As the sun climbs higher and temperatures soar, summer 2023 beckons with a fresh wave of fashion trends that promise to invigorate your wardrobe. This season is a vibrant blend of playful experimentation and nostalgic nods, offering styles that range from practical and breezy to decadent and bold. Drawing inspiration from the spring/summer 2023 runways of New York, London, Milan, and Paris, as well as insights from fashion experts and street style, we’ve curated eight must-have trends to shop now. Whether you’re planning for beach getaways, summer weddings, or casual city strolls, these trends will keep you stylish and on-point. Let’s dive into the looks that defined summer 2023 and explore how to incorporate them into your closet with ease.
1. Lavender Hues: The Calming Color of the Season
Summer 2023 is awash with digital lavender, a soft, soothing purple shade named the 2023 color of the year by trend forecaster WGSN. This hue, evoking tranquility in a hectic world, dominated runways and retail shelves alike. Designers like Ulla Johnson and Proenza Schouler showcased lavender in flowing dresses, tailored blazers, and even accessories, proving its versatility across aesthetics.
Why It Works
Lavender’s appeal lies in its ability to feel fresh yet timeless. It’s a solid color that’s easy to style for those who shy away from bold prints, and it pairs beautifully with neutrals like white, beige, or gray. Whether you lean toward minimalist chic or bohemian flair, lavender adds a subtle pop without overwhelming your look.
How to Wear It
- Casual: Pair a lavender tank top with high-waisted denim shorts and strappy sandals for a relaxed daytime vibe.
- Evening: Opt for a lavender slip dress with metallic heels and delicate gold jewelry for a dreamy, summer-night look.
- Workwear: A lavender blazer over a white blouse and tailored trousers brings a professional yet modern edge.
Where to Shop
- Madewell: Lightweight lavender tees and midi skirts.
- Nordstrom: Lavender maxi dresses and structured handbags.
- Zara: Budget-friendly lavender co-ords and accessories.
2. Mermaidcore: Dive into Oceanic Glamour
Inspired by the release of Disney’s The Little Mermaid in 2023, mermaidcore is the season’s most whimsical trend. Think sequins, cascading ruffles, fishnet textures, and iridescent fabrics that mimic the ocean’s sparkle. Designers like Blumarine and Bottega Veneta embraced this aesthetic with seashell-inspired bralettes, aquamarine skirts, and shimmering gowns.
Why It Works
Mermaidcore is all about embracing fantasy while staying wearable. It’s perfect for summer’s festive occasions—think beach parties or destination weddings—where a touch of drama feels right. The trend’s versatility allows you to go bold with a full sequined look or subtle with ocean-inspired accessories.
How to Wear It
- Bold: A sequined skirt paired with a white tank top and woven tote for a beach-to-bar transition.
- Subtle: Add seashell earrings or a fishnet cover-up over your swimsuit for a nod to the trend.
- Evening: A fishtail-hem gown in shimmery teal or pink channels Ariel’s glamour for formal events.
Where to Shop
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Sequined dresses and iridescent clutches.
- Shopbop: Mermaidcore-inspired swimwear and cover-ups.
- Revolve: Statement jewelry with seashell and pearl details.
3. Rosettes: Feminine Flourishes in Full Bloom
Rosettes, those delicate floral embellishments, are summer 2023’s darling detail. From hair accessories to dresses, this trend, championed by Blumarine, Sandy Liang, and even celebrities like Zendaya at the 2023 SAG Awards, adds a touch of vintage romance to any outfit.
Why It Works
Rosettes are inherently feminine but versatile enough to fit various aesthetics, from balletcore to grunge. They’re an easy way to elevate basics, transforming a simple top or skirt into a statement piece. Plus, their three-dimensional design adds texture, making them ideal for summer’s lightweight fabrics.
How to Wear It
- Daytime: A rosette-adorned hair clip with a sundress and sneakers for a playful, youthful vibe.
- Evening: A rosette-embellished mini dress paired with strappy heels for a garden party or date night.
- Mix-and-Match: Add a rosette choker to a denim-on-denim look for a feminine twist on a utilitarian style.
Where to Shop
- Net-a-Porter: Rosette necklaces and embellished dresses.
