Spotting trends is something I've become very good at in my 12 years working in the fashion industry, Instagram being my platform of choice for such pursuits. With a constant flurry of uploads, nothing beats the rush I get when I spy three or more people wearing similar pieces; that's when I know I'm on to something. Whether it's a new bag shape or a particular affinity for a specific colour, my gut instinct is to open my laptop and tell you all about it. Now, as the sun shines through my window, and dare I say it, I can go outside without a heavy wool coat on, I think now just might be the time to start exploring which items feel fresh for spring 2023.
I've already outlined the macro-trends from the spring 2023 runways, the effects of which I'm starting to see pull through in real-life outfits; there are a selection of smaller, more specific micro-trends that are already making an impact on the direction fashion is taking this season and will make your wardrobe feel undeniably current for the next few weeks. As with any guidance you receive on Who What Wear, we never advise jumping on a trend just because it's, well, trending—it really ought to speak to you and your sense of style before you even think about buying into it. The same goes for what you'll see below. Sure, they all might be "in" right now, but think about longevity. Can you see yourself wearing the items you have your eye on next season and the season after? If the answer is yes, these might be the spring 2023 micro-trends to invest in. If not, then that's okay, too.
Either way, let's look at the items proving to be big news for the season ahead that have serious staying power beyond 2023 too.
1. Stripe Jeans
Style Notes: Of all the trouser trends this season, influencers are currently favouring striped jeans in pretty candy colours. I love how Mary Jean has used hers to give her black separates a springlike overhaul.
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This pair will add zing to your jersey basics.
How cool are these Arket trousers?
I'm picturing these with a camel-hued jumper and fisherman sandals.
2. Balletcore
Style Notes: You could argue that balletcore has been around for a while now, but with a renewed focus on ballet flats, leggings and draped tops this season, there's an undeniable prima ballerina aesthetic coming through on my feed.
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Raising the barre.
Split hems are a key legging trend this year.
On my forever wish list.
3. Toffee Leather
Style Notes: Black leather might feel distinctly wintry, but these deletable caramel hues will work perfectly with lighter spring colour palettes.
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The perfect layer for spring.
The leather dress just levelled up.
I predict this skirt will go viral.
4. Heart Necklaces
Style Notes: Heart pendants ruled the late '90s and early aughts, and now, they've come full-circle. Look for puffy hearts on velvet or cord to make them feel authentically throwback.
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This pendant comes in gold, too.
The perfect addition to an off-the-shoulder top (more on those in a second).
Pretty!
5. Off-the-Shoulder Tops
Style Notes: If you're looking for a new "nice top" to pair with your jeans or, in Sylvie's case, column skirts, call off the search—jersey off-the-shoulder tops have had an incredibly chic overhaul this spring and are a common denominator in all the IG outfits I'm currently saving down.
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This top comes in so many colours.
Ideal if you prefer long sleeves.
We can always count on COS to deliver a minimal take.
6. Cargo Skirts
Style Notes: I skipped the cargo trouser trend but cargo skirts? This fresh interpretation just might be the thing that finally has me embracing the Y2K aesthetic in 2023.
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I'm seeing this skirt all over social media.
A refined take on the trend.
Tick off two trends in one with a long denim skirt complete with patch pockets.
7. Pink Tailoring
Style Notes: It might sound niche, but there's a ton of pink suiting on the market right now; Lauren proves just how sleek it can look, too, in her latest Instagram upload.
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I'm eyeing this for a wedding I have coming up.
Yes, waistcoats are still very much a thing.
I tried on this suit and think it's excellent for the price.
8. Soft Bags
Style Notes: This spring, there's a focus on more practical handbags, with soft shoulder bags informing all the spring 2023 collections from Khaite to COS.
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Khaite's iconic Olivia bag now comes in this trending colourway.
The high-street bag all our editors own.
This looks so much more expensive than it is.
Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
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