Summer fashion trends 2023: from beach to festival
Summer clothes, festival packing and pool outfits
Summer is finally here. Now’s the time to update your wardrobe with fresh new holiday looks that’ll work from beach and pool to city break packing and festival weekends.
Metallics, fringing, texture, uplifting prints, asymmetric swimwear, wideleg trousers, rave… discover the key pieces of clothes and fashion trends that are making a splash this season.
With inspiration coming from the Cruise resort collections (sunshine and citrus shades were big at Stella McCartney and Gucci), Coachella’s sparkling-in-the-sunshine vibe and TikTok (where clunky sandals are having a moment), we’ve got all the biggest looks to know – and where to find them at SouthGate Bath.
Festival looks: rave, rock, double denim, enduring boho
1. Rave and day-glo
Bring some 90s dance to your festival look with tie-dye T-shirts from H&M and Urban Outfitters, smiley faces (Accessorize and Pandora have some fun pendants while Hollister are doing a cute baseball cap and fanny packs), sporty sunglasses, a bucket hat and retro trainers (head to Levi’s, Office and JD Sports).
Image provided by Accessorize
2. Rock chic
This look never goes out of style thanks to the queen of festivals, Kate Moss, who iconically paired tiny denim shorts with Hunter wellies with her old-school band T-shirt way back in 2005 (find a gem at Urban Outfitters).
However, this season, it’s got a slightly cowgirl twist – think metallic cowboy boots or clumpy sandals from Office, fringing on your leather jacket or bag (try H&M) with distressed denim cut-offs from Levi’s or a cute floral romper from Hollister.
3. Double denim
This look is everywhere with jeans/midi skirt/shorts being offset by a crop jacket. Mix and match bright colours or go for one simple shade from Levi’s and Tommy Hilfiger.
Image provided by Levi
4. Enduring boho
The 70s Fleetwood Mac look shows no sign of disappearing (especially when paired with tousled dry-shampooed festival hair) so it’s all about Isabel Marant-style embroidery on tops and dresses (H&M), raffia bags (Accessorize), flat sandals or clogs (Office and Lululemon), layered jewellery and beading with dreamy details (have a look at Pandora, Kiko Milano and Accessorize).
And don’t forget…
Hiking gear is in
Vogue paired its festival bikini top with a sensible fleece and parka – it’s all in the styling. It might be summer but it can still tip it down so ensure you’ve got a chic rainproof and style it out with short-shorts… try Hollister, North Face, Castore or Tommy Hilfiger.
Packing for a city break: oversize tailoring, midaxi dresses and late-night glam
1. Oversize tailoring
The street style from the fashion shows in Paris and London flagged up one major look: baggy, oversize trousers with crop top (see Bella Hadid for inspiration) or slouchy jeans worn with a blazer and a tee (Levi’s and H&M have it covered). Pair the look with centre-parted hair, narrow frame sunglasses (from Accessorize) and trainers or flat sandals and you have the perfect outfit for effortless chic.
Image provided by H&M
2. Midaxi dresses
Following on from the prairie dress, the midaxi is a slightly more laidback and flirtier with a hemline that stops just above the ankle. Whether going for 90s flowers or more graphic prints, Hollister and Urban Outfitters have everything from slip dresses to bandeaus while Tommy Hilfiger have glorious gem-coloured takes.
3. Late-night glam
From the Mugler H&M collection to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour sparkle, metallics, sequins and dazzle are the most luxe way to update your summer party nights. For instant high-end luxe, check out H&M
And don’t forget…
Accessories make the outfit
Oversize hairslides, opulent scrunchies and pearls in your braids (Accessorize are going big on this trend), a good pair of sunnies, a fanny pack (Hollister have some monochrome designs which look brilliant) and you’re good to go.
Image provided by Accessorize
Holiday pool and beach swimsuits and bikinis: prints, neutrals, asymmetric, crochet
1. Prints
Uplifting retro and geometric prints in bright hues are the perfect way to get in the holiday mood before you even reach the plane (Fat Face has figure-hugging designs while H&M are going bright and tropical).
Image provided by H&M
2. Neutrals
Earthy hues of brown, moss, terracotta and espresso are leading this season’s colour palette – wear ruched in a 50s-style swimsuit or panelled bikini for serious influencer style (Accessorize are winning at this hands down).
3. Asymmetric
One-shouldered designs for bikinis and swimsuits give instant Amalfi glamour (add a cutout midriff for extra points from H&M).
4. Crochet and texture
Crochet is everywhere this season – from bucket hats to dresses at H&M
– so it makes sense it’s big in swimwear too – head to Urban Outfitters and check out Hollister for mix’n’match bikinis with texture and florals.
Image provided by H&M
And don’t forget…
A huge beach tote, a floaty cover-up (go for kaftan details, throw-over chiffon and statement dresses from Accessorize and Fat Face) and wide-brimmed hats. Sandalswise choose between pastel Birkenstocks, wedges or Grecian crossovers (see Office).
Image provided by H&M
Pampers and post-shopping brunch, lunch and cocktails
Need your nails, wax, brows and lashes sorted? Southgate Bath is the ideal place for a pre-holiday pamper with Thérapie Clinic. For brunch and lunch or post-shopping night out, head to Be At One, Brewdog, Cosy Club or Juno or cocktails and a movie at Tivoli Cinema.
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