5 Key S/S23 Trends that will Stand the Test of Time
Yes, we know it still feels arctic outside and we’re still piling on the layers, but with the spring months just around the corner it’s time to start building a timeless spring wardrobe. And with Fashion Week in full swing and viral trend predictions taking over our FYP, inspiration is literally everywhere.
But with the cost-of-living rapidly rising, it’s never been more important to filter through fleeting trends and build a capsule wardrobe with styles that will stand the test of time and you will be able to wear for many springs to come.
But, where to begin?
Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online destination for independent fashion brands, SilkFred explains: “The transeasonal period between winter and spring can be a really stimulating time for fashion.”
“Not only are we bombarded with fashion inspo from our favourite designers runways, the warmer weather and longer, brighter days make way for lighter fabrics and more vibrant colour combos.”
“Style-wise winter can be deemed ‘too cold’ to pull a sleek outfit together, whilst summer can become all about whatever keeps you most cool and fabrics that don’t accentuate unsightly sweat patches. However, spring is the perfect middle ground where you can play around with layers, silhouettes and hues.”
1. Denim everything
By now, you’ve probably seen this image of Instagram style guru Nina Sandbech wearing a daring all-denim look at Copenhagen Fashion Week. And although this bold tailoring probably won’t stand the test of time, fashion girlies like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have shown easy ways to elevate denim looks that can be easily incorporated into any spring wardrobe for years to come.
Megan says: “This SS 2023 we’re going to see denim everywhere and with SilkFred seeing a 150% increase in searches for ‘denim’ in the past 7 days, it would seem that consumers are already starting to incorporate updated denim styles into their spring wardrobes. This simple style is being elevated as seen on the A.W.A.K.E. Mode SS23 catwalk and modelled by Bella Hadid on the Givenchy SS23 runway. Instead of being a vessel, denim is now taking centre stage with exaggerated silhouettes, embellishments and even as lingerie.”
“For an everyday approach to statement denim, explore jeans with unusual silhouettes and details such as Kendall Jenner’s cowboy cuff jeans and style with simple crop tops and bralettes. Mix two key spring trends into one and invest in a denim maxi skirt for a super on-trend Y2K look.”
2. Floral pieces
‘Florals for spring… groundbreaking,’ I hear you say. But there’s a good reason why floral prints are so popular for spring. This year we’ve seen 3D flower embellishments take over TikTok and our Instagram feeds. And although we’re not sure this particular trend will follow into next spring, it shows that floral pieces will always have a place in our spring wardrobes.
Megan recommends: “Year in, year out, florals have dominated spring trends and for good reason – their soft, feminine feel is timeless and perfect for incorporating colour. Flower appliques are everywhere right now, and the trend has already been picked up by style-casters such as Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber. Even Harry Styles rocked an over-sized version on the BRITs red carpet”
“If the flower choker is too Y2K for your everyday style, you can add in simple floral pieces to your wardrobe, whether that be a dress, jumpsuit or blouse.”
3. Maxi skirts
Seen on the coveted runways of mega fashion houses like Chanel and Fendi and rocked by style A-listers Elsa Hosk and Gigi Hadid, it’s no surprise that this trend is one of the must-have items this spring.
Megan reveals: “With this item’s prominence on the runway and street style guides, it’s no surprise that at SilkFred we’ve seen a 130.8% increase in searches for ‘maxi skirt’ in the last month. Although we loved last year’s micro-skirt trend, we’re glad that this year’s Y2K skirt style of choice is a little more practical, especially for the colder months.”
“Maxi skirts are a more fashion-forward silhouette than a midi and more flattering than a mini and are very versatile, which means we’ll be able to wear this style throughout the year. You can swap your denim jeans out for a maxi and style it with an oversized jumper, bomber and trainers for a cool everyday look.”
“Or if you want to take your maxi skirt out-out, opt for a sleek fabric like silk and pair it with court shoes and a blazer like Kate Hudson did at New York fashion week. For warmer months you can go for a slit-leg style and throw a classic vest on top for a seamless spring look.”
4. Cobalt blue
Step aside Barbie pink, cobalt blue is having its well-deserved moment. Not only was this shade predicted to be one of the colours of the AW23/24 season by trend authorities WGSN and Coloro, it was also heavily used in Daniel Lee’s debut show for Burberry just this week.
Megan suggests: “If you’re a fan of bolder colours, then cobalt blue is the shade you need to invest in this spring. From dresses to coats to everyday tops this striking colour can be seamlessly incorporated into any wardrobe and worn again and again.”
“As it’s such a flamboyant shade, cobalt blue does well standing on its own, in items that are entirely that colour. However, if you’re more of a minimalist you can add flashes of cobalt into your wardrobe with accessories like heels and bags.”
5. The classic shirt reimagined
It’s no surprise that a well-tailored shirt should be on the top of everyone’s wish list this spring. Seen on Instagram fashion darlings like Matilda Djerf and a perennial staple in any style-savvy wardrobe, the classic shirt is a versatile piece that can be worn infinitely.
Megan recommends: “The classic shirt can be worn with pretty much anything and in pretty much any weather. However, with designers such as JW Anderson and Prabal Gurung showcasing brighter colours palettes on their runways, it’s time for the white shirt to step aside for a bolder choice.”
“Switch it up with an on-trend pink tint or a bold pattern and pair it with simple denim or a slouchy trouser for an uber-feminine look that is perfect for spring.”