The sartorial set descended upon the streets of New York this past week to kick off the season of spring/summer 2023 shows, and as is often the case with this concrete jungle of dreams, the city did not disappoint. So good was the style at New York Fashion Week, in fact, that we’re already plotting the integration of next year’s trends into our current wardrobes… because whoever said that patience is a virtue clearly has never seen what Brandon Maxwell and Tom Ford can do with sequins.
In addition to the display of new SS23 collections, this season was peppered with pop culture moments that’ll be occupying well-deserved space in our minds for the foreseeable future. The shows began with Janet Jackson showing up to Elizabeth Taylor’s former townhouse (Christian Siriano) and ended with Madonna on the former trading floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange (Tom Ford), as well as included Lil Nas X’s runway debut at Coach, an IRL The Devil Wears Prada moment on the Michael Kors FROW, and a scattering of Serena Williams appearances in her post-tennis glory.
But not even one of the greatest early-2000s film throwbacks of all time could distract from the clothes themselves this season, which featured extra-long skirts that were dazzling enough to make a mermaid jealous, garments dripping in eye-catching tassels and strings, and polka dots aplenty.
As the dust begins to settle on the New York catwalks and the style stars turn their attention toward London, we’ve channeled our lingering excitement over it all into a roundup of the top Spring 2023 trends you can add to your shopping cart right away.
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. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Waterfall Fashion
Cascades of tassels and strings flooded the runways this season, dripping from hemlines at Bronx and Banco, Herve Leger, Bevza, and more. The waterfall effect was a common theme throughout the entire week, from Kendall Jenner’s slicked-back hair at Proenza Schouler — a show which saw waterfalls projected onto the walls of the venue — to rainwear at Kate Spade New York whose presentation featured faux clouds and rainfall, to actual rain at the Tommy Hilfiger show.Photo: Courtesy of Bevza
By Anthropologie Cropped Fringe Kimono Sweater, $, available at
Abacaxi Nasrin Skirt, $, available at
Staud Kaz Top, $, available at
Cynthia Rowley Fringed Mini Shorts, $, available at
Statement Skirts
We are still not over Zendaya’s two-piece Valentino Haute Couture look from the 2022 Oscars, and neither is the fashion world. Statement skirts of all kinds promise to be all the rage this spring, from mini and maxi styles at Brandon Maxwell to shimmering pieces at Tory Burch to trenches-turned-skirts at Jonathan Simkhai. We simply cannot wait to give this one a twirl.Photo: Monica Feudi/Brandon Maxwell.
Mare Mare x Anthropologie Sequin Train Maxi Skirt, $, available at
ASOS DESIGN Sequin Midi Pencil Skirt, $, available at
Free People Poets Sequin Sarong Skirt, $, available at
Saloni Kirsten Embellished Bows Skirt, $, available at
Precious Cargo (Pants)
Cargo pants proved to be anything but casual on the runways this season, with the utilitarian garment getting a glossy upgrade with floral prints, crushed velvet, and organza at Collina Strada, silk paneling at Hellessy, and matching belted corsets at Brandon Maxwell. Perhaps the boldest take on this trend was the iridescent iteration by the Beyoncé-approved label LaQuan Smith.Photo: Courtesy of LaQuan Smith.
Storets Gia Wide-leg Cargo Pants, $, available at
Frankie Shop Hailey Cotton-Twill Cargo Pants, $, available at
Good American Shine Boyfriend Cargo, $, available at
Lioness Miami Vice Faux Leather Cargo Pant, $, available at
Plenty of Polka
Designers like Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Sergio Hudson, and Batsheva doubled down on polka patterns for the spring season, debuting dots of all sizes that were either paired with, or layered over, various renditions of the classic print. Photo: Iker Aldama/Sergio Hudson.
