Here at Who What Wear, we focus a lot of our energy on the biggest trends of the season, and while we’ll never stop covering the heavy hitters, there are several micro-trends worthy of honorary mentions. These aren’t making major style moves yet, but we firmly believe that it’s only a matter of time until they graduate from micro to macro or, in other words, from niche to mainstream.
After hours of studying the runways and, of course, online shopping (all in the name of research!), we’re sharing the micro-trends on our radar at the moment. We’ve spotted these pieces on the feeds of the most influential women we know and stocked at several key retailers, which tells us that each is on the brink of becoming huge. Keep reading for fashion’s most exciting micro-trends of summer 2023, from the cool takes on crochet that every It girl will be wearing on vacation to the simple but outfit-making cuff bracelets that have all our editors in a tizzy.
Whether you’re jetting off to the beaches of Portugal or staying local this summer, the rise of cool crochet pieces will have you embracing vacation dressing without ever even unzipping your suitcase. Try an openwork knit dress as a beach coverup or wear a crochet top with trousers.
Swap in this open-knit shirt when you’re tired of your plain poplin shirts.
A beach coverup and going-out dress rolled into one.
I’m pretty such Diotima invented cool-girl crochet with this skirt set. Shop the matching Doilie Crocheted Cotton Midi Skirt ($1150).
Sofia Richie’s timeless and chic wedding wardrobe is the leading inspiration behind this micro-trend, so if you’re a fan of hers, you’ll want to bump these linen vest tops to the top of your summer shopping list.
Calling all fans of the Adidas Sambas: I just found your next sneaker obsession—and it’s just as affordable. With all things retro and soccer-inspired bubbling up in the sneaker world, it should come as no surprise that pairs from Onitsuka Tiger, especially the bright yellow Mexico 66 style, are on the rise.
Thanks to rise in a new summer aesthetic the internet has dubbed mermaidcore, we’re seeing a surge in accessories inspired by under-the-sea motifs like seashells and oysters.
Unreal.
These make such a chic impact with even jeans and a tee.
Such a vibe.
If you like pretty things, you’ll love these drop-waist dresses. Fitted in the bodice and flared out with full skirts, it’s a fresh silhouette that feels both retro and modern.
I love that there are hidden shorts built-in here.
I’m convinced this will become *the* Reformation dress of the summer. I mean, just look at it.
I want you.
Just when I thought floral prints were “over”, this micro-trend comes out of nowhere. Suddenly, I’m seeing zoomed-in florals like the Loewe anthurium printed dresses that are *actually* groundbreaking.
The girls that get it, get it.
Easy to wear but far from boring to look at.
So cute with jeans, trousers, and skirts alike.
The ’80s jewelry trend everyone and their mother is wearing right now is none other than big, bold cuff bracelets. Somewhere along the way, our daintier pieces gave way to these larger statement ones and now it’s all about adding one or two of these cuffs into your outfit rotation for some instant polish.
Buy it in gold and silver if you know what you’re doing.
What’s one month’s rent when you have this beauty on your wrist?
Click here to see what this chic cuff looks like on.
Ready or not, the latest controversial shoe trend has arrived. With ballet flats hitting peak trendiness, we’re starting to see more iterations on them emerge and delicate mesh is the newest iteration. The see-through style may be divisive, but there’s no denying that these are about to be everywhere soon with It pairs from Khaite, The Row, and Alaïa already going viral.
I haven’t stopped thinking about these since I first saw them in-person last week. I’m afraid that the photos don’t even do them justice because they’re even dreamier IRL.
This is my best Nordstrom find all week—and probably all month, for that matter.
You’d be wise to snag this in-demand pairs while it’s on sale. Use code SPRING20 for 20% off.
I never thought I’d be describing sporty sunglasses as beautiful, but these mother of pearl shades really are.
Another gem I found buried deep within the Net-a-Porter sale.
