Sheer Joy
Since several seasons ago, sheer textiles have been having a major moment, but never more so as for spring/summer 2023. If you want to eschew the more conventional pathways of tiny hemlines and plunging necklines, there are plenty of sensual ways to layer and lend a feeling of sultry intrigue to a look, from dress overlays adding drama above a basic evening slip to more risqué lingerie-baring pieces.
Waists With Low Rise
It’s official: the popular low-slung waist from the 1990s is back in style. Our favorite high-rise appears to be taking a long break for summer 2023 after everything from trousers to suits, shorts to evening skirts received the low-rise treatment. For the full impact of your new style, wear a crop top.
Semi-Octane Sequins
There’s no need to remind us twice. While the season for sequins may often fall in December to correspond with the never-ending stream of holiday events, 2023 is throwing out the rulebook and claiming that spring and summer are the ideal times for a little glitz and glamour. Importantly, the trend for SS23 features a softer, lighter color palette, with delicate pinks, neutrals, and pastels expected to be most prevalent.
Cobalt Blue
Undoubtedly, fuchsia was the color of 2022 (thanks, of course, to Mr. Pierpaolo Piccioli, who started the trend in March during Valentino’s AW22 showcase), but for SS23, the shade takes a backseat to a striking blue hue. Cobalt blue hasn’t been at the forefront of fashion trends in a while, so its comeback is heartening. You’d be wise to get on board with this trend before we eventually overindulge and go back to our neutral wardrobes once more. This style is splashed across everything from dresses to jackets, skirts, and even boots.
Boudoir Detailing
SS23 appears to be one seductive season with boudoir detailing at the forefront of eveningwear—perhaps not one to trial in the office. Whether you want to dangle a beautiful slip with some lace accents or plunge right in with a full-on ensemble that includes hold-up stockings and lace gloves.
Party Bags
If these were the bags that were distributed after events, perhaps fewer of us would strategically leave early. The antithesis of the plastic party bags from our youth, which were filled with Haribo, bubbles, and cake wrapped in a napkin, these evening bags are opulently adorned and steadfastly adhere to the maxim “more is more.”
Spring Black
Black was an undeniable repeating pattern on the most recent runways, an odd color to rule a spring/summer landscape. Of course, the color is lighter than usual, and skin-bearing materials like lace and crochet enable the appearance to have an unexpected gentleness.
Love Motifs
While the season may begin at the end of March, one of the season’s most notable themes for spring/summer 2023 has a distinct February 14th vibe. In September, hearts could be seen all over the unending runways, from hips to legs, chests to hemlines. For those prepared to put their hearts on their sleeves (or everywhere else! ), adorning dresses in particular offer the ideal date night style.
Power of Flowers
Even Miranda Priestly would consider these blooms to be “groundbreaking,” even though she denigrated them back in 2006. Next season will see the traditional style take on a much more three-dimensional role, rising from shirts, and shoulders, and even taking over your torso. It will be more theatrical than your typical spring flower. The latter may be a bit much for a quiet meal with friends, but for those not scared of a bold fashion statement, this is a good option.
Complete Fringing
Of course, fringe is nothing new, but for the upcoming season, the popular design element gets a significant makeover. And by large, we mean a lot. From fringed ‘cuffs’ that begin at your elbow to fringed gowns, fringed clutch bags, and, hey, why not *actual* fringes. Whatever it is, if it has fringe, we’re into it for the upcoming season.
Pink Candyfloss
Move over, fuchsia; there’s a new color to learn. Next season, a softer, more pastel shade of pink will rule, ushering in a less dramatic, more approachable way into the trend. You’d be wise to think pink come March, whether you splatter it all over your outfit from head to toe or splurge in some sugary accessories.
Autumn Ombre
The spring/summer runways featured a very distinct, romantic color trend, with a gentle sunset ombré emerging as an unanticipated smash. The September performances were the perfect warm antidote to the chilly winds outside, and seeing reds transition into oranges, yellows, and whites gave viewers hope for the upcoming season. You won’t regret the purchase if you find a piece with this sunset shading.
Soft-shade customization
The fashion industry is going towards softer, slouchier designs, which is why tailoring is growing in popularity during the warmer months. Yet for SS23, things get even more fairweather-friendly as delicate pastel hues take over the world of suits. Yet the pastel blues, greens, and greys of the upcoming season will take the place of the pinks to which we have grown accustomed.