I know that I’m not alone when I say that I truly relished putting away my winter boots and wearing sandals for the first time this year. There’s a lot to love about a crisp, fresh autumn, and winter was an excuse for cosy hibernation, but I’ve been counting down to summer since the last one ended, and now it’s just around the corner, I couldn’t be happier. Summer is, after all, my favourite time of the year to get dressed. The layers are lighter and less complicated, the colours are brighter and the prints more exciting, and with a busy few months of weddings, travel, parties and occasions, there’s more reasons to get dressed up and go out than the rest of the year, but “what does summer 2023 look like?” I hear you ask. Well, I’ve got the definitive answer.
At Who What Wear we’re experts in spotting trends well in advance and we can see the next big aesthetic before it even becomes a thing. With our group chats, notes apps, saved folders and Pinterest boards full of colours, styles, outfit ideas and references, we’ve known for a while that this summer is shaping up to be a stylish one, and we’ve noticed the early stages of some very promising trends.
Putting this skill to good use, I’ve been keeping an eye out for the pieces that fashion people have been wearing on repeat in the run up to summer, and equally, the ones they aren’t. And, before you hastily scroll down ready to throw away anything that doesn’t make the cut, I implore you to think twice. Fashion is entirely subjective and cyclical after all, so what isn’t “in” this summer will inevitably come back around, and this list is intended to focus on the timeless trends worth investing in now and for years to come, so you won’t find any flash-in-the-pan looks happening here (that means you “Mermaidcore”).
In the edit expect to find wardrobe staples, trending colour palettes and plenty of accessories to inspire your summer wardrobe from your favourite high street and high-end brands. So keep scrolling for the six outdated summer trends to shelve now, and the six most definitely worth saving in 2023.
Style Notes: Controversial as it may be to say, summer doesn’t have to be shorthand for “festival season”. Feathers, tie-dye, glitter and fringing are always fun to experiment with, but if you’re looking for outfits that will stand the test of time (and last longer than a three day festival), you’re better off investing in versatile pieces that you can wear on rotation–enter luxe minimalism. Simple shirts, shorts, dresses and skirts in fresh whites, black and neutrals are timeless, and you can wear them into the next season too. Oxford shirts can be worn now with shorts and later with jeans, and dresses can be paired with flats for summer and boots for autumn, but you can’t guarantee the same amount of wear out of a sequin crop top.
Style Notes: The runways have spoken, and this year is all about supersized denim. Big, baggy jeans and long sweeping maxi skirts have taken over, and moved mini skirts and shorts to one side. But don’t panic though, there’s still plenty of chic ways to make the most of bare-legged season, most notably cargo shorts. After the Y2K renaissance we’ve been getting reacquainted with the cargo trouser, and cargo shorts are the natural evolution into a warm-weather alternative.
Style Notes: Remember Kendall Jenner’s snow bikini? Of course you do, although not necessarily for the right reasons. If swimwear should be anything, it’s practical, and although we love bikinis of all shapes and sizes, we don’t want to spend our summer uncomfortably chafing. Thanks to cult favourite Hunza G, several celebrity sightings, and a certain Baywatch revival, the one-piece is back and chicer than ever, and it doubles as a body when worn with trousers, so what’s not to love?
Style Notes: In the interest of continuing the wearability focus, I bring you the maxi skirt. As previously mentioned, long denim skirts are everywhere right now, but as soon as the weather heats up, you might want to swap them for something a little lighter. Jersey, satin, cotton, linen and crochet skirts are perfect for a summer spent sweeping around the city or propping up a beach bar, and if 2022’s micro mini hemline left you feeling cold, this is perfect season to embrace the long lines that are turning up the heat right now.
Style Notes: Okay, so this piece doesn’t have tan lines in mind, but the humble tank top is one of the biggest breakout trends of the last year, and it shows no signs of slowing down in 2023. Perhaps it’s the tank top’s versatility, after all, it will go with quite literally anything in your wardrobe. Maybe it’s the cost-per-wear, as you’ll never have to shell out three figures for premium quality. Or maybe it’s just the downright good-looks of it, only a plain tee or oversized shirt can match the laidback charm of a white tank and tailored trouser. Either way, if you buy anything this year, a tank top is a wise investment. I’m stocking up on one in every colour…
Style Notes: Three cheers for sandal season! It’s been a long wait to bare some skin, and now the sun is shining, it’s time to book a pedi as we’re looking for sandals that let our feet breathe. And, before you opt out of flip flops altogether, the classic sandal will always be a forever favourite, but given its longevity, it makes sense to invest in a pair of leather sandals that will go the distance rather than a quick holiday buy. If The Row have taught us anything it’s that thong sandals are even better in luxe leather, but the same also applies to wedges, mules, sliders…
Style Notes: Not technically one trend, but more more an observation in favour of them all, sunglasses are the one of the few accessories that have changed drastically over the last year and still not fallen out of favour. Skinny shades a la Bella and Beyoncé? Still high on the agenda (just ask Blue Ivy). Rectangular lenses in an array of shades? Check, and check. Vintage square and cats eye styles? Arguably more popular than ever. This veritable pick and mix is one of the most exciting things about accessorising in summer, so whether you’re a summer minimalist, wearing statement swim, or keeping it casual in a tank top and khaki, there’s a pair of shades to finish the look.
