Right so here we go….

My first proper seasonal ‘Trends’ blog.

It has taken me a while to hop on to this band wagon and if you have followed me for a while you will know that I am not generally one to follow or talk about ‘trends’ very often. However, I love a bit of inspiration.

Inspiration and ideas to give my wardrobe a boost. Maybe show me a new way to wear an old favourite or give me suggestions of how to update some of my go-to looks with some newness.
If it works for me and I like it then I will go with it.

Fashion Focus

I am excited to report there was a subtle shift on the catwalks in February this year. It seems the cogs of sustainability awareness are starting to turn.
For example, there were some trends that were an extension of Autumn/ Winter looks, albeit dialled down versions, which some could say was a nod to providing the longevity of clothing and getting more wear from the pieces we are investing in.

Liana Wiggins, head of womenswear at MATCHESFASHION said that ‘Summer 23 saw designers creating wearable yet interesting clothes, with a shift towards hard-working, effortless pieces.’
I mean let’s be honest we all know fashion works on a cycle.

It is highly likely that something you will buy or have bought that is ‘on trend’ or inspired by a certain seasonal look, will come back into fashion in the future and there was a real sense that the message of shopping more mindfully was starting to come through.

Invest in something that is good quality and that you will want to keep in your wardrobe for a long time.

Hallelujah!!

10 Key Trends for Spring Summer 23

So on from that here are my favourite/ key themes for Spring/ Summer styling.

UNDERSTATED LUXE

Now this has been building a while, Minimaluxe is it’s buzzword sister trend within Interiors too which I feel deserves its own blog in itself (watch this space!)
Liana from MATCHESFASHION also commented that ‘there was a real shift to modern luxurious wardrobing and interesting, accessible tailoring to fit all lifestyles, which, after many seasons of high occasion wear was refreshing to see.’
Think paired back luxury, quiet luxury, nothing flash or brash, just understated, basic and absolutely stunning.

This is a simple one to nail, just don’t overdo it.. Keep it basic. Think blazers, wide legged trousers, simple tank tops all worn tonally and with chic accessories made from tactile leather, rattan or raffia.

Blazer – Mango. Skirt – H&M. Vest – & Other Stories. Shorts – Massimo Dutti. Bag – All Saints 

WHEN DENIM TOOK OVER

Denim. We all love Denim. The mid-length denim skirt has become an Instagram, must have item (i have been wearing mine every season, cough..cough.) but it has gone beyond that.
Go denim head to toe like Burberry or Chloe or maybe shake it out in super relaxed, wide legged trousers like Kate Moss at Bottega Veneta, another moment that caused a social media picture sensation.

Trench – Cos. Wide legged jeans – marks and Spencer. Skirt – Next. Top – Zara. Bag – Zara.

NOT LIKE GRANDMAS SILKS

Vintage, sleepwear and lingerie inspired silk camis and dresses were a wash on the catwalk this year. Tagwalk reports that 59% of designers included lingerie of some description in their collections.
Combined with the sheer layering trend which is hotly on it’s heels in the sexy styling department, think lace inserts, satin slips or skirts in soft pastels.

Dress – Mango. Asymetric Dress H&M. Skirt – Zara. Cami – H&M, Bag – Next

COMING UP ROSES

Anyone seen the Sex and the City, Just Like That promotional shot? Well in it, front and centre Carrie Bradshaw is wearing a huge corsage style dress.
3D flowers are really having their moment. I mean, florals in Spring is not exactly a new trend, it is as expected as the flip flop blister when it comes to summer months. However whether you go for a decorative finish around the waist like at Acne Studios or a more statement lily like Loewe, it could be the perfect way to elevate your wedding guest outfit!

Dress – Karen Millen. Top & Other Stories. Sequinned Jacket – Oliver Bonas. Dress – Warehouse. Sandals – Zara. Bag – Mango.

