From a shopping perspective, March is most definitely my favourite time of year. Yes, it's still pretty chilly out, but the shops have started to receive their new spring 2023 collections meaning heavy knits and dark winter coats are being switched out for more uplifting colour palettes, new-season footwear and lots and lots of denim. It’s also the first time we get a teaser for the warmer months ahead and start to believe that we won’t really be stuck in the deepest darkest depths of winter forever... Dramatic, me? Never!
When it comes to shopping, I think its always important to buy pieces that you love and make you feel good, instead of purely focusing on what is in fashion right now. However, I’ve put together a little run down of the key trends for spring 2023 that are already available to buy in high-street stores, so you can keep an eye out when browsing and maybe use as inspiration for new-season dressing. There are always so many iterations of each trend, making it super easy to find something that suits your style.
If you’ve had a chance to read our Spring/Summer 2023 trend report, then you will already know that there is a return to Y2K trends such as denim maxi skirts, cargo pants and grunge, all given a much welcomed grown-up and wearable spin. And whilst this is a key focus for many designers, there is also a host of more delicate, pretty pieces such as ballet skirts, 3D florals, and lingerie-inspired bralets and lace take centre stage this spring. If walking down the street in your bra with a sheer skirt sounds a little OTT for you, rest assured that these are all done in such a way that you could easily incorporate them into your everyday wardrobe.
So, I headed out this week to see what has already landed in store and found my 8 favourite trends you can buy into right now.
1. Polished grunge
Style Notes: March is the typical time you'll see trench coats in stores as it is a really easy transitional coverup to take you through to spring, however, grunge is back and this faux-leather trench coat from Zara is a really simple (and wearable) way to buy into the trend, but still feels timeless and polished.
Shop the trend:
The balloon sleeves that pince in at the sleeves give this coat a designer feel.
2. Boudoir Detailing
Style Notes: Underwear detailing and corsetry were key details on the catwalk for spring 2023 and Mango has just dropped its new Selection range which features elevated pieces that fit the bill and will feel special in your wardrobe. Case in point, this bodice dress in a soft shade of mint green. It looks way beyond its high-street price tag and would be perfect for spring weddings and other special events. Styling a strapless midi dress over a shirt like this is not only a key look for spring but shows just how versatile a piece like this can be.
Shop the trend:
There was so much to love about this dress from the colour and the corset detailing to the fabric and flattering A-line shape.
3. Destination Denim
Style Notes: Unless you have been living under a rock (or not reading your Who What Wear newsletters) you will know that denim is huge for Spring. I don't actually recall a season when there was so much denim on offer across all price brackets. In my last story I said if you buy one piece of denim this season make it a denim skirt and I stand by it. If a maxi skirt feels like too much of a statement then why not try out this wrap skirt from Zara. It ticks a multitude of trends thanks to the utility pockets and a less structured shape, but is such a wearable piece.
Shop the trend:
This skirt was such a great fit and will look fab styled with everything from shirts to sweaters.
4. Head-turning texture
Style Notes: From fringing to sequins and metallic finishes designers have been heavily influenced by how visible their clothes are when photographed on social media of late. This resonates across the board from more statement dresses to everyday pieces such as knitwear. It might also be due to our continued love affair with cream bouclé and monochromatic looks that continue to fill our IG feed, that has meant more textured knitwear is here to stay. H&M are pretty good at quality knitwear, whether you invest in their more classic cashmere pieces or try out their more trend-led items like this cream co-ord. It is most certainly a really great trans-seasonal piece that will keep you cosy on a chilly day and balance out a bare ankle.
Shop the trend:
This jumper is pretty oversized and looks best tucked in or belted to define your waist.
As you can see above, this is a look you can easily wear now with boots or with ballet flats or sandals in a month or so.
5. Modern Utility
Style Notes: It all started with the Frankie Shop cargo trousers and skirts last autumn and for spring 2023 designers from Miu Miu to Louis Vuitton have cemented this trend as one of the most sought-after for the season ahead. What is so great about the utility trend is you can be as adventurous with it as you like, with subtle pieces like this satin bomber from Good American or more OTT pieces like this a-line mini skirt from Anthropologie.
Shop the trend:
I really loved how oversized this jacket was - something I would definitely get a lot of wear out of.
I styled it with this Y2K-inspired fluted sleeve shirt, creating a look that is a touch more grownup than I would have worn it 20 years ago.
I really liked the length and extensive size range of this skirt.
6. Sheer Notes
Style Notes: Sheer fabrics and details are huge for spring and are a more intriguing way to amp up a look. Forget mini hemlines and plunging necklines, layering a more revealing slip underneath a sheer top or skirt like this piece from Arket will show more confidence and maturity in your styling. And it just so happens that balletic influences were seen all over the catwalk, with full skirts making a return, which means this skirt is ticking all the boxes for SS23.
Shop the trend:
The nude colour way, sheer layering and high-waisted full-skirted shape make this classic piece a new-season hit.
7. Y2K Revisted
Style Notes: Bershka is known as one of Inditex's (the Spanish parent group of Zara, Massimo Dutti etc) younger brands, so it's not somewhere I shop from that frequently. That said, their store displays always catch my eye, hence why I tried on these cargo pants and shirt. This is by far one of my absolute favourite looks for spring. The denim cargos had a really nice volume and weight to them (something you only tend to see with a higher price tag) and the shirt was reminiscent of some of my favourite tops from the noughties.
Shop the trend:
As you can see by how I have styled them above, the key to this look is adding a touch of polish by way of a pointy shoe.
The peplum hem of this shirt worked really well on wider hips like mine. This is going in my basket.
8. Home-spun weaves
Style Notes: Despite the season, knitwear featured heavily on the catwalk this spring but in more playful colours and textures. Spider weaves and jumbo fishnets are something to keep an eye out for as we move further into spring, but already brands like Kitri (which you will find on the high street but at a slightly higher price point) have made crochet weaves a key part of their new season collection. As you can see by how I've styled this skirt, it most definitely doesn't have to been a trend that is restricted to beach holidays and festivals!
Shop the trend:
Styled with a silk blouse and kitten heels this could easily be worn as a Spring work look and both pieces could get a lot of mileage when worn separately.
Available in green and blue with the matching vest should you fancy it, this crochet skirt is at the top of my wishlist. Dress it up with a shirt, down with a tee and layer over a swimsuit on vacation.
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