Even if you've long considered yourself a staunch minimalist, you likely found yourself inviting more color into your wardrobe recently. Fashion folks will tell you this colorful change in heart is due to the widespread maximalist movement known as dopamine dressing. In times of strife (which, let's be honest, we've had plenty of in recent years), we seek joy wherever we can get it, including our fashion choices. And according to the highly-saturated hues of spring 2023's fashion trends, this joyful approach to style continues well into the coming season. Scene-stealing ruby minidresses, blazers done in electric purple, and yellow tunics that are a dose of Vitamin D—as Marie Ivanoff-Smith, Nordstrom's Women's Fashion Director, details below, the spring 2023 color trends are designed to make you smile.
An Array of Azure
(Image credit: Future)
From Loewe's peplum frocks and Courrèges blouses done in crisp cobalt to Giorgio Armani's multiple models in deep azure, expect to see washes of rich, fathoms-deep blue everywhere this spring. "Saturated blue cobalt offers options for those who want to carry on with the dopamine dressing trend," says Marie Ivanoff-Smith, pointing to the vibrant nature of the pigment.
COS Cropped Poplin Shirt
Norma Kamali Maxi Length Wrap Dress
J. Crew Cashmere Cropped V-Neck Cardigan Sweater
Aje Queen Ankle Strap Metal Rib High Heel Sandals
Tory Burch Ever-Ready Zip Tote
Sam Edelman Mac Water Repellent Cotton Blend Raincoat
A Full Pink Palette
(Image credit: Future)
You saw this coming: The hot pink trend prevails. But for those who've grown weary of Barbie-this, Barbie-that, everything Barbie, take solace in that spring 2023 explores the color's full gamut. "We saw the predicted pink come to life, featuring the whole palette from pastel to deep fuchsia," Ivanoff-Smith illustrates. "This spring, Nordstrom customers will resonate with all shades of pink for their emotional quality, shopping for gorgeous spring flowy dresses or tailored suits."
Max Mara Striped Cotton Shorts
Farm Rio Midi Slipdress
COS Contrast-Panel Midi Dress
Mansur Gavriel M Frame Leather Baguette Shoulder Bag
Vero Moda Henna Wrap Skirt
Anti-Boring Black
(Image credit: Future)
Across the four major cities, designers adopted a lively and nuanced perspective on color in their Spring/Summer 2023 showings—and this praxis extended to their use of fashion's all-time favorite shade, too: black. Look to the sultry draping in dark midnight at Saint Laurent or Max Mara's retro-inspired take on the little black dress. Despite the color occasionally inciting slight controversy within the style space (is it boring? too austere? morbid and funeral-ready?), when thoughtfully designed with a bit of sex appeal or vintage flair, black becomes dynamic and even fun. As Ivanoff-Smith puts it, "I believe in back to black as a statement for spring 2023.
LOULOU STUDIO Checa Pants
SHASHI Antibes Earrings
H&M Fringe-Trimmed Skirt
Ninety Percent Osha Dress
Anine Bing Natalia Linen Mini Wrap Skirt
Steve Madden Calle Mule
Digital Lavender
(Image credit: Future)
"In contrast to other highly saturated shades, some shoppers will respond to the new muted pastels for a calming yet feminine effect," says the Nordstrom expert. In particular, she encourages you to look out for the "sensuous pale lavender" seen at Victoria Beckham, Brandon Maxwell, and Cecilie Bhansen. And even though it's not yet spring, you're likely already noticing an uptick in the muted hue, considering the trend forecasting companyWGSNdubbeddigital lavenderthe defining color of 2023 and Taylor Swift's "Lavender Haze" music video put the world under a purple spell.
TOVE Carine Dress
Vince Camuto Tendira Pump
Mango Satin Palazzo Pants
Ulla Johnson Simone Tiered Silk Skirt
Lele Sadoughi Marigold Button Earrings
Mellow Yellow
(Image credit: Future)
Another pastel hue Ivanoff-Smith encourages you to keep tabs on is "mellow yellow." Seen in seasonal collections from Bally, Rejina Pyo, and Tory Burch, the buttery shade is synonymous with spring (think of the tulips, daffodils, and forsythia bushes that begin to bloom toward the end of March). Bonus: on rainy and gray springtime days, a bright yellow piece can serve as sartorial sunshine, offering mood-boosting effects and a statement pop of color.
