The past year may have been all about the trouser, but I believe dresses are still the most reliable wardrobe mainstay around. They can take you from working week to weekend fun and be styled in a multitude of ways for myriad occasions. After all, it's not like you could repurpose your jeans for a wedding guest outfit, but you can absolutely alter the aesthetic of a dress with the addition of a belt or the switch of a shoe.
The reason I always look forward to the start of a new season is the prospect of unearthing the trends that await for it. I've already begun charting the need-to-know jewellery, boots and jeans for the year ahead; now, it's time to turn our attention to the overarching dress trends of 2023. I've scoured the runways—everywhere from Prada to Coperni—to bring you the most noteworthy frocks.
From the cool take on prints to an ingenious way to wear florals (it's not what you think), breathtaking embellishments to hem and neckline updates, scroll on to discover the 10 dress trends set to take over summer 2023.
1. Asymmetric Sleeves
Style Notes: A recurring dress trend on the summer 2023 runways was asymmetry; there were step hemlines aplenty, but perhaps the chicest interpretation is asymmetric sleeves, as seen at Rejina Pyo.
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A great black dress will never go out of style.
A beauty if you're heading to a wedding soon.
2. Bouquets of Corsages
Style Notes: If you thought the only way to wear florals was by way of prints, think again; designers such as Carolina Herrera opted to adorn everything from tops and necklaces to, yes, dresses with pretty corsages.
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The colour! The neckline! The corsages! This dress ticks off so many trends in one go.
This will look incredible styled with an oversized blazer and slingback heels.
3. Dramatic Drapery
Style Notes: Draping was a major dress trend last year, and designers continued their exploration of these dramatic silhouettes into 2023 by way of dresses. Look for dresses with cascading trains, as seen at Coperni, or opt for statement sleeves on minis.
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So chic, no one will assume this is high street.
I know this dress is going to be a hit in 2023.
4. Refined Nighties
Style Notes: Slip dresses have proven themselves to be pretty timeless over the past few years and, for 2023, a subtle update keeps them feeling fresh; additions of pretty, delicate lace.
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I love the slips from this independent designer.
This best-selling Reformation dress is just so beautiful.
5. Bubble Hems
Style Notes: This season sees the return of countless, '80s-inspired fashion trends—think lamé fabrications and neon hues—but the most stylish interpretation has to be puffball hems, which were prevalent on skirts and dresses alike.
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I'm legitimately obsessed with this dress (and brand).
Just add jumbo metal earrings to complete your '80s style metamorphosis.
6. Sheer Delights
Style Notes: Sheer dresses were perhaps the biggest trend on the S/S 23 runways, with everyone from Bottega Veneta, ACNE Studios and Prada showcasing transparent frocks of their own. Me? I'm partial to the black and white styles, akin to this look from AMI.
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This will work just as well dressed up for a night out as it will with knee-high boots and a blazer in the day.
The crystals are a gorgeous touch.
7. Blurred Lines
Style Notes: Ombré or tie-dye, call it what you will; the important thing is that you consider investing in the blurred, watercoloured pieces that will no doubt dominate the market this year thanks to the likes of Zimmermann, Jonathan Simkhai and Ferragamo.
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Such a beautiful palette.
The independent, size-inclusive brand Beyoncé is obsessed with.
8. Bare Shoulders
Style Notes: Although they never really go out of style, it would be fair to say that off-the-shoulder necklines haven't been as predominant as they were a few seasons ago. However, that's that's all about to change, as some of the sleekest 2023 dresses have a full view of the décolletage.
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Beyond beautiful.
Those sleeves!
9. Liquid Shimmer
Style Notes: While sparkly dresses make a comeback every party season, their shelf life has been extended significantly, with more designers presenting embellished, sequinned pieces year-round. The key to making this trend feel fresh is all in the finish of the sequins; the more liquid-looking the shine, the better.
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Get ready to see this dress all over your IG feed.
Look for halters for another 2023 update.
10. Take the Tube
Style Notes: The '90s aesthetic is still going strong, with tube dresses becoming something of a hero item for those who subscribe to it. Look for tube dresses with next to no detailing to channel the runway mood.
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Add a blazer and gold jewellery for an easy and chic look.
Red is big this autumn!
Next Up: The Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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