Summer 2023 fashion trends.
By Duncan Kilburn on May 8, 2023
Summer is often the most challenging season to dress for. Trying to be on trend while trying not to overheat is difficult for many, but here are five trends making waves this season.
Red, Orange, Yellow and Pink
Unsurprisingly warm colours stay in trend during the summer. The colours feel warm and complement everyone’s sun kissed skin. 2023 has seen many designers embrace monochromatic looks prominently, featuring rich and intense reds, vibrant oranges, muted yellows and hot pink. Each colour on its own can add a pop of colour to an otherwise dull outfit or complement one another. Best of all, colour trends are the easiest to follow, as many other trendy pieces will be made in these colours.
Oversized Blazers
Blazers have been a staple in office and formal wear but have slowly made their way into more casual outfits. They are a great and easy way to dress up a casual jeans and t-shirt look. Making the blazer oversized also helps it look less formal while giving your outfit a polished look.
Grunge Aesthetic
Originally a music scene in the Pacific Northwest, the grunge aesthetic exploded in the early 90s with Nirvana’s rise to fame. Although meant to be a statement against the excess of fashion at the time, it was co-opted by many designers. Grunge is a trend that comes back often due to the pieces being wardrobe staples meant to look worn out. Flannels, band tees, babydoll dresses, skate shoes, and baggy, destroyed denim are the essentials and are probably already in your closet.
Flared Pants
Flared pants were a staple of the 60s hippie movement and the 70s disco era, two times in history associated with fun and free love, the ideal summer energy. Flares can elongate your legs and create an exciting silhouette. Pairing them with a t-shirt can give a more relaxed vintage look reminiscent of the summer of love.
Cargo Pants/ Utility Wear
Utility and fashion don’t always go hand in hand, but “Utility Glam” was all over the Spring/Summer runways. Although taking inspiration from the sporty and fun Y2K era of cargo pants, the 2023 version is darker and more about looking prepared in a post-apocalyptic world. At trend kicked into high gear with Coperni and their “spray on dress” that broke the internet. Everything from pants to shirts had external pockets to ensure you could have everything you needed. A simple combo of a t-shirt and cargo pants is very sleek, but if you want to dress it up, try adding a light jacket with large external pockets.