It can be argued that warmer weather makes it easier to get dressed. No more fussing with jackets and bulky layers; oftentimes, the perfect summer outfit consists of shorts and a T-shirt or a breezy slip dress. However, if the goal is to take this year’s rotation up a notch, there are plenty of statement summer 2023 fashion trends worth adding to your closet.
According to the Fashion Month runways, this season is all about playing around with proportion and focusing on bold details that will make your look pop. Even opting for fresh color schemes will spice up classic combinations.
Summer is also all about ease, so in that same spirit, we aimed to make this quest to spice up your wardrobe stress-free. Not only have we rounded up eight summer fashion trends from our favorite collections, but we’ve also found a handful of great shoppable pieces, at a variety of different price points, to help you nail the look.
So, whether your goal is to enhance what you already own with a few key items, or you think it might be time for a full, fashion-forward overhaul, allow this list of summer 2023 fashion trends to act as your ultimate guide, to kick off the season in style.
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.
Summer Trend 2023: Bermuda Shorts
There’s always room in our drawers for cutoffs and hotpants, but if you’re looking for some real versatility this season, Bermuda shorts are your best bet. If you need proof, both Chanel and Tom Ford included the versatile knee-length design in their spring/summer collections. Style the breezy bottom with a button-down for days at the office, then swap the shirt out for a bikini top on your days off.Photo (left to right): Courtesy of Tom Ford, Chanel, Givenchy
Banana Republic Palma Linen Bermuda Short, $, available at Banana Republic
J.Crew Bermuda Stretch Chino Short, $, available at J.Crew
Ultra-baggy jeans aren’t the only ‘90s denim trend to make a comeback — enter the denim Bermuda short. This pair boasts a loose, slouchy fit and a mid-rise waist, while patchwork details ensure they’re anything but your average denim cutoffs.
Levi’s 501® 90s Women’s Shorts, $, available at Levi’s
COS Tailored Linen-Blend Bermuda Shorts, $, available at COS
COS Elasticated Linen-Blend Bermuda Shorts, $, available at COS
Summer Trend 2023: Mini Fit-and-Flare Dresses
Considering styles from the ‘90s and Y2K have already made their comebacks, it’s only fair that the 2010s are next — which means it’s time to make room in your closet for a fit-and-flare dress. Summer 2023’s version is super short, just like the mini collared option that popped up at Loewe, making it the perfect pick for 80-degree weather and up.Photo (left to right): Courtesy of Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Loewe, Giambattista Valli
Loewe Striped Crepe Mini Dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Lulus Darling Delight Fuchsia Skater Dress, $, available at Lulus
Staud Landscape Corset Minidress, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Summer Trend 2023: Puff Slides
If we had to pick a favorite summer shoe, it would be a slide sandal for how easy to slip on right as you’re heading out the door. For 2023, the footwear trend has become a bit more elevated — literally. Platform options that were voluminous all the way around were all the rage at Proenza Schouler, Fendi, and more, and proved to pair just as well with bikinis as they do with sparkly dresses.Photo (left to right): Courtesy of Fendi, Monica Feudi/Proenza Schouler, JW Anderson
R0am Foldy Puffy Slide, $, available at Revolve
Simon Miller White Taffy Slides, $, available at SSENSE
Jeffrey Campbell Y2k Puffy Platform Sandals, $, available at Free People
Jeffrey Campbell Txt Me Platform Sandal, $, available at Revolve
Summer Trend 2023: The Little Mermaidcore
Blame it on the excitement around one of summer’s most anticipated films, the live-action version of The Little Mermaid, but mermaidcore is everywhere this season. It’s up to you how you want to interpret the trend, whether it’s by opting for Dior-inspired fishnet material or rocking a purple and seafoam color scheme, similar to what we spotted at Prabal Gurung.Photo (left to right): Courtesy of Valentino, Dan Lecca/Prabal Gurung, Cynthia Rowley
Urban Renewal Remnants Mesh Cropped Tank Top, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Stine Goya Julius Hobo Bag, $, available at Stine Goya
Stine Goya Ziggy Bag, $, available at Stine Goya
Retrofete Eloisa Dress, $, available at FWRD
Summer Trend 2023: Summer Black
While brighter, more vibrant colors typically dominate between the months of May and September, brands like Tory Burch and Valentino really embraced all-black everything for summer 2023. The good news is, the very same pieces will still fly once things cool off again.Photo (left to right): Courtesy of Altuzarra, Tory Burch, Dan Lecca/Jason Wu
Tory Burch Pleated-Hem Skirt, $, available at Tory Burch
Pilcro Racerback Tank, $, available at Anthropologie
Victor Glemaud One-Shoulder Knit Midi-Dress, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Summer Trends 2023: Metallic Bags
Even if your summer outfit is fairly simple, you’ll be able to amp things up with some of the season’s hottest accessories, including metallic bags. Throw it back to the days of playing dress-up as a kid with Coach’s golden jelly bag or channel your inner Taylor Swift, since the singer was recently spotted toting a silver, chainmail Paco Rabanne purse.Photo (clockwise from top left): Courtesy of Cecilie Bahnsen, Simkhai, Coach
Coach Jelly Tabby Convertible Clear Bag, $, available at Dillard’s
Cult Gaia Hera Nano Rhinestone Shoulder Bag, $, available at Bloomingdale’s
Nina Minaudière Top Handle Bag, $, available at Nordstrom
Paco Rabanne 1969 Moon Disc-Link Shoulder Bag, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman
Summer Trends 2023: Fringe
Fringe is a trend that continues to pop up every few seasons, and it’s easy to see why it’s in again for summer 2023. The embellishment can be both subtle or elaborate depending on placement and material, so whether you want to make a major statement or are simply hoping to add a little flair, you’ll find an option that’ll suit your style.Photo (left to right): Courtesy of Bronx And Banco, Puppets and Puppets, Bevza
Zara Fringed Ribbed Top, $, available at Zara
Zara Ribbed Top with Beading, $, available at Zara
PatBo Metallic Cut-Out Fringe Minidress, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Superdown Elaine Fringe Dress, $, available at Revolve
Summer Trends 2023: Lace
Underwear as outerwear has been trending for a few months, but summer 2023 is perhaps the best time to test it out for yourself (without risking goosebumps). You don’t have to step out of the house in actual undergarments. Instead, opt for pieces with lace panels that give off the same vibe as lingerie.Photo (left to right): Courtesy of Christopher Kane, Dion Lee, David Spector/Collina Strada
Reformation Cristina Top, $, available at Reformation
Danielle Guizio Babydoll Slip Dress, $, available at Danielle Guizio
ASOS DESIGN Satin Lace Trim Mini Skirt, $, available at ASOS
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