(Image credit: @spiritedpursuit)
The past year may have been all about the trouser, but I believe dresses are still the most reliable wardrobe mainstay around. They can take you from working week to weekend fun and be styled in a multitude of ways for myriad occasions. After all, it's not like you could repurpose your jeans for a wedding guest outfit, but you can absolutely alter the aesthetic of a dress with the addition of a belt or the switch of a shoe.
(Image credit: @sofiaziadaa)
The reason I always look forward to the start of a new season is the prospect of unearthing the trends that await for it. I've already begun charting the need-to-knowjewellery,bootsandjeansfor the year ahead; now, it's time to turn our attention to the overarching dress trends of 2023. I've scoured the runways—everywhere from Prada to Coperni—to bring you the most noteworthy frocks.
From the cool take on prints to an ingenious way to wear florals (it's not what you think), breathtaking embellishments to hem and neckline updates, scroll on to discover the10 dress trends set to take over summer2023.
1. Asymmetric Sleeves
(Image credit: Courtesy of Rejina Pyo)
Style Notes: A recurring dress trend on the summer 2023 runways was asymmetry; there were step hemlines aplenty, but perhaps the chicest interpretation is asymmetric sleeves, as seen at Rejina Pyo.
Shop the Trend:
COS
Asymmetric Midi Dress
A great black dress will nevergo out of style.
Taller Marmo
Bolkan One-Shoulder Crepe Maxi Dress
A beauty if you're heading to a wedding soon.
2. Bouquets of Corsages
(Image credit: Courtesy of Carolina Herrera)
Style Notes:If you thought the only way to wearflorals was by way of prints, think again; designers such as Carolina Herrera opted to adorn everything from tops and necklaces to, yes, dresses with pretty corsages.
Shop the Trend:
Mango
Maxi Flower Dress With Opening
The colour! The neckline! The corsages! This dress ticks off so many trends in one go.
River Island
Pink Satin Corsage Bodycon Midi Dress
This will look incredible styled with an oversized blazer and slingback heels.
3. Dramatic Drapery
(Image credit: Courtesy of Coperni)
Style Notes: Draping was a major dress trend last year, and designers continued their exploration of these dramatic silhouettes into 2023 by way of dresses. Look for dresses withcascading trains, as seen at Coperni, or opt for statement sleeves on minis.
Shop the Trend:
Josefine Hj X NA-KD
Slip Shoulder High Slit Dress
So chic, no one will assume this is high street.
Norma Kamali
Diana One-Sleeve Draped Ruched Stretch-Jersey Dress
I know this dress is going to be a hit in 2023.
4. Refined Nighties
(Image credit: Courtesy of Adam Lippes)
Style Notes: Slip dresses have proven themselves to be pretty timeless over the past few years and, for 2023, a subtle update keeps them feeling fresh; additions of pretty, delicate lace.
Shop the Trend:
Coutille
The Romy Midi in Ecru
I love the slips from this independent designer.
Reformation
Chania Silk Dress
This best-selling Reformation dress is just so beautiful.
5. Bubble Hems
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ulla Johnson)
Style Notes: This season sees the return of countless, '80s-inspired fashion trends—think lamé fabrications and neon hues—but the most stylish interpretation has to be puffball hems, which were prevalent on skirts and dresses alike.
Shop the Trend:
The Meaning Well
Juliette Bubble-Hem Taffeta Mini Dress
I'm legitimately obsessed with this dress (and brand).
Aje
Piacere Strapless Bow-Detailed Satin Mini Dress
Just addjumbo metal earrings to complete your '80s style metamorphosis.
6. Sheer Delights
(Image credit: Courtesy of AMI)
Style Notes: Sheer dresses were perhaps the biggest trend on the S/S 23 runways, with everyone from Bottega Veneta, ACNE Studios and Prada showcasing transparent frocks of their own. Me? I'm partial to the black and white styles, akin to this look from AMI.
Shop the Trend:
Reiss
Black Seraphina Knitted Midi Dress
This will work just as well dressed up for a night out as it will with knee-high boots and a blazer in the day.
Self-Portrait
Crystal-Embellished Fishnet and Tulle Maxi Dress
The crystals are a gorgeous touch.
7. Blurred Lines
(Image credit: Courtesy of Zimmermann)
Style Notes: Ombré or tie-dye, call it what you will; the important thing is that you consider investing in the blurred, watercoloured pieces that will no doubt dominate the market this year thanks to the likes of Zimmermann, Jonathan Simkhai and Ferragamo.
Shop the Trend:
Reformation
Frankie Silk Dress Es
Such a beautiful palette.
Kai Collective
Crew Neck Long Sleeve Mesh Dress- Femi Print Baby Blue
The independent, size-inclusive brand Beyoncé is obsessed with.
8. Bare Shoulders
(Image credit: Courtesy of Erdem)
Style Notes: Although they never really go out of style, it would be fair to say that off-the-shoulder necklines haven't been as predominant as they were a few seasons ago. However, that's that's all about to change, as some of the sleekest2023 dresseshave afull view of the décolletage.
Shop the Trend:
Sea
Loren Smocked-Ramie Midi Dress
Beyond beautiful.
Aje
Wattle Off-The-Shoulder Ruched-Cotton Dress
Those sleeves!
9. Liquid Shimmer
(Image credit: Courtesy of 16Arlington)
Style Notes: While sparklydresses make a comeback every party season, their shelf life has been extended significantly, with more designers presenting embellished, sequinned pieces year-round. The key to making this trend feel fresh is all in the finish of the sequins; themore liquid-looking the shine, the better.
Shop the Trend:
16arlington
Solarium Open-Back Sequined Stretch-Tulle Mini Dress
Get ready to see this dress all over your IG feed.
Mango
Sequined Maxi Flower Dress
Look for halters for another 2023 update.
10. Take the Tube
(Image credit: Courtesy of Prada)
Style Notes: The '90s aesthetic is still going strong, with tube dresses becoming something of a hero item for those who subscribe to it. Look for tube dresses with next to no detailing to channel the runway mood.
Shop the Trend:
Raey
Organic Cotton-Blend Denim Bandeau Dress
Add a blazer and gold jewellery for an easy and chic look.
H&M
Gathered Bandeau Dress
Red is big this autumn!
Next Up:The Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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