- Anthropologie: Rosette hair accessories and tops.
- ASOS: Affordable rosette skirts and bags.
4. Sheer Fabrics: Bare It All with Elegance
Sheer clothing took center stage in summer 2023, moving beyond eveningwear to everyday looks. From semi-sheer dresses at Saint Laurent to transparent tops at Prada, this trend embraces understated sensuality. It’s a shift from high-glam sequins to a more subtle, chic approach to revealing skin.
Why It Works
Sheer fabrics are perfect for summer’s heat, offering breathability while making a bold statement. They allow for creative layering, letting you balance modesty and daring. The trend’s popularity on red carpets and street style proves its adaptability across occasions.
How to Wear It
- Casual: A sheer blouse over a bralette with high-waisted jeans and loafers for a city-chic look.
- Beach: A sheer cover-up over a bikini with oversized sunglasses for effortless glamour.
- Evening: A floor-length sheer dress with strategic embellishments for a red-carpet-worthy moment.
Where to Shop
- Reformation: Semi-sheer midi dresses and tops.
- Mango: Affordable sheer blouses and skirts.
- Farfetch: Designer sheer gowns from Prada and Nensi Dojaka.
5. Cargo Pockets: Utilitarian Chic Returns
The cargo pocket trend, a utilitarian favorite, continued its reign in summer 2023. Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi showcased cargo details on skirts, shorts, and vests, elevating the Y2K-inspired silhouette with luxurious fabrics like silk and organza.
Why It Works
Cargo pockets combine function and fashion, offering practicality without sacrificing style. Their tailored iterations this season feel polished, making them suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings. The trend’s popularity, with over 1,000 units of Frankie Shop’s Maesa Cargo style sold, underscores its demand.
How to Wear It
- Street Style: Cargo shorts with a fitted tank and chunky sneakers for a cool, urban look.
- Workwear: A cargo-pocketed midi skirt with a crisp white shirt and heels for a modern office outfit.
- Weekend: A cargo vest over a slip dress with sandals for a laid-back yet trendy vibe.
Where to Shop
- Net-a-Porter: Frankie Shop cargo pants and skirts.
- Zara: Budget-friendly cargo shorts and vests.
- H&M: Cargo-pocketed dresses and jackets.
6. Trompe L’Oeil Prints: Optical Illusions in Fashion
Designers in summer 2023 played with perception through trompe l’oeil prints, creating garments that trick the eye into seeing something else—a faux denim finish, a digital rendering, or an altered silhouette. Bottega Veneta’s leather “jeans” and Matthieu Blazy’s printed flannel shirts exemplified this trend’s cool factor.
Why It Works
Trompe l’oeil prints are a conversation starter, blending artistry with wearability. They’re ideal for those who love fashion that challenges norms, offering a fresh take on classic pieces. In an era of online imagery, these prints blur the line between real and virtual, making them supremely modern.
How to Wear It
- Casual: A trompe l’oeil denim shirt with white shorts and espadrilles for a playful summer look.
- Evening: A dress with a faux corset print paired with strappy heels for a bold, artistic statement.
- Layered: A trompe l’oeil jacket over a monochrome outfit to add dimension without overwhelming.
Where to Shop
- Farfetch: Bottega Veneta trompe l’oeil pieces.
- SSENSE: Experimental prints from emerging designers.
- Mango: Affordable trompe l’oeil tops and dresses.
7. Bubble Hems: A Nostalgic ’80s Revival
The bubble hem, a hallmark of ’80s fashion, made a triumphant return in summer 2023. Khaite, Ulla Johnson, and Proenza Schouler showcased bubble skirts and dresses in vibrant hues like tomato red, proving this silhouette is back with a modern twist.
Why It Works
Bubble hems add volume and drama, making them ideal for statement-making outfits. Their exaggerated shape feels fresh after years of sleek, minimalist silhouettes, and they’re surprisingly versatile when styled with simple basics. The trend’s presence at Paris Fashion Week confirms its high-fashion appeal.
How to Wear It
- Party: A bubble-hem mini dress in a bold color with strappy heels for a fun, festive look.
- Daytime: A bubble skirt with a fitted black tank and chunky necklace for a balanced, elegant outfit.
