6 Spring 2023 fashion trends even the experts are shopping

My first impression of spring 2023's fashion trends was, in a word, enticing. It's a season of confidence and cool power, and defining sexy however you damn please. Slinky sheer layers and clinging knitwear dripped with an aspirational sensuality; even routine spring staples like spacious straw bags and unbuttoned poplin dresses had a sudden, underlying allure. For the first time in a long time, I left shows last September sensing the urge to shop would be imminent by April.

But this is the thing about first impressions: Even when they're strong, they wear off. Months later, spring collections are finally arriving in stores and the weather's catching up to the outfits I want to wear—and while I can remember a few runway standouts I loved, I need a shopping compass.

So I asked style insiders from MatchesFashion, 24S, and Italist to identify the spring 2023 fashion trends that are here today and will still make sense in my wardrobe tomorrow. In other words, I wanted each expert to identify the runway motifs with charisma as well as longevity: fabrics, silhouettes, and styling possessing that shiny-new-season sparkle, but that are impervious to changing times and tastes. If I'm spending to partake in a fashion moment, I want it to be one that lasts. So ahead, experts outlined the spring bag trends and clothing moments that are actually worth shopping.

Sunshine Suiting

“Suiting is back in full force in every collection," says Maud Barrionuevo, chief buying and marketplace officer at luxury retailer 24S. Designers tipped their hats to Savile Row on the spring 2023 runways with blazers and trousers tailored for warmer weather—all which Barrionuevo calls a "perfect investment," particularly in a bright color like Jacquemus's sunny saffron. While the linen fabrications and cheery colors feel definitively spring-y, the timeless shapes aren't going to lose their power dressing appeal anytime soon.

Sheer Genius Layers

The transparent and semi-sheer dresses, tops, and skirts from Miu Miu to Rick Owens are worth your "Add to Cart" according to Italist CEO Diego Abba, even if they feel slightly intimidating. "Think of semi-sheer as a good way to look polished and ethereal, light and breezy, but still put together," the luxury expert says. You can build a layering foundation with long-sleeve, transparent tops (like Saint Laurent's) or make a silky see-through coat or dress the center of your look (like Herno's trench or one of Prada's many translucent dresses). Whichever you choose, they'll add a dreamy level of texture to your transitional weather outfits: Abba says these pieces are "most appropriate when the climatic conditions are right—meaning not too hot and not too cold."

Well-Crafted Cross-bodies

The best cross-body bags invite you to move through life hands-free, because they'll never get in the way. The most shop-worthy versions this season don't lose their utility, but they do get some glamorous upgrades and embellishments. Liane Wiggins, head of womens wear at MatchesFashion, says shoppers' favorite bags of the spring 2023 season combine craftsmanship and everyday wearability. Her luxury edit reflects it, with Matches' buy for cross-body bags growing 22 percent for spring/summer 2023. "A personal favorite is Simone Rocha’s bow-trim nylon style with faux pearl embellishments," she says. (Fashion and function, indeed.) Other standouts from across the market include a bag coated in star-spangled paillettes from Paco Rabanne and the crystal-laden update to JW Anderson's bumper bag.

You don't need a specific season for these gussied-up bags to be your plus-one on cocktail attire occasions. Instead, incorporate a spring 2023 touch through your gestures. You can reference Simone Rocha's runway styling by cradling your bag in the crook of your arm, like you personally dove into the ocean after the oysters carrying their pearl embellishments.

An All-Denim Drip

Barrionuevo says one fabric reigns supreme amid fashion's spring turn toward utility and sportswear: "Denim, in all its forms." From Altuzarra to Givenchy, models appeared on the runway in denim-on-denim separates in oversized proportions; at 24S, LVMH Prize Finalist Conner Ives launched an edit of printed denim pieces to wear together (or apart). Double up with a slouchy denim workshirt and a street-style approved denim maxi skirt or a baggy, wide-leg jean—pieces you can hang on to regardless of where the denim pendulum swings next.

Incognito Mode Bags

The spring and summer bags you'll carry the most flies completely under-the-radar, according to Wiggins at Matchesfashion.“We have seen our customers search for bags that are luxurious but almost unidentifiable,” she says. Translation? In-the-know shoppers will recognize Lemaire’s Crossiant bag or Bottega Veneta’s runway Andiamo by their shape, color, and affinity with like-minded shoppers—not by a logo stamp or monogram that shouts where they came from.

First-Place Racing Jackets

References to the checkered-flag, dirt-track world of motorsport permeated collections including Dion Lee, Raf Simons, and Versace. Italist's Abba says embracing your inner biker chick can be an all-year-round movement. "Not only is it a timeless style rooted in Americana, it lends any wearer a little more high-fashion attitude," he explains. Moto jackets, with bright leather colour blocking or touches of denim, are an entry point to the look that pairs as easily with cargo jeans as a sinuous slip dress. And for getting over the styling finish line,"Pair with Moschino’s biker heart clutch or MISBHV’s monogram biker shorts," the luxury expert suggests. 

This piece originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar US.