7 key fashion trends to know for spring/summer 2023: from Louis Vuitton-inspired utilitarian-chic and quirky teddy bear bags at Gucci, to sheer and floaty at Chanel and florals at Prada and Valentino

Mar 2 , 2023

Loud, proud and floral: key looks from the Loewe ready-to-wear spring/summer 2023 collection unveiled at Paris Fashion Week last September. Photo: EPA-EFE

Last year’s spring/summer 2023 catwalks were filled with everything from fluorescent green to florals and utilitarian chic courtesy of Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel and other big hitters

Jelly shoes – a style already rocked by Rihanna and J. Lo – are back, while fluorescent hues at Balenciaga and Versace are proven favourites of Hailey Bieber and Kim Kardashian

In a gloriously escapist rebuttal of the pandemic’s gloomy global outlook, the spring/summer 2023 ready-to-wear shows that took place in late 2022 offered a palate-cleansing of sorts. After two years of cancellations and virtual shows, editors, celebrities, buyers and industry insiders were welcomed back to a fun-filled fashion month, complete with a swathe of new trends and memorable moments.

In New York, Fendi unveiled new iterations of its iconic Baguette bag at a star-studded fashion show, and in Milan, Paris Hilton surprised showgoers by walking the Versace finale in a Y2K-inspired pink chain mail number while her frenemy Kim Kardashian curated Dolce & Gabbana’s entire ready-to-wear line. Over in Paris, Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer Victoria Beckham showcased her first collection in the city, alongside perennial luxury heavyweights including Dior, Valentino and Chanel.

So what did we learn? These are the 2023 spring/summer looks it’s time to start shopping for.

1. Sheer delight

Chanel’s ready-to-wear collection featured pieces that explored the limits of sheer fabrics. Photo: Chanel

Apart from being extremely versatile, this breathable and light-as-a-feather sheer fabric is ideal for beach getaways, summer holidays and, well, warmer weather in general!

Sheer looks from the Erdem SS23 collection. Photo: Erdem

If you prefer to maintain a little mystery, opt for a subtle skin reveal with Erdem’s transparent overlays or Dolce & Gabbana’s see-through corset confections. Meanwhile, those who are more daring may find themselves drawn to the bold choices and playful sheer looks at Acne Studios and Chanel.

2. Flower power

Loewe’s minidress with a giant anthurium showed the floral trend in full bloom. Photo: Gorunway

Florals for spring may sound like the ultimate cliché but this season they’re proving to be worth the hype. On the catwalks, three-dimensional blooms and floral appliqués were spotted in an array of shapes, sizes and colours. At Loewe, Jonathan Anderson constructed a floaty minidress featuring a giant anthurium. Prada, on the other hand, adorned some of its minimalist pieces with rose-shaped ornaments in muted hues.

A floral A-line look sparkling with creativity. Photo: Valentino

Over at Valentino, a fabulous A-line midi skirt embellished with a delicate flower motif that has since become a house signature also caught the eye.