7 key fashion trends to know for spring/summer 2023: from Louis Vuitton-inspired utilitarian-chic and quirky teddy bear bags at Gucci, to sheer and floaty at Chanel and florals at Prada and Valentino
Loud, proud and floral: key looks from the Loewe ready-to-wear spring/summer 2023 collection unveiled at Paris Fashion Week last September. Photo: EPA-EFE
In a gloriously escapist rebuttal of the pandemic’s gloomy global outlook, the spring/summer 2023 ready-to-wear shows that took place in late 2022 offered a palate-cleansing of sorts. After two years of cancellations and virtual shows, editors, celebrities, buyers and industry insiders were welcomed back to a fun-filled fashion month, complete with a swathe of new trends and memorable moments.
In New York, Fendi unveiled new iterations of its iconic Baguette bag at a star-studded fashion show, and in Milan, Paris Hilton surprised showgoers by walking the Versace finale in a Y2K-inspired pink chain mail number while her frenemy Kim Kardashian curated Dolce & Gabbana’s entire ready-to-wear line. Over in Paris, Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer Victoria Beckham showcased her first collection in the city, alongside perennial luxury heavyweights including Dior, Valentino and Chanel.
So what did we learn? These are the 2023 spring/summer looks it’s time to start shopping for.
1. Sheer delight
Chanel’s ready-to-wear collection featured pieces that explored the limits of sheer fabrics. Photo: Chanel
Apart from being extremely versatile, this breathable and light-as-a-feather sheer fabric is ideal for beach getaways, summer holidays and, well, warmer weather in general!
Sheer looks from the Erdem SS23 collection. Photo: Erdem
If you prefer to maintain a little mystery, opt for a subtle skin reveal with Erdem’s transparent overlays or Dolce & Gabbana’s see-through corset confections. Meanwhile, those who are more daring may find themselves drawn to the bold choices and playful sheer looks at Acne Studios and Chanel.
2. Flower power
Loewe’s minidress with a giant anthurium showed the floral trend in full bloom. Photo: Gorunway
Florals for spring may sound like the ultimate cliché but this season they’re proving to be worth the hype. On the catwalks, three-dimensional blooms and floral appliqués were spotted in an array of shapes, sizes and colours. At Loewe, Jonathan Anderson constructed a floaty minidress featuring a giant anthurium. Prada, on the other hand, adorned some of its minimalist pieces with rose-shaped ornaments in muted hues.
A floral A-line look sparkling with creativity. Photo: Valentino
Over at Valentino, a fabulous A-line midi skirt embellished with a delicate flower motif that has since become a house signature also caught the eye.
3. Utilitarian chic
Givenchy’s SS23 collection features utilitarian looks. Photo: Givenchy
Anything military inspired – think utility belts and styles adorned with functional oversized pockets – is making a major comeback for spring/summer 2023, and designers such as Isabel Marant, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy have put their own stylish twist on utilitarian dressing. At Miu Miu, model Emily Ratajkowski ruled the runway in a tiny bandeau fastened with a snap buckle and a leather skirt designed with two zipped compartments.
Dior ticked two boxes with a floral coat paired with the return of relaxed cargo pants. Photo: Dior
Elegant yet relaxed cargo pants, a Y2K favourite, also emerged at both Versace and Dior.
Michael Kors embraced the divisive shade of lime green as bold shades rule the season of rebirth. Photo: Michael Kors
This season’s motto? Be bold. Collections are flooded with vibrant creations and mood-boosting highlighter hues, which stood out on the Versace, Michael Kors and Balenciaga runways. Celebrity “It” girls Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber are among the memorable fashion stars to have fully embraced the neon palette. Go ahead and take style cues by injecting lime greens, citrus yellows and hot pinks into your spring wardrobe.
5. Sunset shades
Ferragamo shone vibrant sunset hues onto the runway. Photo: Ferragamo
One of the biggest colour trends to emerge from the spring/summer 2023 collections is sunset orange. The zesty hue appeared on a myriad of pieces from the likes of Etro, JW Anderson, Stella McCartney, Ferragamo and Victoria Beckham. For semi-formal events, wear the striking shade with coordinating accessories and elegant everyday jewellery. Alternatively, brighten up any neutral or monochromatic ensemble by adding a cool pop of sunset orange shade to your look.
6. Wonderfully whimsical
A crystal-set teddy was one of Gucci’s novelty bags. Photo: Gucci
Gucci’s Gizmo carryalls are a nod to the 1984 film Gremlins. Photo: Gucci
Those who have been feeling nostalgic lately will be delighted at this season’s unexpected arm candy offerings. At Gucci, stand-out accessories included crystal-embellished teddy bear bags as well as plush Gizmo carryalls – 80s kids will remember the character from the 1984 black comedy horror film Gremlins.
Louis Vuitton’s whimsical house-as-handbag. Photo: Louis Vuitton
Elsewhere, at Louis Vuitton, we caught sight of a travel trunk crafted in the shape of a house. As it turned out, that accessory was, in fact, a replica of the founder’s charming abode in the northwestern suburbs of Paris: the maison founder’s maison, if you will.
Coloured jelly sandals from the Coach SS23 ready-to-wear collection. Photo: Gorunway
Transparent footwear is still having a major fashion moment. On the spring/summer 2023 catwalks, designers showcased their own chic renditions of the clear shoe, ranging from Valentino’s sky-high platform heels and Loewe’s casual but polished flats to Coach’s comfy coloured jellies. Since 2016, the see-through style has been a firm favourite among celebrities – specifically Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Bella Hadid – as well as various members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
Last year’s spring/summer 2023 catwalks were filled with everything from fluorescent green to florals and utilitarian chic courtesy of Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel and other big hitters
Jelly shoes – a style already rocked by Rihanna and J. Lo – are back, while fluorescent hues at Balenciaga and Versace are proven favourites of Hailey Bieber and Kim Kardashian
