If, like me, you forget what trend is in from one season to the next, then you need to bookmark this feature. There are many trends per season, but the 8 below are the core ones that were seen throughout various designer runways AND are easy to wear. Because that’s the key thing here isn’t it, we need trends that we can actually add to our wardrobes and comfortably wear during our hot girl summer era.
Check out the easy-win fashion trends for this S/S ’23.
Mermaidcore
As seen at: Prabal Gurung, Dior, Blumarine, Bottega Veneta, Tom Ford, Loewe, Chanel, Elie Saab
Image Credit: Instagram/NensiDojaka, Instagram/Bevza, Instagram/DavidKoma
Is it a coincidence that #mermaidcore is a thing in the year Disney releases the remake of The Little Mermaid? I think not. Luckily for us, the introduction of sparkles, shells, starfish, fishtails and pearlescent colours is just the thing to give the wardrobe a strong summer feel. If the colour scheme matches the ocean and coral reefs, if the motifs match the marine world – buy it. Does it look like sequined scales? Buy it. Do you feel like an underwater princess in it? Buy it. Fishnet material? An easy win. Live this summer in your fairytale mermaid mode – it’s THE biggest theme of the season.
Purchase Now: ASOS DESIGN Embellished Maxi Dress S$186.17 | Sequined Mesh Top, S$59.90 Zara
Seeing Sheer
As seen at: Jason Wu, Tory Burch, Kim Shui, Fendi, Chanel, Erdem
Image Credit: Instagram/ToryBurch, Instagram/NensiDojaka
Sheer fabrics are having a huge moment. Whether it’s a daring slip that reveals all or a light sheer dress overlay, sheer pieces are an easy way to add intrigue, layering and gives any outfit a feminine touch. They’re also super light in terms of material, meaning you can stay cool in the summer heat. Dare to bare with simple lingerie underneath or layer up different colours of sheer materials for a high fashion vibe,
Purchase Now: Burberry Checked Sheer Playsuit US$2,139.56 Net-A-Porter | Semi Sheer Knit Cardigan S$69.90, Zara
Fringe Fun
As seen at: Bronx and Banco, Bevza, Puppets and Puppets, Victoria Beckham, Versace, Proenza Schouler, Acne Studios, Givenchy
Image Credit: Instagram/AcneStudios, Instagram/Bevza, Instagram/AlexanderMcqueen
Fringing on clothing or accessories always makes life feel like a constant festival, which is exactly what we want for an eternal summer. From thin soft fringing to large coarse macrame worthy tassles, any fringe is a goal at this point. For a flattering fringe effect I’d suggest skirts and dresses, or perhaps cute crop tops with a small fringed hem.
Purchase Now: Topshop Macrame Skirt, $$134.99 ASOS, | ASOS DESIGN co-ord mesh extreme ruffle top and midi skirt, S$72.99 & S$85.99
Lace – Underwear as Outerwear
As seen at: Christopher Kane, Dion Lee, David Spector / Collina Strada, Burberry, Versace, Tom Ford
Image Credit: Instagram/NensiDojaka, Instagram/Versace, Instagram/ChristopherKane
Do you recall the underwear as outerwear movement we’ve rocked before? Sure, it gained full traction in the 80’s but then had a cheeky resurface after Lady Gaga came into our lives. Now, it’s back again = only this time the focus is on LACE. If you look like you’re wearing a night-slip, trimmed with lace along the hem, you’re bang on trend. Slip aside, we’ll also accept a corset top that sports lace too. As long as it looks like it could be an undergarment and features lace somewhere, you’re on point.
Purchase Now: Valentina Noir Lace Cocktail Dress, $564 Wolf & Badger | Lace Up White Textured Top £20, Pretty Little Thing
BlackAF
As seen at: Valentino, Tory Burch, Chloé, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Richard Quinn, Victoria Beckham
Image Credit: Instagram/Chanel, Instagram/Loewe, Instagram/Versace
Listen, we love it when the key trend is also the easiest damn thing to wear ever, and our wardrobes are already full of it. #AllBlackEverything has been a hashtag since time began (or at least since hashtags were invented in the metasphere) and we’ve been here for it. Why? Because black is flattering to all, suits all skin tones, hides stains (red wine anyone?) and gives us versatility in what accessories or overlays to pair it with. Blacker than black is my motto, so roll on summer. Nay, roll on winter too, because black will still be in next season. Cheers to that!
Purchase Now: Amanda Uprichard x REVOLVE Leather Puzzle Dress S$358 | Black Tassel Playsuit £28, Pretty Little Thing
Bright Blue
As seen at: Alexander McQueen, Valentino, David Koma, Victoria Beckham
Image Credit: Instagram/VictoriaBeckham, Instagram/DavidKoma
Ahhhh, Cobalt Blue. We meet again. This colour was splashed everywhere, and I mean everywhere, across the SS23 runways, from clothing to shoes to accessories. If it’s worn by the model, it’s able to be in shade blue. The great thing about the punchy cobalt number is that it’s pretty flattering to all skintones. It also screams confidence and a devil-may-care attitude, both of which should be embraced by all this season.
Purchase Now: Rib Wrap Front Knit Crop Top, £6.00 Missguided | Scoop Neck Maxi Dress £9.00 Boohoo.com
Cut-Out Dresses
As seen at: Nensi Dojaka & Acne Studios, Victoria Beckham
Image Credit: Instagram/Victoria Beckham, Instagram/Nensi Dojaka, Instagram/Bevza
Cut-out dresses, both maxi & mini, have been on the radar for a while, and there’s no sign of them leaving any time soon either. A major SS23 staple, the cut-out dress is a must-add for your closet. If you choose dresses that have cut out pieces around your waist or bust area, it helps elongate your torso and deliver that feminine curve silhouette.
Purchase Now: Cut-out Ruffle Maxi Dress £42.75, Boohoo.com | Elka Embroidery Cut-Out Mini Dress, US$71 Lucy In the Sky
Metallics
As seen at: Dior. Loewe, Versace
Image Credit: Instagram/Dior, Instagram/Loewe, Instagram/Versace
For the brave and the bold, embrace colour-block metallics this summer. Opt for a co-ord for maximum cool-AF points. Shades of silver and golds are accepted, as long as it’s a rich, vibrant, strong metallic material, you’re all good. You also get extra trend points if it’s a metallic handbag, because they’re SO HOT right now.
Purchase Now: Petite High-Rise Metallic Jeans, 31.50GBP, Boohoo.com | ASOS DESIGN asymmetric ruched metallic beach skirt, S$59.99