Lisa Says Gah Cassandra Jumpsuit, $, available at
& Other Stories Printed Open Back Midi Dress, $, available at
Vince Tossed Dot Pull On Skirt, $, available at
J.Crew Gwyneth Slip Skirt, $, available at
Color Me Purple
There’s a sweet shade of purple for everyone this spring, with Ulla Johnson making the case for plum, Adam Lippes experimenting with a very light lilac, and Prabal Gurung loving on lavender. Photo: GoRunway/Tibi
Mango Ruffles Flowy Dress, $, available at
Everlane The Organic Cotton Tissue Tank, $, available at
FIND ME NOW Charlie Off Shoulder Dress, $, available at
Simon Miller Runa Dress, $, available at
Metallic Knits
Party knitwear enters its next phase with glitzier fabrics set to shine in the springtime sun. Eckhaus Latta, Jonathan Simkhai, and Proenza Schouler all seem to have tinsel on the mind, with sparkling compact knits, metallic yarns, and dazzling crochet pieces. Photo: Courtesy of Eckhaus Latta
Rose Carmine | Free People Tube Top, $, available at
Victor Glemaud Bustier Top, $, available at
H&M Jersey Crop Tube Top, $, available at
Mango Metallic Yarn Ribbed Top, $, available at
Going-Out Blazer
While going-out tops have made a comeback thanks to the resurgence of Y2K style, there’s a new party-ready piece that’s vying for the attention of the fashion set. According to NYFW heavy hitters like Tom Ford, Khaite, and Gabriela Hearst, blazers are not just for the office thanks to sequined embellishments, plunging necklines (with nothing underneath), and glamorous fabrics.Photo: Hanna Tveite/Khaite.
Zara Jewel Button Combination Blazer, $, available at
Commando Neoprene CEO Blazer, $, available at
ASOS CURVE Occasion Satin Dad Blazer, $, available at
IRO Weddel Double-Breasted Sequin Tulle Blazer, $, available at
Fashionable Florets
Not to be confused with broccoli (à la Collina Strada), florets are in, and they’re going to be even bigger than florals this spring. In the throes of a multi-season Sex and the City reboot, some of the best Carrie Bradshaw looks are back in fashion (SJP herself even collaborated with Fendi on her own Carrie-inspired Baguette purse). Next up: Bradshaw’s penchant for oversized rosette details on everything from tops to dresses, which has made its way onto pieces by Prabal Gurung, Batsheva, and even Willy Chavarria menswear. Photo: Courtesy of Prabal Gurung.
SIKA Sika Bubble Top, $, available at
LoveShackFancy Brenaya Ruffled Taffeta Mini, $, available at
Farm Rio White Flower Crop Top, $, available at
Mara Hoffman Rosie Rosette Organic Cotton Bra Top, $, available at
Clear Coats
With designs by Tory Burch, Peter Do, and Monse as your guide, take your next fabulous outfit and treat it like a manicure with a sheer top coat (or dress, or blouse) that’ll take the look from elegant to envelope-pushing while protecting whatever’s underneath. Photo: Courtesy of Tory Burch.
KYE Overlay Slip Cover Up, $, available at
Skims Summer Mesh Long Sleeve Dress, $, available at
UO Caleb Sheer Shimmer Midi Dress, $, available at
BunnyStreetCom Tulle Overlay Dress, $, available at
Bubble Hems
Speaking of Y2K style, bubble hems are floating back into fashion. Khaite, Ulla Johnson, Proenza Schouler, and Duaphinette are all giving voluminous, balloon-like attire their stamp of approval (some more subtle than others). Photo: Jonas Gustavsson/Ulla Johnson.
PrettyLittleThing Plus Rust Puff Sleeve Puffball Hem Shift Dress, $, available at
Ulla Johnson Bubble Hem Mini Corset Dress, $, available at
Cinq à Sept Effie Balloon Hem Midi Dress, $, available at
Jonathan Simkhai Echo Gathered Bubble-Hem Minidress, $, available at
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