Spring & Summer Fashion Trends in 2023
Each season I share the best and most wearable fashion trends for women over 40. These are the trends that more mature women can actually wear without looking ridiculous. This year, we’re seeing lots of new, exciting, and fun fashion trends you’re going to love. As with all trends, you should pick and choose the ones you like most and then aim to give the trends your very own spin…. make them your own. You also do NOT have to try ANY of these trends. I just want to make sure you have all the resources you need to be your most stylish self and are staying up to date! Below are the *TOP 10* 2023 fashion trends I know we can all wear.
#1) So Transparent
This first trend is SO beautiful and sexy…but also accessible for women at any age. Transparency, sheerness, and anything that has that see-through or peek-a-boo element…is very on-trend right now! I personally love this trend. It’s a great way to show a little skin but still feel covered up, elegant, and sophisticated. Playing with sheer fabrics is a really great way to add a modern twist and a dash of sexy. The black Atoir dress I’m wearing above is super sexy and chic, and the strategic placement of the fabric feels very comfortable for me. I also still feel covered because of the high neck and longer hemline. I know this isn’t for everyone so you can still find ways to play around with sheer fabrics by wearing tops with sheer arms, maxi skirts with sheer fabric, a top with sheer decolletage, strategic sheer panels, or a sheer third layer.
#2) Polished Pinstripes
Pinstripes are a print that’s been around for a while, but they’re blowing this year on the runways and in street style…and they’re a print that every woman can wear! The print itself is more masculine but so powerful and feminine at the same time. Pinstripes are super flattering, slimming, and elongating, which is wonderful especially if you’re petite. The dress I’m wearing above is a fun piece by Rose Assoulin that I got on major sale last year. It looks like two pieces but it’s actually one and I just love the powerful feel, masculine and feminine contrast, and edgy and elegant mix. You could also try a pinstripe blazer for the office and/or pinstripe pants with a cami for dinner!
![waimari white midi dress waimari white midi dress](https://busbeestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Resortwear-White-Dresses-Erin-Busbee-Busbee-Style-Fashion-Over-40-Waimari-White-Midi-Dress-6.jpg)
![waimari white mini kimono dress waimari white mini kimono dress](https://busbeestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Resortwear-White-Dresses-Erin-Busbee-Busbee-Style-Fashion-Over-40-Waimari-White-Mini-Kimono-Dress-2.jpg)
#3) White Out
Beautiful bright white pieces are in this year! I love to wear white year-round and don’t think it’s ever out of style…but this year we’re just going to see a lot more of it in different fabrics than just the traditional summer fabrics like cotton and linen. So now is the time to stock up on some white tops and dresses if you don’t already have them in your closet. I recently purchased the two gorgeous white Waimari dresses above and I already know they are going to be heavy hitters for summer. An all-white outfit is another wonderful outfit idea for summer if you’re comfortable wearing white…I love the classic white blouse and jeans outfit combination!
#4) Color Me Happy!
On the spring 2023 runways, we’re seeing lots of different hues! I love to talk about the different color trends each year because there are usually multiple options and they’re always SO fun.
First up (and my favorite) is cobalt blue. I love this color, it reminds me a lot of my teenage years and the 80s, and it looks good on almost everyone. It’s beautiful, bright, and bold. Other color trends are metallics, all shades of green, and shades of red. For my fashionistas, keylime is another big color trend…it’s hard for me to wear because of my complexion but for some of you it may work!
Remember that with color trends, you don’t have to go all out. You could do a color pop…like a red lip, colorful nails, shoes, bag, etc. Play around with what makes you feel comfortable!
#5) Flower Power
This season’s floral trend goes beyond your basic floral prints and takes it to the next level…to 3D! We’re seeing actual accents and appliques of flowers. They’re tactile and you can see them popping off the garment. While I was at Paris Fashion Week, I was able to go to the Dior fashion show and saw that there were pieces in the fall/winter line that had these floral details so it’s safe to say this trend is going to stick around a while. I haven’t gotten a chance to try this trend so I shared some runway shots above and I’m linking a few options to shop below so you can see what I’m talking about with these 3D florals!
#6) Full On Fringe
Fringe is SO much fun…it just makes you want to move, shimmy, and shake! We’re seeing fringe in really elegant ways this year instead of the stereotypical western wear fringe we’re used to. It’s on dresses, skirts, jackets, and tops and can actually look very sophisticated. Even the tiniest detail of fringe can be really chic. The Brochu Walker sweater I’m wearing above has a tiny detail of fringe on the sleeves that elevates it a bit more. But I’ve linked a few chic trend options below too.
