Summer 2023 Trends to Lighten Up With

Stay cool, look cool.

Summer 2022 Runway Trends from Versace, Tory Burch, Etro
(Image credit: Versace, Tory Burch, Etro)

Whether you're beach-bound or plan to embrace summertime in the city, complete with a grand soirée (or two) on your rooftop, there's likely a summer 2022 fashion trend for all of your fun warm-weather plans.

Prepping your wardrobe—from your jewelry to your handbags to your shoes—is arguably half the fun. "Summer is all about effortless styling," says Courtney Grant, Vice President of Buying and Merchandising for luxury retailer Elyse Walker. "People are excited to be out and about, and nothing says I'm emerging out of living in quarantine more than bright pops of color and showing off some skin," she explains.

Light fabrics, subdued flashes of skin, and fun, celebratory hues are just a few of the summer 2023 fashion trends we're swooning over. Ahead, browse our picks for the trends that will help you get the most out of the short (but oh so sweet!) summer season. 

Mellow Yellow

Brighten your day with a mood-boosting yellow hue. Start with a slinky dress or go all out in a monochromatic look, à la Jil Sander's button-down top with trousers. If complete saturation is not your forte, use the bold color as a jumping-off point. It's the perfect accompaniment for slightly muted tones like earthy taupes and pastels like lilac.

The yellow trend for summer 2022 from Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, Tory Burch

(Image credit: Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, Tory Burch)

Summer Suiting

Sophistication without any stuffiness? Yes, all of the way. Thanks to lighter color and fabric options, the summer season's abundance of suits won't weigh you down. "While dresses are an easy summer go-to, suiting is a great alternative that provides that same head-to-toe look but with a fresh twist," says Grant. If head-to-toe suiting isn't your style, break up the look with sleek separates, like a white blazer and jeans or cream trousers paired with a breezy tee.

Summer suiting trend on the Summer 2022 runways from Chloe, Proenza Schouler, Etro

(Image credit: Chloe, Proenza Schouler, Etro)

Great Sport

You don't have to play the field to look the part. Tracksuits, biker shorts, and polo shirts fit in on the streets but can lend a new take for beach and vacation wear. Pair your sporty separates with your favorite sneakers, or give your look a touch of femininity alongside slide sandals and a clutch.

sporty summer trend outfits from Loewe, Dior, and Lacoste

(Image credit: Loewe, Dior, and Lacoste)

Cut-Out Crazed

Skin is in, and summer '22 is about the peek-a-book trend, from cutesy cutout dresses at Valentino to eye-catching separates at Versace. To make the trend work for you, "choose flattering cutout placements around the mid-section or hips," advises Grant.

Cut-out summer trends on the runways of Valentino, Versace, and Brandon Maxwell

(Image credit: Valentino, Versace, and Brandon Maxwell)

Connect the Dots

We can't deny the fun that comes with a bold polka-dot print. Try a dotted top peeking out under a power blazer, or go for the total look in an all-over polka-dot dress. 

The summer polka dot trend from Chanel, Erdem, and Giambattista Valli

(Image credit: Chanel, Erdem, and Giambattista Valli)
Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.