We’re nearly half way through 2023 and it’s already been quite a year for fashion. Just when we’d gotten comfortable hunkering down in cosy knits, ankle boots and leggings, spring quickly came back around and brought milder temperatures and sunshine (for the most part), making assembling our new season wardrobes a priority. The difficult transitional period between last year’s heatwaves and thunderstorms called for well-planned, sensible dressing with practicality at it’s core, but there is something about the promise of summer that means throwing all care out of the window (and there’s no better feeling than the first dress and sandals outfit of summer). For those lucky enough to be travelling abroad, you’ll no doubt be mentally prepping your suitcase as your warm-weather wardrobe beckons, so there’s no better time to start looking to the spring/summer 2023 runways for some inspiration, and trust me, this year is a good one.
There’s an eclectic summer shopping line-up this year—from the continuation of 90s minimalism vs Noughties glamour (that means you, 16 Arlington), to the sculptural and experimental courtesy of Loewe, JW Anderson and Junya Watanabe. In the mix of colour, texture and prints there is something for everyone; from the beachy and free-spirited to the polished and sharply-tailored, so if this summer calls for a little more than a simple tank top, step right up. It’s time to reclaim the joy in getting dressed.
With all of your summer plans in mind, I’ve set about compiling the ultimate shopping list for the new season. Consider this a considered edit of some of the strongest trends to grace the runway and how influencers are shopping and wearing them now. Expect designer-looking high-street finds, standout designer pieces, and just about everything in between. So whether you’re looking for something new to shake up your spring/summer wardrobe, to wear poolside on holiday, or the kind of investment buy that is guaranteed to roll around next summer too, I’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for our summer 2023 shopping guide: the very best pieces to see and shop this season.
Denim has always been a divisive topic, perhaps down to the fact that the fit is so important that there’s rarely one style that suits every body. The skinny might have had it’s moment in the sun, but I think we can all agree that as soon as summer hits, clingy fabrics aren’t ideal. Then there was the turn of the straight-leg, better, and looser, but playing it safe. Well denim stans, there’s a new kid on the block, and just like the unexpected revival of the denim maxi skirt, it’s time to turn up the volume in supersized jeans. Not quite boyfriend, and not quite wide leg, the key to this style is some serious slouch, often paired with a sharp shirt and luxe accessories.
Multitaskers, rejoice. You can now have your hands free to do it all, as the crossbody bag is back and bigger than ever. We may have experimented with mini bags for the last couple of years (and I blame Jacquemus for the teeny, tiny top-handle), but let’s be honest, when it comes to bags we need one that will do it all. Hold our essentials, go with every outfit, and look good while doing it, and the crossbody ticks every box. From raffia pouches to cheap and cheerful nylon, this versatile style is exactly what summer needs. No fuss simplicity.
If there’s one thing that never goes out of style, it’s staying cool (and looking it too): enter linen. This hardworking and reliable fabric has been our summer go-to for longer than we’d like to admit, and it all comes to down to its ability to balance fashion and function. There was a time that the only linen options were the same white shirts and trousers, but thankfully the runways (and high-street) have caught up and you can now buy everything from oversized three piece suits to slinky evening dresses all in refined linen fabrications. So the next time you think you have “nothing to wear” start with a linen shirt or dress and build up from there. It’s the ideal foundation for a warm-weather look.
Who likes short shorts? Well, you’re in luck. This year we trade in the micro mini for the humble short, and according to the runways, it’s shorter than ever. While hot pants might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the high-street is sensibly catering to a more wearable style too, so consider this your fair warning–it’s bare legged season, and a pair of shorts will make the most out of them. Just add an oversized shirt and a pair of sandals and wear on repeat.
If lockdown taught us anything, it was the value of putting comfort first. We might not be wearing the same tracksuits we relied on then, but for those who are still readjusting to jeans (guilty), there’s a slinky trend slipping its way back into our wardrobes and its the easiest thing to pull on straight out of bed. Slip dresses might not be brand new, but this summer they heavily reference vintage nightgowns, detailed with lace, rosettes and peek-a-boo cut-outs. Talk about day-to-night dressing.