By the way, you can get my Brochu Walker sweater on sale when you use the code BUSBEESTYLE15 at checkout!
#7) Chic Crochet
This is not your typical crochet! Think more of a cobweb-style crochet that looks kind of like spiderwebs and has looser weaves as opposed to tighter stitches. This is spring’s answer to knitwear when the temps start to rise. I love this trend…it’s very delicate, intricate, feminine, and beautiful. Plus, the texture adds interest and style to any outfit. While at Paris Fashion Week, I wore this gorgeous gold crochet top by Dior that’s a chic example of this trend!
#8) Daring Denim
I basically live in jeans so this is easily one of my favorite trends of the season! I want you to think of denim this spring in a more daring way. I know that many of you don’t want to let go of your skinny jeans (and you don’t have to!) but this spring I’m challenging you to step outside of your comfort zone a bit and try a new denim trend. Consider wider-leg jeans, trouser jeans, or even straight-leg jeans (always on-trend). If you’ve already donated those skinny jeans and are ready to embrace whatever denim trend comes next…we’re now seeing very oversized baggy jeans and cargo denim! Yep…that’s jeans with cargo pockets that are very military-inspired. We’re also seeing everything from puddle hemlines and slouchy fits to low-rises, pleats, laces, ruching…the list goes on and on. Pretty much anything goes with denim this year!
#9) Trouser Time
Along the same lines as baggy denim…trousers are also “in” and they aren’t going anywhere! And we’re seeing them in all different styles! Pleated, low-rise, slouchy, wide-leg, cargo, puddle pants, etc. are all on-trend. Trousers can be difficult to wear and I did an entire video with tips on how to style them here if you’re interested. I’m probably going to try this trend with some low-rise baggy trousers and heels so stay tuned for that!
#10) Big Bag Energy
The bigger the bag, the better! I love that this is much more practical than the micro mini bags that were previously on-trend. But if you loved the micro bags, that’s okay too because…with handbags, similar to denim and trousers, anything goes this spring. I recently purchased this new gigantic Fendi Sunshine tote (in the large size) mainly because of my recent travels, but also because I’ve been wanting to try this trend and when I saw this, I knew it was going to be so chic and sophisticated. Disclaimer: This bag does not fit super well under the seat in front of you, but you can always put it in the overhead bin. Plus, it holds SO much!
Bonus Trend) Longer Hemlines
I wanted to talk about this trend because it’s particularly perfect for women over 40. We’re seeing lots of knee-length and maxi skirts and dresses! I love maxi lengths because they look so elegant and sophisticated.
Which trend is your favorite, or which one do you want to try? Let us know in the comments below!
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I’m into seeing pops of color!!! I’m going to look for the blues and reds.. not sure the lime green is for me either. I’m just tired of dark fall and winter time!
Bring on the spring – bright and beautiful colors!! We are all ready for it too! ~Team Busbee
Thank you Erin, great post!
I’m about to pull the trigger on a Sandro trench coat, similar to yours.
I can’t decide if I should order the 36 or 38. Did you size up or down?
Thanks!
Maria
I did not size up, but here are my thoughts about sizing, Maria. When deciding between the 2 sizes here are some things to keep in mind. The body is pretty forgiving. You won’t need to go up to get more room and both sizes will look similar once you belt it. The coat runs a bit narrow in the arms and shoulders so if you think you would like more room there, I’d size up without worrying about the rest of the coat. Hope that makes sense! ~Erin xo
Erin…you outdid yourself with this post!!
It’s so rich with content…wow!
I can’t wait review all day…and the next day etc. I’m retired, 75, and faction forward with your expertise. Thank you to you and your team.
Thank you so much, Donna! So happy you found the post helpful! ~Team Busbee xo
I love your blog &newsletter but please start posting new fashion. You keep recycling the same clothes.
Thanks for the feedback, Sally. We’ll have exciting new spring content and outfits coming soon! ~Team Busbee xo
What size did you get in the Sandro trench? I’ve had my eye on it for quite a long time.
Hi Janet! I purchased a 36. it is true to size through the body (actually forgiving), but narrow in the arms and shoulders. xo
Hi Erin Thank you for this post. I bought this cute sweater set from reformation much cheaper than ALC, it is bra friendly. I am 5 4, 124 pounds and wear a 32 DD or DDD bra. It fit in XS. https://rstyle.me/+eTWC1FMzsythj1lfXSj9vA