The Top 5 Trends from NYFW Spring 2023

When the New York Fashion Week runways concluded in September, it was arguably the most "return to normal" of all of the fashion weeks. There were European invasions by way of Fendi, basement dance parties, and a near endless array of dinners and events. It was all very 2019. And the runways are telling a similar story of life-goes-on. We aren't speaking so much of the before and after of lockdowns—i.e. sweatpants or party clothes. Now is about what to wear for the difference facets of life from new takes on color, to the film that's in the zeitgeist (again), and a skirt silhouette that is sure to be all the rage. See the top 5 trends that tell the tale for the season ahead, and shop them now before spring officially arrives in two months time.

Lime Time

The color that's taking shape as the hue of the season calls to mind outdoor margaritas—a refreshing lime. Done up on gowns at Alliete, Fendi, and Michael Kors, suiting at Sergio Hudson, and separates at Brandon Maxwell and Tory Burch—I think the surprising word we're working with here is versatility.

Finely Woven

Crochet is continuing as a trend story and designers are becoming increasingly creative with the technique. Ulla Johnson made the look slouchy in a skirt and sweater set, Puppets and Puppets manages to combine the idea with fringe, and Proenza Schouler provided movement in a tank and skirt combo on Kendall Jenner.

The Long Story

The look we're going to see everywhere come spring is the maxi slim skirt. It came ultra low rise and white at Peter Do and Tibi, belted at Phillip Lim and Carolina Herrera, and in denim at Fendi and Altuzarra. It's a hark back to '90s minimalism and it feels as sleek and cool as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy on a fine New York morning.

Lingerie All Day (But Really)

Last season we delved into some subtle bra tops underneath suiting. While that look is still happening, the runways are upping the ante on naked dressing with bra tops (no jacket required), and string bikinis as daywear. There are even sculptural metal pieces that give a surreal vibe at LaQuan Smith and Area.

Mermaid Vibes

Move over Barbie, the story now is all about The Little Mermaid. And she goes for sparkles and sheer and paillettes in colors that make our inner 5 year old smile in delight. Think: seafoam green, light purple, and easy pink, sometimes all at once. It also has a decidedly Y2K bent, because we just can't quit that era of feminine delights.