If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my days as a fashion editor, it’s how to track down microtrends before anyone else catches wind of them. Being overly perceptive my whole life has clearly stood me in good stead. Now, you might be wondering what differentiates a trend and a microtrend. Essentially, they’re smaller offshoots of the core trends we see on the biannual runways that only begin to become apparent once the bigger trends are in full swing.
Take the overarching ‘90s trend, for example. It started out on the runways with pared-back silhouettes and boxy tailoring, and now we’re seeing it morph into pieces such as capri pants and large pendant necklaces, both of which I’d consider to be some of summer’s funnest microtrends.
As a simple dresser myself, I never encourage buying into trends based solely on the fact that they’re “in fashion”. Instead, I like to think long and hard about any I’m tempted by, discerning whether or not they feel “me”. If, after deliberation, I decide that they are, then, yes, I’ll invest. More often than not however, it’s microtrends I find the most compelling, as they’re an easy way to dip your toe into an aesthetic without having to fully commit, but will still make your outfits feel current.
Below, I’ve assembled six summer microtrends for 2023 that will bring some immediate joy to your wardrobe, but that I also believe have staying power, too. The print on the last dress, for example, has been omnipresent in the fashion space ever since Carrie Bradshaw first wore it in 2000. How’s that for longevity? So, let’s get better acquainted with summer 2023’s microtrend line-up.