Rosettes, Mermaidcore, and More of Summer 2023’s Biggest Trends

This is the summer of cargo pants, mermaidcore, and rosettes!

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Drawing mostly from the ‘90s and early 2000s, this season’s fashion trends provide a range of options for the adventurous dressers. This is the summer of sheer, alien magic, mermaidcore, and rosettes! They may not all be original, but they’re as bold and playful as ever—inviting even the safest shopper to take some style risks. 

It all started with the spring 2023 ready-to-wear collections. At Tory Burch, skin was exposed through sheer blouses and double-layer organza skirts. Meanwhile, Blumarine’s creative director Nicola Brognano was inspired by The Little Mermaid cartoon to present his own take on the mermaid look. Thus, ruffles, shell-shaped motifs and rosettes embellished everything from draped mini skirts to crochet dresses. Elsewhere, Rick Owens has been, perhaps single handedly, championing a sort of dark, futuristic, alien aesthetic through the use of reflective materials and larger-than-life silhouettes.

This has culminated into a summer of eccentric fashion variety. Of course, trends are there ideally to inform rather than replace your personal style. Don’t feel like you have to keep up so much as to see how you can expand your style vocabulary. Take cargo pants for example. I had long known about their existence, but never thought to introduce them to my closet until this summer. After recently trying on a pair, I thought it could make an edgier alternative to my regular denim jeans; I loved the practical silhouette and functional design. While some trends are easier to adopt than others (cargo pants are technically baggy jeans, right?), others can be incorporated by way of accessories. For the many weddings, spontaneous trips or local adventures you might have on your summer calendar, consider how these trends can transform your wardrobe. 

Ahead, read all about the top summer 2023 fashion trends.

Summer 2023 Fashion Trend: Mermaidcore

Photo Courtesy of Gezelle Renée

Summer conjures up images of blue waters and warm sands, so fashion marketers have figured out a new theme for sea-inspired clothing. This year, it’s mermaidcore and it’s exactly what it sounds like: ocean hues, shimmery fabrics, sequin paillettes, shell-shaped bras, pearl clutches, and crochet separates. Mermaidcore is of course nothing new, but it’s enjoying another round of popularity thanks to Blumarine and David Koma’s spring 2023 RTW collections—among others, and movies like the Little Mermaid adaptation starring Halle Bailey.

If you’re all about colors, quirky accessories and fun textures, give the trend a try with these pieces.

Left to Right: Cult Gaia EOS Clutch ($328); Baobab Isla Maxi Set ($248); Simon Miller x Mango Crochet Bag ($100); Cult Gaia Havana Top ($430)

Summer 2023 Trend: Rosettes

Photo Courtesy of Nana Agyemang

Delicate, quirky and feminine, the rosette trend is the latest in a series that celebrates femininity. Seen on mini and mid-length dresses at Prabal Gurung and Carolina Herrera respectively, rosettes or 3D-flower appliqués recall Y2K fashion, but it actually has a long history dating back to Rococo era. As fashion historian Summer Anne Lee told Refinery 29, “ In the 17th century, fabric roses were sewn onto women’s and men’s shoes as decoration and a sign of high social and economic status.” A few centuries later, roses became exclusively associated with women’s fashion. But leave it to the 21st century to upend the idea of gendered clothing. 

You can now find these rosettes on everything from blazers and full-length gowns to bathing suits and sandals. Aren’t they just darling?

Left to Right: Reformation Emerald Knit Top ($128); Maygel Coronel Veranera Dress ($510); Dolce Vita Rosie Heels ($150); Reformation Adalynn Knit Two-Piece ($218)

Summer 2023 Trend: Ruffles, Sashes and Frills

This season is all about maximalist embellishments, including frills, bows, sashes and trains. These feminine finishes were spotted all over the spring 2023 catwalk: on lightweight mini dresses at Sandy Liang; a plunging maxi skirt at Saint Laurent, and a revealing blouse at Carolina Herrera. When it comes to these touches, the thinking seems to be the more the merrier.

Ahead, these designs will convert even the most minimalist among us.

Left to Right: Jaded London Athena Dress ($139); Tyler McGillivary Petals Skirt ($225); Lioness Rendezvous Dress ($89); Blumarine One-Shoulder Minidress ($812)

Summer 2023 Trend: Deep Pockets

Photo Courtesy of Monroe Steele

Cargo pants are back, and they are roomier than ever. Elevated from a utilitarian garment to a cool-girl status symbol for spring 2023, these baggy silhouettes made a stylish return at Diesel, The Attico, and Dion Lee to name a few. From a multitude of pockets to a loose yet secure fit, there are plenty of reasons to give cargo pants a try. Plus, you will still be wearing them long after the fashion pendulum swings in the other direction.

Left to Right: Agolde Minka Cargo Jeans ($238); True Religion Cargo Pants ($119); Dion Lee Parachute Cargo Pants ($720); The Attico Fern Long Cargo Pants ($1,150)

Summer 2023 Trend: Sheer Clothing

Photo Courtesy of Olivia McDowell

From Prada to Nensi Dojaka, sheer clothing dominated the spring 2023 runways, perhaps as a reaction to the overturning of Roe V. Wade. For some designers, fashion is a powerful medium to address politics. Thus, skin is exposed as a form of confrontation, but also an urgent call to rally around protecting the female body.

You can choose to bare it all, but if not, there is a range of sheer pieces and styling tricks to accommodate your comfort level. See for yourself.

Left to Right: Orseund Iris La Sirena Top ($295); Mango Semi-Transparent Top ($60) and Skirt ($80); DISSH Jagger Dress ($160); Nensi Dojaka Triple Petal Bra Bodysuit ($,1061)

Summer 2023 Trend: Alien Barbie

Championed by Demna’s Balenciaga and Rick Owens, the alien look is in this season. Materializing as glossy latex dresses, high-shine metallic separates, shield sunglasses and reflective accessories, the aesthetic has garnered a dedicated fan base over the past couple years. Perhaps this is the result of our collective speculation about the future as the metaverse and artificial intelligence increasingly become part of our daily lives. Does it have staying power? I doubt it, but the edgy, futuristic appeal is hard to contest.

If you’re on the fence, consider tapping into it by way of accessories. But if you’re feeling bold, go all out in a Rick Owens denim maxi dress or any of Diesel’s recent creations.

Left to Right: Balenciaga Acetate Frames ($530); Reformation Westlyn Wedges ($298); Skims Halter Monokini ($108); Rick Owens Denim Maxi Dress ($745)