Every time warmer weather rolls around, I get the sudden urge to find the best dresses for the coming season. Which can take weeks, because I spend so much time sifting through the spring and summer 2023 fashion trends to find the ones that'll prove timeless rather than just being a flash in the pan. This year, though, I turned to the experts to decipher exactly which summer dresses I should be investing in for 2023—and my finds are truly second to none. The best part? Many of them fall in line with the trends that have already been dominating the runways (and the streets) for spring/summer 2023.
For Casual Occasions
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously.
You don't need me to tell you just how hot it can get in the summer. Whether you're heading to a brunch, out shopping, or just exploring your city, you need an easy outfit that's both comfortable and cool (in the literal sense). Lately, the fashion crowd has been opting for voluminous dresses in breathable cotton, poplin, and linen to beat the summer heat. Keep the comfort maxed out with sneakers or chunky sandals.
For Formal Occasions
There's a reason florals come back to the surface among fashion insiders every spring and summer—they simply fit the blooming feel of the season the best. The print was also seen all over during Spring 2024 Fashion Week, with brands like 3.1 Philip Lim, Givenchy, and Stella McCartney sending models down the runway in flowering gowns. Over the season, if you've got any rooftop parties, garden soirees, and kind of wedding event lined up on your agenda, a flowing floral number will suit it all. Throw on a pair of strappy heeled sandals and grab a clutch to complete your formal look.
For the Office
Nailing down your summer work outfits isn't a simple task. You have to factor in your commute and office dress codes on top of it being the hottest time of the year. Street style stars have figured out that shirtdresses make for the easiest, most comfortable outfits for the office. They're innately professional, often featuring collared necklines and buttons, not to mention they come in the same breezy fabrics as our favorite button-down shirts. Finish off your office- and weather-appropriate outfit with comfortable loafers and, of course, a work tote bag.
For Vacation
In my mind, vacations are all about having as much fun as possible, so the fashion you pack along should reflect that sentiment, too. If you're typically not a fan of bright shades, use a new location and the OOO spirit to try out a fun color, as the fashion set likes to do in the summer. A vivid mini dress takes the joy to a whole new level, especially paired with a just-as-colorful shoulder bag and mule sandals. You can even play around with details like ruffles, fringe, and ruching to make your vacation look stand out.
For a Night Out
The best little black dresses are a staple no matter the season. They're the one style you can count on to make an appearance at fashion week, both on the runway and off. The dark shade oozes elegance, making it the ideal piece for nighttime outings even in summer. While LBDs are nothing new, I've noticed that fashion insiders have been recently playing around with silhouettes—more specifically opting for LBDs with halter necklines. The design offers a peek of clavicle and keeps the arms free to dance the night away.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes across the board from fashion and beauty to books and celebrities. As a pop culture junkie, Brooke obsessively consumes and writes about the latest movie releases, streaming TV shows, and celebrity scandals. She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.
-
15 Gifts Every Stylish Mother Figure Will Absolutely Adore
Sponsor Content Created With Kate Spade New York
By Natalie Gray Herder Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Has Everything on My Spring Outfit Mood Board
The perfect fashion destination to shop for warm-weather looks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Zendaya and Tom Holland Have Discussed Marriage, Source Claims
But right now they're busy with work.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Has Everything on My Spring Outfit Mood Board
The perfect fashion destination to shop for warm-weather looks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
20 Trending Shoe Styles From Sam Edelman’s Major Spring Sale
From sandals to pumps to sneakers, the footwear brand now has over 500 markdowns to shop.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashion Editors' Full-Proof Formula for Elevated Going-Out Outfits
Part of growing up is realizing that style and comfort can coexist.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published