6 Fashion Buyers Share Their Ultimate Wish Lists for 2023

Hands up who among us has stood in front of our wardrobes at the end of the year and disappointingly declared that we "have nothing to wear"? After 12 months of getting dressed for work, for socialising, to keep warm, to keep cool, and more often than not, to look good, the usual failsafes we wear on rotation can start to feel a little same-y. As the New Year looms and we look back on the year that was, we often feel compelled to start afresh, and of all the New Year's resolutions we promise to make (and likely drop by March), a wardrobe refresh ranks high on our list. But if you are looking for new inspiration for the season ahead, where do you begin?

Long before our editors have compiled reports and rounded up the best pieces to shop, fashion buyers are the behind-the-scenes experts who decide which brands are actually worth buying into, playing an instrumental role in championing new trends and in turn shaping people's wardrobes across the world. 

In a bid to find out which trends are worth investing in for the upcoming months, we reached out to six fashion buyers who know good dressing and asked for their tips on the years biggest trends and which pieces are on their wish lists to help inspire yours too. So keep scrolling for the 10 trends from the spring summer 2023 collections that you'll be seeing a lot more of in the next 12 months. 

Holly Tenser, RTW Buying Manager at Browns

Spring Greens

"This Christopher Esber dress is the perfect day to night silk maxi style. In a gorgeous soft mint colour it offers just the right amount of interest with subtle cut-out details without bearing all. I've also been on the look out for the perfect mesh layering top to add some fun to a casual denim look, and Blumarine is having such an exciting revival right now, playing with their romantic past with an updated Y2K twist."

SHOP SPRING GREEN:

 Luxe Leather

"I love this worn-in distressed leather blazer from Remain. It’s a great update on a classic wool blazer, and very on-trend with leather being spotted in varying iterations on the runway this season. I've also tracked down the perfect black boot to take you through the winter months from Khaite. The low slanted heel adds to the proportion whilst also makes them easy to wear comfortably all day."

SHOP LUXE LEATHER:

All that Glitters

"Lastly, as I can never say no to some statement jewellery, I am in love with this Sophie Bille Brahe diamond ring. Taking inspiration from the ocean, with exceptional diamond quality."

SHOP JEWELLERY:

Liane Wiggins, Head of Womenswear at MATCHESFASHION

On Pointe

"Ballet flats have had a resurgence this season and are definitely here to stay as our customers look for more dressed up styles to complement their hybrid lifestyles. We have grown the category by 84% for S/S 23 and are excited to have just launched exclusive styles with Vibi Venezia, and look out for Le Monde Beryl exclusives coming soon."

SHOP BALLET FLATS:

Redefined Wardrobing

"Strong wardrobing and tailoring with directional design details will be key for S/S 23. Pieces to make women feel amazing every day and not just for special occasions. A few runway highlights being Junya Watanabe, Sacai, Loewe, Issey Miyake, Ashlyn. We have recently launched new brand to MATCHESFASHION, The Meaning Well, which offers very special wardrobing pieces with a sustainable message. For S/S 23 we will also be launching Armarium, which means wardrobe in Latin. The brand focuses on Italian craftmanship and natural materials to create impactful, everyday staples."

SHOP NEW CLASSICS:

Georgina Coulter, Head of Buying at The Outnet

Minimalist Tailoring

"From classic shirts to minimalist tailoring, elevated essentials ruled the runway. This pared-back, elegant approach to dressing means customers can shop for seasonless pieces that perfectly combine wearability, luxury, and style and that will last in their wardrobe for seasons to come."

SHOP MINIMALIST TAILORING:

Silhouette-Enhancing Cuts

"The return of the cutout trend gets a sophisticated twist with sleek silhouettes designed to show off the waist, leg, or back. Elevate the style further with subtle soft draping that offers a timeless aesthetic or opt for a more playful variation in metallic."

SHOP CUTOUTS:

Denim Redone 

"This wardrobe staple isn’t going anywhere. The runways were still awash with denim, from jeans and jackets to coats and skirts. The best way to wear it next season seems to be top to toe."

SHOP DENIM:

"Head-to-toe denim is key trend for next season, and Y2K-inspired looks specifically," adds Larissa Stange, buying manager of womenwear and accessories at Liberty. "Think cropped jackets, baggy jeans and dropped waists. I love to pair back my wide leg jeans with either trainers or heels depending on the occasion."

Larissa Stange, Womenswear and Accessories Buying Manager at Liberty

The Cold Shoulder 

"We've recently launched a new Australian brand called Beare Park in-store just in time for spring/summer. It encapsulates the '90s minimalism trend we continue to see for S/S 23 through tailored floor-length coats and stylish separates. Its asymmetric one-shouldered dresses are on top of my new-season wish list."

Beare Park is available in-store at Liberty now.

 A Change of Tone

"After the trending colour palettes have focused on brights for a while now, I have started to see a lot more softer, slightly darker, mature-feeling tones appearing, e.g., teal, emerald and brown and pastels such as sage green and lilac. I really loved all pieces from the Dries van Noten S/S 23 runway, and this Bernadette dress is another favourite of mine."

SHOP TONAL:

Georgina Bell, Assistant Womenswear Buyer at Liberty

 Abstract Art

"For S/S 23, we've been seeing a lot of aquarelle paint inspired prints on the runway. The Stine Goya dress and shirt from the Resort 2023 collection and the Paloma Wool S/S 23 runway look are a prime example of how to wear abstract prints and are up there with some of my favourites."

SHOP ABSTRACT PRINTS:

Y2K Utility 

"In line with the Y2K resurgence, utility shirts and cargo pants continue to be a key trend into spring and summer 2023. Try Gimaguas for an elevated take on the trend and Isabel Marant for distressed denim."

SHOP '90S UTILITY:

Marco Tonizzo, Buying and Merchandsing Director at Yoox

"We have seen that our consumer has moved in recent months to seek out and continue to purchase any products related to the Y2K trend both in a transversal way, as well as a more relaxed, indie-inspired approach. In womenswear, we have particularly seen an increase in playful pastels and shades of pink are in high demand mixing utility with Barbiecore."

SHOP MARCO'S PICKS:

Up Next, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: The 21 Looks You Need to Know About