seasons, but now it’s time for a fiercer tone to take the spotlight: red. Rather than going for subtle scarlet accents, the catwalks are awash with head-to-toe saturated outfits. Go for either a full-length number in the form of an evening gown or suit (Christian Siriano, Acne Studios, Sinéad O’Dwyer, Michael Kors, Valentino, LaQuan Smith), or couple a shorter mini dress with matching vibrant accessories (Micahel Kors).
Celebrities wearing the trend: Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, Khloé Kardashian, Ashley Graham, Cardi B, Gigi Hadid.
6. Tank tops
From left: Stella McCartney, Brandon Maxwell and Michael Kors
Tank tops might’ve had a bad wrap growing up, but now they’re one of the mainstay items on our summer shopping list. Of course, you can team yours with whatever you fancy, but, if you’re after that real fashion-forward finish, go for a monochrome look with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers (Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, Sinéad O’Dwyer). If you want extra style points, layer yours underneath a corset top (Brandon Maxwell) or dress.
Celebrities wearing the trend:Â Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Naomie Harris, Kaia Gerber.
7. Bralettes
From left: Jacquemus, Miu Miu and Tom Ford
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. 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).
Celebrities wearing the trend: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, Olivia Wilde.
8. Oversized blazers
From left: Dries Van Noten, Coach and Acne Studios
When it comes to blazers, bigger is definitely better this season. Whether you’re wearing it as part of a tailored set (Coach, Stella McCartney) or over the top of mismatched bottoms (Dries Van Noten, Jacquemus), your outerwear is definitely the statement piece. Our favourite look is wearing your XXL style unbuttoned over a matching skirt (Michael Kors)
Celebrities wearing the trend: Anne Hathaway, Olivia Cooke.
9. Hoods
From left: Versace, Saint Laurent and Versace
Kylie Minogue fans, eat your heart out: the inbuild hood is back in all its Y2K glory. Channel the 2023 ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ vibe by going for a dress or top with a hood as the ultimate accessory.
Celebrities wearing the trend: Jenna Ortega, Margot Robbie, Rina Sawayama.
10. Big bags
From left: Louis Vuitton, Coach and Stella McCartney
Teeny tiny bags only big enough to hold your keys and lipstick are nowhere to be seen this season. Instead, the ‘chuck everything in’ tote is back by popular demand and we’re already excited about the functionality. Crossbody styles are fab for those on the go (Coach) or, alternatively, go for the oversized clutch bag feel (Louis Vuitton, Altuzzara, Stella McCartney) if you wanna fully commit to the lewk.
11. Underwear as outerwear
From left: Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Dolce & Gabbana
If you’ve got some pretty-as-heck lingerie chilling in your underwear drawer that you wish you could wear out and about, you’re really going to like this trend. Lace details, balconette bras, sheer négligées and exposed hosiery are no longer relegated to the bedroom. Wear your favourite set under a semi-sheer slip (Dolce & Gabbana) for a sultry party look, or under a tailored jacket or relaxed robe (Prabal Gurung, Christian Dior) if you’re after a more polished finish.
Celebrities wearing the trend: Camila Mendes, Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber.
12. Pockets
From left: Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and Miu Miu
‘I love your outfit’, ‘Thanks, it has pockets!’ – this is a conversation you’ll be having all summer long if you decide to get into this utilitarian-inspired trend. Eyecatching pouches are big enough to house your wallet, keys, makeup kit, sunglasses, and kitchen fridge are very in. Whether you go for a tailored spin on the cargo pants trend (LaQuan Smith) or a skirt and vest combo (Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton), storage ain’t gonna be a problem with this lewk.
13. Netting
From left: Chloe, Acne Studios and Giambattista Valli
Few things remind us of beachy trips more than neutral netted pieces. From uber fine woven mesh (Acne Studios) and fringe details (Giambattista Valli) to rope-like (Rejina Pyo) or even metallic iterations (Chloé), you can lean into this trend as much, or as little, as you want.
Celebrities wearing the trend: Ashley Graham, Megan Fox, Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber.
14. Unbuttoned top
From left: Burberry, Proenza Schouler and Dries Van Noten
Running out the door without fastening all the buttons on your top is not a faux pas this season. Rather, it’s a ‘look’ in its own right. Go for a half-buttoned top for a sleeker spin on the trend (Proenza Schouler, Burberry), or go all-out with a single fixture or two (Proenza Dries Van Noten, Schouler) that takes us all the way back to 2000s red carpet.
Celebrities wearing the trend: Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa.
15. Asymmetric hems
From left: Brandon Maxwell, Burberry and Ester Manas
While the last few seasons have been preoccupied with the length of hemlines (ranging from the micro mini to the beloved 90s maxi skirt), this spring/summer it’s all about mixing up the angle of your hemline. Lean fully into the trend by sporting a dramatically tilted hemline double as a sexy leg slit (Ester Manas, Acne Studios), or go for a subtler angle to give you ‘fit a subtler edge (Burberry, Brandon Maxwell).
Via Cosmopolitan UK