2023’s Biggest Spring Trends Include Maxi Skirts & Ballet Flats
Spring is here — and that means the
spring/summer 2023 fashion trendswe saw on the runways months ago are about to be in full bloom.After the dark days of winter, ’tis the season for revival and reinvigoration, so we’re expecting our outfits to follow suit.If you can’t quite remember what was happening on the catwalks late last year, we don’t blame you.We’re also here to help by refreshing both your memory and your warm-weather wardrobe.
Ahead is our list of the
biggest fashion trendsthat spanned the shows from New Yorkto Londonto Milan to Paris, all of which can finally be integrated into your wardrobe.
While not every one of them is big with a capital B, (spoiler alert) the blazers and the handbagsactually are.And whether it’s embracing your inner Lara Croft in this season’s amped-up utilitarian attire or transforming yourself into a human disco ball courtesy of party-ready metallics, fashion is giving us plenty of opportunity to have fun.
But where to begin?
Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT
We’ve assembled the key pieces, colors, accessories, and aesthetics to kick things off this spring with your most stylish foot forward.By that we mean in a pair of
dazzling ballet flats, but more on that below.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff.All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication.If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Spring Trend 2023: Statement Maxi Skirts
According to Brandon Maxwell, Valentino, Jil Sander, and Ulla Johnson,
the maxi skirthas arrived to rival last spring’s ubiquitous micro mini.Featuring floor-grazing hems, ruffles, sparkles, prints, and even pockets, there’s an extra-long skirt stylefor everyone (though denim takes on this trendare stealing the spotlight).
Spring Trend 2023: Fancy Flats
Step up your
2023 shoe gameby slipping on your favorite flats from the early aughts with a high-fashion edge.Be it pointy-toes or classic ballet flats, these nostalgic styles are back and better than ever with rhinestone embellishments (Nensi Dojaka), daring mesh detailing (Emporio Armani), and sharp silhouettes.
Spring Trend 2023: Drop Waists
Not ready to give up last summer’s
corset stylesjust yet? Then the curve-hugging, drop-waist dress trend — à la Gabriela Hearst, Carolina Herrera, and Sandy Liang — is for you.
With waistbands falling just above the top of your hips, this torso-lengthening look comes with the sculptural appeal of a corset and the added bonus of a bottom half that’s loose and flowing.
Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT
Spring Trend 2023: Shades Of Purple
A recent trend report from
Worth Global Style Networkfound that the color purple is an increasingly popular choice among young shoppers who appreciate its gender-inclusive allure.We spotted the trending hue in a variety of ways at the SS23 shows, with Adam Lippes opting for a very light lilac, Prabal Gurung going for lavender, and Tibi trying out plum and orchid shades.For bold dressers interested in the sheer styles that also dominated the SS23 runways, choosing a dark purple see-through pieceis a great way to adopt this daring look without feeling totally exposed.
Spring Trend 2023: So Much Silver
There is no shortage of designer inspo (Sacai, Gucci, Valentino, Paco Rabanne, Chloé, Simone Rocha) and styles (mesh materials, metallic accents, sleek and shiny fabrics) for those who wish to shine bright in this standout trend.Celebrities kicked things off at the Grammy Awards earlier this year, with
Harry Stylesin a silver fringed jumpsuit, Mary J.
Blige in a cut-out silver dress, and Alex Scott in a silver halter-top ensemble.
Spring Trend 2023: All Things Utilitarian
The wild rise of
the cargo panthas ushered in an era of utilitarian style more generally.This includes all kinds of baggy pants, durable fabrics, boiler suits, and pretty much anything with pockets.Designers like Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Sacai, Burberry, Koché, Isabel Marant, and LaQuan Smith have given this trend their stamp of approval, sometimes with a colorful or silky twist.
Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT
Spring Trend 2023: Very Big Blazers
This spring, big blazers mean big business.The
oversized takeon the closet staple is reflective of an industry whose rules have become more flexible and easy-going in recent years.Breezy styles from of-the-minute brands like Khaite and Rejina Pyo prove that the boxier, the better.
Spring Trend 2023: Leather On Leather
Two-piece sets in leather, or vegan alternatives of the fabric, are proving to be fashion’s glossiest outfit formula for the season ahead.Sleek shorts, pants, and skirts in leather or leather-like materials are being paired with matching blazers, bombers, and bustiers inspired by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Coach, Max Mara, and Chloé.
Spring Trend 2023: XL Totes
If you like big blazers, might we suggest the trend’s equally large cousin: the
supersized tote.Industry heavy hitters like Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Bottega Veneta are making the case for extra-large bags that are big enough to eclipse your torso, making this accessory the center of attention that just so happens to fit everything you need to get through the day…and then some.
Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT.