Without a doubt, one of our favourite parts of the change in weather is the opportunity to shed those winter-y cocoons and embrace the latest styles of the season.
We’re big believers that your personal style reigns supreme but there is no harm in learning the trends du jour to see if anything speaks to your soul and is worthy of embracing.
Of course, there are lightweight summer dresses, linen galore and sandals to add to your wardrobe but we decided to pick the brains of THE ICONIC‘s Head of Style, Nicole Adolphe, to see what are the trends to watch this summer.
“I am a big believer in a solid capsule wardrobe of good quality basics to get you through all seasons, however, I also love adding in various trending pieces to keep my looks fresh and exciting,” Nicole tells WHO.
Read on to learn what’s hot now that it’s getting hot and where to shop the top pieces of the season.
The best fashion trends to try for summer 2023 and 2024
Statement Ensembles
“Going off what we have seen across the Fashion Month runways, this season will be all about playing around with bold colours and striking details that will make your look pop, even when it may be super casual and effortless,” says Nicole.
Minimalism has gone out the window and this summer it seems we’re going big, and not going home. Look for silhouettes and shapes that offer some fun and movement, whilst keeping you cool on balmy summer days.
“Whether it’s the allure of statement sets [or] Bermuda shorts – championed by New York It Girls – …, there are plenty of styles to get excited about this silly season.”
Lioness Endless cami, $49 and Endless Maxi skirt, $69, The Iconic
A simple set to throw on that looks anything but boring is an easy way to pull together a look with minimal effort and maximum style. This easy, lightweight and semi-sheer maxi and cami is great for those super hot days and the tie details on the side add interest.
Topshop Ruched mesh one shoulder midi dress, $103, ASOS
This unique silhouette certainly turns heads, and the fun colourway is the perfect way to introduce some pop into your outfits. Great for hot nights out at the bar. Pair it with silver accessories and strappy heels.
Twill Bermuda shorts, $39.99, H&M
A pair of tailored Bermuda shorts offer a chic and sophisticated option when it comes to dressing for the office in summer. Opt for a seasonal pastel tone and pair with a matching blazer and heeled mules for an instantly cool and elevated summer look.
Sola midi dress, $89, Petal & Pup
If you want to make a statement with your outfit but don’t want to go too out of the box, the stunning floral cut-out in this midi dress is a great way to add a point of difference while still sticking within your comfort zone. It’s also made from 100 per cent cotton, which is great for hot weather and can be styled up or down depending on the occasion.
Laidback Shimmer and Shine
Metallics reigned supreme across the globe this year and if you’re a fan of some shine then you’re in luck because the glitz and glam aren’t going anywhere.
“Think silver threads woven into lightweight summer knits and lots of mixed metallic accessories that know how to shine. You can go full metallic or pair one glittery item with neutral tones, don’t be afraid to have fun,” advises Nicole.
Metallic fabrics and fun accessories also mean you can incorporate the trend for any occasion instead of being reserved solely for events. Shimmery beach dresses, reflective everyday handbags and metallic summer sandals are now part of our everyday wardrobe.
Pull&Bear Sequin mesh long dress, $105, The Iconic
Throw this sheer crochet dress over your swimmers to head straight to the bar for bottomless margaritas till late into the night. It’s a great way to play into the metallics trend without feeling too full-on or formal.
Gabine crystal-embellished metallic leather shoes, $123, Charles & Keith
Turn these metallic slides into your everyday flats for some glitz and glam. Style with some slouchy jeans and a simple white tank and you have an instant Cool Girl ‘fit.
Lurex knitted top, $49.95, MNG
Made with a delicate gold thread woven into the knit, this semi-sheer tank is the perfect replacement for your everyday singlet. We love the idea of styling with a silk slip skirt and strappy heels for nights out or tucked into shorts during the day.
Rhirhi shoulder bag, $35, Petal & Pup
A silver bag is the accessory of the moment and this slouchy hobo shoulder bag is great for nights out or to add some oomph to your look.
Party Season Essentials
December and the new year calls for events, parties and celebrations. And as you head into the busy period having some foolproof ‘fits you can whip out at the drop of a last-minute invitation will not only save you stress but money too.
An arsenal of statement accessories that can take a basic dress to the next level will make a world of difference in how you style this summer.
“I have made a conscious effort to add a few “out-of-the-box” clutches and handbags to my rotations,” advises Nicole. “I’ve found that bag trends poised to dominate summer 2023 are adventurous, whilst still checking the beachy, colourful and laid-back boxes. Adding a fun bag is the easiest way to jazz up your outfit, trust me!”
ASOS DESIGN Shoulder bag, $37.50 (was $53), ASOS
Could you find a more perfect party bag? The electric green paillettes shimmer and shine and take even the most basic of night-out looks to a whole new level.
Diamond frames in denim, $89.95, Sito
Everyone needs a pair of frames in summer both for style and sun safety. This chic pair come in a subtle denim blue pop and the diamond silhouette is a unique addition to any outfit. Not to mention they’re made sustainably and offer high UV protection.
Darling gold earrings, $99, Arms of Eve
Statement jewellery is the easiest way to step up your party looks and this summer we’re summer loving thanks to these adorable 14k gold-plated heart studs.
Olga Berg Carlita Carnivale fringed bag, $99.95, The Iconic
Keep an eye out for fringe this season cause it is sure to be everywhere, and we can’t get enough of this stunning rainbow raffia clutch that could not be more perfect for the party season.
Primary Hues
When in doubt, stick to the classics. By this, we of course mean the primary colours we are seeing across collections this season. Deliciously buttery yellow, bold blues and radiant reds are the tones to watch and incorporate into your wardrobe.
Of course, we will always love our classic blacks and whites but summer is the opportunity to branch out and embrace the bold.
Lea Cupro dress, $130, Nude Lucy
A summer slip is a must-buy once the temperatures start to rise. Simply throw one on and pair with anything from sandals to sneakers and strappy heels when heading to the bar, and you have yourself an effortlessly glamorous look.
Wesley sequin mini skirt, $99, Meshki
Go big and bold with a barely-there mini in the colour of the season, a rich cherry red that will turn heads. In a stylish a-line cut that flatters the body, this statement piece will become a favourite over the summer.
Aere Linen front twist midi dress, $170, The Iconic
If you want something lightweight and flowy, a linen dress in a sweet lemon meringue hue is super wearable and seasonal.
Sarley heels, $89.95, Billini
Say hello to your new favourite party heels. These Y2K-esque strappy heels (with a too-cute diamonte heart) add some old-school glam to your looks and are a wearable heel hight to work for a range of occasions.
Texture and Movement
“It’s going to be a hot summer, maybe even the hottest on record. Choose styles and fabrics that will keep you cool this season, such as linen – a very breathable fabric that always elevates any look,” Nicole mentions.
Not only are we looking at lightweight materials but textures that allow flow like fringe, lace, mesh and crochet are great ways to not only keep cool but add something new to your outfits.
Ronadi shorts, $49 (was $74) and Ronadi top, $89, Petal & Pup
An easy breezy set like this linen boxer short and button-up ensemble will make summer dressing a dream. Throw over swimwear, a singlet or bralettes for that instantly laidback look.
Bardot Marzanna lace mini dress, $159.99, The Iconic
An LBD is a must for any season, but some delicate lace adds some edge to your summer wardrobe.
Fringe trim one shoulder dress, $54.99, H&M
We can’t get enough of fringe for the summer and this flowy dress will see us on the dance floor until the early morning.
Crochet knit tank top, $29.99, Glassons
Throw on a crochet tank with some shorts, a denim skirt or jeans for a summer outfit that is cool in every way.
(LEAD IMAGE: Getty/ Edward Berthelot, Jeremy Moeller, Christian Vierig, Raimonda Kulikauskien)
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