FASHION

The 12 Biggest Trends for Spring 2023, Straight From the Runway

by W Staff

A collage of the biggest trends, as seen on the Spring 2023 runways
Collage by Ashley Peña

With fashion month fully in the rearview mirror, we’ve gotten a chance to digest the many trends we saw coming down the spring 2023 runways. During the New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks there was plenty to soak in for the upcoming season, including a range of modern takes on classic silhouettes and styles. The 1980s is back in a big way—as seen at Saint Laurent, where models in hooded jumpsuits and leather jackets with larger-than-life shoulders channeled the inimitable Grace Jones. Black—whether a color of mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Richard Quinn, or a picture of chicness at Chanel—was everywhere. And proof that the latter trend has already moved from the runway to the red carpet appeared on Saturday, October 15 at the Academy Museum Gala: Taylor Russell, Alexa Demie, and Jurnee Smollett all wore looks from Alexander McQueen’s, Balenciaga’s, and Louis Vuitton’s latest collections in the dark hue. Below, see the 12 trends we couldn’t ignore from the spring 2023 shows.

Heavy Cargo

Courtesy of Miu Miu
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Courtesy of Fendi
Courtesy of Sacai
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Roomy pockets fashioned onto slacks have become a must, especially in light of the advent of the mini bag. Tiny purses that fit little more than a credit card and a lip gloss call for other places to stash your stuff. At Prada and Louis Vuitton, pouches were affixed to skirts like fanny packs, while Fendi and Sacai made riffs on a more traditional cargo pant.

Column Dressing

Courtesy of Versace
Courtesy of Saint Laurent
Courtesy of Givenchy
Courtesy of Standing Ground
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Old Hollywood, you’ve met your match. The new take on a column dress is sharp, tailored finely, and comes with surprise elements (see: the ruched drop-waist on Standing Ground’s version).

Fringe

Courtesy of Bottega Veneta
Courtesy of Alexander McQueen
Courtesy of Proenza Schouler
Courtesy of Jil Sander
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One of the most pervasive trends to carry over from fall 2022 is fringe: a fun, textural element that was seen at nearly every show this season. Our favorites were at Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander, Alexander McQueen, and Bottega Veneta.

The Grace Jones Effect

Courtesy of Alaïa
Courtesy of Saint Laurent
Courtesy of Versace
Courtesy of Ferragamo
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Grace Jones may have hit the red carpet for the first time in months to attend the Knives Out: Glass Onion premiere in London this past weekend, but the legendary musician and muse has been serving looks for decades upon decades. Designers including Saint Laurent and Alaïa took note of her legacy, integrating her signature hood into their spring 2023 collections.

Grecian Glamour

Courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo
Courtesy of Loewe
Courtesy of Michael Kors
Courtesy of Saint Laurent
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Ethereal gowns inspired by Greek gods and goddesses are nothing new in fashion. But this season, the draping took a next-level turn: at Saint Laurent, belly button cutouts gave the look an early aughts feel, while Loewe used layers on designer Jonathan Anderson’s take to set it apart from the pack.

The New White Shirt

Courtesy of Prada
Courtesy of Ann Demeulemeester
Courtesy of Valentino
Courtesy of Junya Watanabe
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Whether or not these white button-downs will replace your go-to shirting now that you’re making a return to the office is a moot point. They’re fabulous on their own.

Spottie Dottie

Courtesy of Proenza Schouler
Courtesy of Saint Laurent
Courtesy of Marni
Courtesy of Burberry
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Restrained (Burberry) or all-over and out-there (Saint Laurent), the polka dot was a mainstay on many runways this season. We were personally quite taken with Marni’s version, which evoked a ’90s, lava lamp feel.

Prep School

Courtesy of Prada
Courtesy of Fendi
Courtesy of Loewe
Courtesy of Gucci
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This is not your typical Blair Waldorf-approved approach to prep. Designers gave traditionally posh looks an upgrade for spring 2023, pumping up volume and length while adding unique accessories to the mix.

A Rosette by Any Other Name

Courtesy of Prada
Courtesy of Dries Van Noten
Courtesy of Willy Chavarria
Courtesy of Undercover
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If you’re looking to put a spin on the florals-for-spring trope, here’s your chance: adding a rosette of any size will give your look a romantic, whimsical touch.

Honey, I Shrunk the Jackets

Courtesy of Gucci
Courtesy of Loewe
Courtesy of Coperni
Courtesy of Balenciaga
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Whether cropped, three-quarter-length sleeved, or both, the teeny jacket was a hit for the upcoming season. At Balenciaga, Demna rendered his version in candy apple down; Coperni’s was a riff on the classic peacoat.

Watercolor

Courtesy of Ferragamo
Courtesy of Courrèges
Courtesy of Marni
Courtesy of Paco Rabanne
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Bob Ross, eat your heart out. Bright hues this season took on a watery look, blending together like a sunset or lakeside scene in a painting.