FRINGE AFFAIR

An alternative texture to play with this summer, fringing! Victoria Beckham really owned this with her oversized fringed clutch and using coloured tassels to really lift some of her absolutely stunning dresses.
Chanel kept it subtle with some extra va-va voom on delicate dresses whilst Jil Sander just showed us how to go all out.
I am love the lime green wrap dress from Mango, this shade is really having a moment too, perfect with a summer tan for your sunset cocktails.
This look doesn’t need to be kept to the glamorous side of summer, you don’t need to go all twenties fancy dress. Link in with the next trend and bring some fringing to your crochet beach throw on!

Dress – Mango. Top & Skirt Combo – Zara. Jacket – Massimo Dutti. Bag – Mango. 

SPIDER WEAVES

Knitwear will always feature in some form on a catwalk trend and this season is no different. For Spring/Summer 23 crochet takes centre stage (not really a shocker there) however the weaves are more open, more spiderweb like. Big knickers and bras are a must!
Relaxed and easy to wear. Layer in neutral tones or go bold with head to toe colour, you can show skin or if prefer a more modest look layer with black or white shift dress underneath like the dress from H&M.

Dress – H&M. Maxi Dress – Mango. Top – Boden. Skirt – Zara. Bag Oliver Bonas.

SUMMER BLACK.

Amongst the colour domination expected of the Spring/Summer catwalks, black was undeniably a strong contender for colour of the season.
Summer black is different to winter black however.
Think soft sheer silhouettes like Chanel or Burberry, balancing head to toe black with pops of skin like Ester Manas or Cos.
Use texture like raffia bags at Max Mara or statement footwear with wood or tan to bring summer rather than funeral vibes.

Dress – Mango. Oversized Linen Shirt – Marks and Spencer. Satin Halterneck top – Zara. Bag – H&M 

Shoes – Marks and Spencer 

MISS SCARLETT

So amongst the black, the stand out colour for me was this sunset red. Now in some cases it was mixed in an ombre print with yellows and oranges to emulate the sunsets of Ibiza (thats where I was in my mind) but for this key trend spot I chose to go with just the single shade of red.
Again the play with texture, balance of skin flashing against head to toe red was super important. Alexander McQueen brought in silver hooks and skin, whilst Chloe went with leather. Simple shapes with tailoring and slip dresses like Gabriella Hearst and Cos meant this season’s shade is easy to wear and interpret to suit your style.
If head to toe isn’t your thing, add a pop like Jil Sander.

Dress – Mango. Top – Zara. Top – Mint Velvet. Jeans – Baujken. Slip dress – Warehouse. Wedges – Mint Velvet. 

PICK POCKET

Combats. This trend started with combats. Now in Autumn/ Winter the Y2K trend was really in its element and I am pleased to say it has eased off a little when it comes to this utilitarian trend. Don’t get me wrong the ‘grunge/army chic’ vibe of the Y2K essence is still very much alive (hello Givenchy) but for Spring Summer it felt a little more chic.
It’s essentially all about the pockets. Where you go for short with mini skirt like Fendi or loose like Versace or maybe even just a Utilitarian style jacket from Alberta Ferretti is more your bag, just make sure it has a pocket!

Jumpsuit – Mint Velvet. Jacket – Hush. Skort – Zara. Shorts – Zara. Dress – Baujken. Trousers – Hush. 

IT”S ALL ABOUT MARY JANE

Another trend associated with the twenties the Mary Jane shoe has cemented her status from Autumn/ Winter into Spring/ Summer 23.
From the catwalk in the classic block heel versions at Chanel, Prada and Coach, the high street and everyday fashion influence has translated into a combination of this seasons love of the ballet pump and so the ever so chic, flat Mary Jane has become the go-to flat of the season.

Cream – Massimo Dutti. Silver – Office. Navy – Boden. Pink Satin – Zara. Black block heel – Office. White slingbacks – Marks and Spencer. Black – Zara.

Well there we have it!
I will tell you a secret I actually quite enjoyed bringing this all together for you. Have found some FABULOUS inspiration for my summer wardrobe and cannot wait to get outfit creating as the summer flows.

Enjoyed listening to me waffle on? Well there is more…sign up to my newsletter and get some of my inside knowledge and tips too!
And if you would like some tips on how to update your wardrobe this summer – click here for you 10 Step Wardrobe Love Checklist!

 

*All Catwalk images taken from WWD.com.