Orin Carlin
2023’s spring/summer fashion trends: from utilitarian denim ensembles to gothic lace looks – get acquainted with next season’s need-to-know trends and shop our must-haves
Getting ahead of the game never hurt anyone, and what better way to occupy the gloomier months at the start of the year than by planning our 2023 wardrobe.
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Fashion month certainly didn’t disappoint – from fringing and cut-outs at Victoria Beckham’s Paris Fashion Week debut to playful check suits and LBDs at Chanel, there are plenty of SS23 trends that we are just itching to jump on.
Spring 2023 trends
The period of fluffy lambs and blossom showers officially starts around mid-March here in the UK, however, as many of you will be acutely aware, the temperatures can still leave a lot to be desired. Nailing the ever-tricky transitional dressing period is all about mastering the art of layering. Switch out chunky polos in favour of fringe-trimmed, lighter weight crochet knits and seek out an alternative denim jacket (think asymmetric hems or interesting hardware detailing) in place of your trusty wool maxi coat.
Summer 2023 trends
When summer finally swings around, we are all set to bare some skin. Trends such as knee-high splits, geometric cut-outs and sheer fabrics all lends themselves perfectly to a sultry skin moment, whereas for the inevitable open-air soirée, amping up the drama is easy with a 1970s It-girl-inspired hooded gown. Run, don’t walk, straight to Alaïa.
Hello! Fashion shares the fashion trends to have on your radar in 2023:
Tailoring
Slouchy, oversized blazers were all the rage at Valentino and even Chanel opted for relaxed-fit versions of its trademark bouclé jackets in playful pinks. If you’re a die-hard sharp tailoring gal, luckily Victoria Beckham came through with simple tailored blazers that acted as mini dresses.
Tailored jacket dress, £890, Victoria Beckham
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Mini dresses
Speak of the devil, mini dresses are back and at the SS23 iterations are all about texture. Pearl embellishments at Givenchy and belted LBDs at Chanel provided a certain opulence, whereas Versace’s shiny purple chromes felt flashy, in the best possible way.
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Lace
Lace was out in full force, with many designers favouring sweeping maxis with cool cutwork. Baby blue lingerie-inspired pieces were showcased at Burberry’s belated London Fashion Week show whereas both Dior and Versace oozed gothic glamour.
Fringing
Versace’s buttery leather fringing felt very ‘cool-girl-meets-cowboy’, whereas Victoria Beckham’s take spotlighted ra-ra minis and ultra-kinetic hems.
Johanna Ortiz Cultural Roots cutout fringed crocheted Pima cotton maxi dress, £950, Net-A-Porter
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Thigh-high splits
The dramatic bombshell split that we are accustomed to seeing on the red carpet is making its way into SS23. Silky slip dresses at Givenchy, colourful florals at Dries Van Noten, and glossy midis at Prada are paving the way – and are very much into it.
Denim
Designers made denim sexy for SS23 – who’d have thought it? Asymmetric fitted shirts paired with soft brown co-ords at A.W.A.K.E. had a certain hippyish glam, whereas Bella Hadid’s buckle Givenchy buckle bra exuded utilitarian sultriness.
Cut-out dresses
Cut-outs are having a major moment, and British trailblazer Poster Girl has been leading the way with its stretchy geometric designs. However, next season we’re loving larger proportioned cut-outs, looking at the likes of Andreadamo, Valentino and A.W.A.K.E for inspiration.
Mônot One-shoulder cutout satin mini dress, £1,160, Net-A-Porter
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Blue
Hello! Fashion’s Style Editor Laura Weatherburn provides her take on the season’s cool colour palette. “I love a bright cerulean blue as a contrast to the sickly sweet Barbiecore pink trend. It feels a little bit more sophisticated, works year-round, and fits snugly into my nearly all-black wardrobe. I have my eye on a Christopher John Rogers oversized overcoat in particular – très chic.”
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Animal print
“Everyone has an opinion on animal print, it’s very much marmite in the fashionsphere. I, on one hand, love zebra print, especially when it comes to accessorising,” Laura explains. “But struggle to get my head around a leopard look. That being said, you may well find me in an Alessandra Rich twinset come summer.”
Utility
“The glam utility trend is peak Y2K – a nostalgic mashup of satin jumpsuits, sheer cargo pants and low-slung belted skirts (you can thank Miu Miu for that), that have been elevated for a true dress-up moment. Simply slip on a boiler suit, unzip to the navel and add a killer pair of heels,” Laura advises.
Dion Lee Utility denim wrap mini skirt, £680, Net-A-Porter
Mermaidcore
News of Disney’s upcoming live-action version of The Little Mermaid has hit designers hard. Expect striking scale-inspired embellishment alongside fishtail silhouettes and shimmery fabrics that glide over every curve. Turn to the likes of 16 Arlington, Valentino and Elie Saab to get your fix.
Ultra-femme sheers
Sultry mesh and sheer fabrics are having a moment right now, but with an uber feminine twist. Think playful ruffles at Valentino, cool-girl chevrons at Chanel and slinky maxis at Nensi Dojaka.
Fendi Sheer ruffled silk chiffon top, £586, Mytheresa
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Grunge
Tartan has been all over the SS23 runways, signalling that grunge is making a comeback. Play it cool in a Bottega Veneta flannel shirt or keep your eyes peeled for pieces adorned with botanical embroidery à la maison Dior.
Costume drama
Costume-inspired details such as balloon silhouettes, puff-sleeves, corsetry, and capes are high up on the agenda for SS23. Regencycore girlies, eat your heart out.
Sultry hoods
Channel your inner Grace Jones and raise the stakes by opting for a striking hooded gown, taking your cues from Saint Laurent, Alaïa and Valentino.
Textures galore
Feathers, sequins, and fringing are all party classics, but according to the runways, they’re officially spring/summer suitable too. Take advantage of the post-Christmas sales and begin your 2023 with a textural bang.
Gianvito Rossi Spice Plume 95 feather-embellished patent-leather sandals, £1,095, Net-A-Porter
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Silver metallics
Next season, lustrous metallics have taken a cool turn, with silver at the forefront. Check out Chanel’s cami dresses, Valentino’s maximalist outerwear and Altuzarra’s pleats for an injection of inspiration.
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