- Transitional: Pair a bubble-hem top with tailored trousers and boots for a nod to the trend in cooler weather.
Where to Shop
- Revolve: Bubble-hem dresses and skirts.
- ASOS: Affordable bubble-hem tops.
- Nordstrom: High-end bubble silhouettes from Khaite.
8. Metallic Accents: Shine On
Metallic finishes, particularly silver, lit up summer 2023 runways, from Wales Bonner’s lace-trimmed Sambas to Tom Ford’s strappy sandals. This trend extends beyond footwear to bags, dresses, and even daytime separates, offering a futuristic edge to warm-weather looks.
Why It Works
Metallics add instant glamour, making even the simplest outfits feel special. Their “daytime shine” appeal, as noted by Refinery29, means you can wear them from morning to night. Silver, in particular, acts as a neutral, pairing effortlessly with any color palette.
How to Wear It
- Casual: Metallic sneakers with a white tee and denim skirt for a sporty, trendy vibe.
- Evening: A silver slip dress with minimalist jewelry for a sleek, futuristic look.
- Accessories: A metallic clutch or sandals to elevate a monochrome outfit.
Where to Shop
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Metallic sandals and bags from Tom Ford.
- Adidas: Silver Sambas and other metallic sneakers.
- Zara: Budget-friendly metallic dresses and accessories.
Styling Tips for Summer 2023
To make the most of these trends, consider these expert-approved styling tips:
- Layer Smartly: Sheer fabrics and lightweight metallics are perfect for layering. Try a sheer blouse under a cargo vest or a metallic top under a linen blazer for a balanced look.
- Mix Textures: Combine mermaidcore sequins with soft cottons or pair a bubble hem with a sleek leather top to create visual interest.
- Accessorize Thoughtfully: Rosettes and metallics shine as accessories. Use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your outfit.
- Play with Proportions: Balance voluminous bubble hems with fitted tops or pair oversized cargo pieces with sleek tanks for a modern silhouette.
- Embrace Versatility: Many of these trends, like lavender and cargo pockets, transition seamlessly from day to night or summer to fall with the right styling.
Why These Trends Matter
Summer 2023’s fashion trends reflect a broader cultural mood: a desire for joy, individuality, and a touch of escapism. The resurgence of nostalgic elements like bubble hems and rosettes speaks to a yearning for simpler times, while avant-garde trends like trompe l’oeil and sheer fabrics push boundaries in a digital age. As noted by Glamour, these trends are “just a touch more playful” than spring’s denim-heavy looks, making them perfect for breathing new life into your wardrobe.
Moreover, these trends are accessible across price points, from high-end designers like Bottega Veneta to fast-fashion retailers like Zara. This democratization of fashion ensures that everyone can participate, whether you’re splurging on a statement piece or curating a budget-friendly capsule wardrobe. The emphasis on versatility—seen in pieces like cargo skirts or lavender co-ords—also aligns with a growing focus on sustainability, encouraging consumers to invest in items that can be styled multiple ways.
Where to Start Shopping
To kickstart your summer 2023 wardrobe, explore these retailers:
- High-End: Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Farfetch for designer pieces like Bottega Veneta’s trompe l’oeil or Prada’s sheer dresses.
- Mid-Range: Nordstrom, Reformation, and Anthropologie for quality staples like lavender dresses or rosette accessories.
- Budget-Friendly: Zara, H&M, and ASOS for affordable takes on cargo pockets, metallics, and bubble hems.
- Athleisure and Streetwear: Adidas and Revolve for metallic sneakers and mermaidcore-inspired swimwear.
For exclusive discounts, check promo codes at Madewell, Nordstrom, and Shopbop, as suggested by Glamour.
Final Thoughts
Summer 2023 is a season of sartorial freedom, where bold experimentation meets timeless elegance. From the ethereal allure of mermaidcore to the practical chic of cargo pockets, these eight trends offer something for every style sensibility. Whether you’re drawn to the calming hues of lavender, the nostalgic charm of rosettes, or the futuristic sheen of metallics, there’s no shortage of ways to express yourself. As you shop, prioritize pieces that resonate with your personal style and can be styled in multiple ways to maximize wearability.