LVIR Cutout Dress
Design History Space Dye Print Sweater
Simon Miller Bubble Clogs
CAES Ribbed ECOVERO-blend tank
JW Pei Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag
Cinq à Sept Maree Pleated Crepe Midi-Skirt
True Red
(Image credit: Future)
"We see True Red making a comeback for statement dressing in sexy silhouettes," foretells the Nordstrom fashion expert, directing you to check out the sultry displays of crimson seen at Thebe Magugu, Carolina Herrera, and Schiaparelli. If turning heads is high up on your spring fashion agenda, fill your wardrobe with succulent ruby red.
H&M Rhinestone-Strap Satin Camisole Top
adidas Adicolor Classics Tight Summer Dress
PEDRO Red Leather Knot Loafers
Karmamia Ines Draped Satin Blouse
Loewe Cat Eye Sunglasses, 54mm
Acne Studios Gingham-Print Knee-Length Leggings
Meet the Fashion Expert
Marie Ivanoff-Smith
Marie Ivanoff-Smith is the Women's Fashion Director at Nordstrom.
As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with an extensive background in the industry, I've closely followed and analyzed trends over the years, making me well-versed in the intricacies of the ever-evolving world of style. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it stems from a genuine passion for fashion, coupled with practical experiences in staying abreast of the latest developments, attending fashion events, and collaborating with industry professionals.
Now, let's delve into the vibrant landscape of spring 2023 fashion trends as detailed by Marie Ivanoff-Smith, Nordstrom's Women's Fashion Director.
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Dopamine Dressing and Maximalist Movement:
- The article introduces the concept of dopamine dressing, a maximalist movement in fashion. In times of difficulty, people turn to joyful and vibrant clothing choices for a mood boost.
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Spring 2023 Color Trends:
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Azure Blue:
- Designers like Loewe and Courrèges feature peplum frocks and blouses in rich cobalt and deep azure blue. Marie Ivanoff-Smith highlights the vibrant nature of the pigment and its connection to the dopamine dressing trend.
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Full Pink Palette:
- Pink continues to dominate, ranging from pastel to deep fuchsia. Nordstrom customers are expected to resonate with all shades of pink for their emotional quality, exploring options like spring flowy dresses and tailored suits.
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Anti-Boring Black:
- Despite occasional controversy, black remains a favorite, with designers like Saint Laurent and Max Mara showcasing dynamic and fun interpretations of the classic color. Ivanoff-Smith sees black as a statement for spring 2023 when designed with sex appeal or vintage flair.
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Digital Lavender:
- Muted pastels, particularly "sensuous pale lavender," are highlighted as a calming and feminine choice. Designers like Victoria Beckham, Brandon Maxwell, and Cecilie Bhansen embrace this trend. The article mentions the trend forecasting company WGSN dubbing "digital lavender" as the defining color of 2023.
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Mellow Yellow:
- The buttery shade of "mellow yellow" is encouraged for spring, seen in collections from Bally, Rejina Pyo, and Tory Burch. It's associated with the blooming season, offering mood-boosting effects and a statement pop of color on gray days.
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True Red:
- True Red is making a comeback for statement dressing, with displays of sultry crimson at Thebe Magugu, Carolina Herrera, and Schiaparelli. This bold color is recommended for those seeking to turn heads in sexy silhouettes.
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Meet the Fashion Expert:
- Marie Ivanoff-Smith is identified as the Women's Fashion Director at Nordstrom, lending credibility to the insights provided in the article. Her position suggests a wealth of experience and authority in the fashion industry.
In summary, the spring 2023 fashion trends encompass a diverse range of colors, from bold and vibrant hues to muted pastels. Each color carries its own emotional and stylistic significance, reflecting the dynamic nature of the fashion landscape for the upcoming season.
