Fashion trends for spring – and fall 

Ten trends from New York Fashion Week”™s Fall/Winter 2023, identified by industry resource Fashion Group International ”“ “Happy Crafty,” “Less is More,” “Folkloric Trip,” “Let”™s Go Cargo,” “Belle Boudoir,” “Silver Lining,” “Denim Boutique,” “Moto Moment,” “To the Max” and “Leather Love.” Courtesy FGI.

With the Fall/Winter 2023 runway shows recently concluded as part of New York Fashion Week and spring about to be, well, sprung (on Monday, March 20), we now have a year”™s worth of trends and fascinatingly some even overlap. 

Let”™s begin with what”™s new this spring, courtesy Bloomingdale”™s: 

Looks that shimmer ”“ These include ensembles in silver, mermaid hues, ombré (graduated color) effects and neon shades or clothes accented in fringe and pailettes (glittering spangles). 

The sexy, demure Uptown Girl ”“ Pastels, tweeds, pearls and bows get a modern twist with sleek silhouettes that shine and bear some skin. 

Woven accessories, underscoring an island vibe ”“ These include tote bags, which are also big in themselves in any material. 

Gladiator sandals and wedges ”“ Both are having another moment. 

Chokers ”“ A favorite of the 1990s, they”™re being reimagined for the runway and the red carpet with chunky chains, irregular pearls and colorful stones. 

Shield sunglasses ”“ These large, rimless, wraparound glasses shade the periphery and crow”™s-feet area of the eyes in a stylish iteration of the sunglasses worn by cataract patients. (Versace”™s feature the Medusa logo in gold on the temples, or arms, of the sunglasses, $372.) 

One trend that never seems to go out of style is pants, both the tailored variety and the looser cargo style. 

Indeed, so-called “elevated” cargo pants and silvery looks are two spring trends that are carrying over to fall, said Fashion Group International, a nonprofit fashion career incubator whose semi-annual Communiqué taps key industry experts to chart the latest trends from New York”™s Fall/Winter 2023 runway shows. (Sponsored by Hilldun Corp., the Communiqué serves as an extension of the FGI mission established in 1936 ”“ to serve as a resource for the fashion industry and related sectors. The actual organization was founded in 1928 by 17 women, including  Hollywood fashion designer Edith Head, cosmetics queen Helena Rubinstein and future first lady Eleanor Roosevelt.) Other trends for fall include: 

“Happy Crafty” ”“ “Joyful looks that combine handwork with brilliant color.” (This pairs nicely with another trend, folkloric influences in everything from crocheted sweaters to appliquéd skirts.) 

Minimalist silhouettes in serene, monochromatic neutrals; and 

“Belle Boudoir,” in which innerwear becomes outerwear in pajama pants, studded bra tops, lace dresses and camisole and slip sets; 

Rounding out the trends, denim, moto jackets, the maxi coat (a 1970s favorite) and leather are all being reimagined in new shapes paired with a variety of materials.