Summer 2023 Fashion Trends Designed To Expand Your Style Horizons

It’s decided: This summer is all about standing out, unapologetically. Too often, we feel the urge to shrink ourselves down, to take up as little physical space as possible, to avoid being in anyone’s way or outdoing anyone else. These antiquated rules are being challenged more and more as of late (hello, unconventional maternity outfits), especially now that designers have embraced the trend of pieces that stick out—literally. 

Related article: Cop These Celebrity Styles At An Affordable Price

From red carpets to runways to street-style ensembles, it’s evident that exaggerated details and oversize silhouettes are in—just ask our old friend, the peplum top. But why is this style gaining speed? It boils down to a few different reasons, one of which is the playfulness of it all. “Fashion is essentially walking art,” says NYC-based fashion stylist Marisa Ellison. “The way a person dresses is an immediate indicator of their personality, aesthetic, and energy.” Fun and expressive looks, like “poofy sleeves, bubble skirts, and wide-leg pants,” exude a self-assured energy, and they’re also just interesting and fun to wear. 

The other reason is a refreshing sign of the times. “These details accentuate everyone’s features and are flattering on all body types,” says Ellison. As the body positivity movement continues to grow, it only makes sense that designers create styles for everyone to fall in love with and feel confident in.

While there are a multitude of ways to wear this style, Ellison suggests wearing “one statement piece that is oversized (say, a statement dress) with another piece that’s more form-fitting in order to accentuate their form.” The perfect balance is in the eye of the beholder. Whether you go full billowy or split up your proportions, “the options are endless!” says Ellison. And don’t forget about the details—use vibrant colours, ruffles, rosettes, and large accessories to finish off the look, making it more cohesive and bigger in the process.

Living large according to this trend is easy: Check out the three sample looks we’ve put together, and just follow the guidelines below if you need some encouragement. From texture to colour to volume, shop the pieces you need to create some attention-grabbing outfits that boldly occupy space.

Tulle Around

Diaphanous and romantic, tulle is one of those fabrics typically reserved for parties and events, but wearing this lightweight texture in your everyday life guarantees you’ll make a statement. Let the standard summer formula of a cropped top and jeans be your guide, but swap one of your basics for a piece that will make you stick out, both metaphorically and literally.

Molly Goddard Josh Tulle Top

This princess top is your way into the aesthetic of oversize dressing. Molly Goddard’s pastel pink blouse isn’t too voluminous, making it an easy garment to wear casually with jeans or to dress up with a frilly skirt.

Bottega Veneta Candy Arco Tote Bag

This darling tote is too adorable. The colour will add a romantic boost to a laid-back look.

By Malene Birger Milium Organic Cotton Jeans

A classic straight-leg jean—the perfect bottoms for summer if you’re not in the mood for shorts. This organic cotton pair will stick with you through every stage of life.

Givenchy Marshmallow Rubber Wedge Slide Sandals

These Givenchy rubber wedges are like your old Barbie doll shoes blown up to human size, in the best possible way.

Related article: 7 Ways To Rock Jorts In 2023 Like Never Before

Bubble Over

Playing with exaggerated volume is one of the easiest ways to follow the oversize trend—a large bubble-skirt dress will definitely demand attention. When you’re actively trying to take up space, the silhouette of your look is an important factor, but incorporating other loud details helps the outfit appear intentional. Multiple vivid colours and layered ruffles on top of a billowy skirt make this ensemble the exact opposite of diminishing yourself—and it is so beautifully playful.

Kika Vargas Purple Whitney Maxi Dress

Ellison suggests pairing “a voluminous bubble skirt or ruffled skirt with a form-fitting top” to play with proportion and create a more interesting look, and this purple dress by Kika Vargas fits the bill. It is so easy to dress up or dress down.

Bottega Veneta Lightweight Dragon Underpinning Sweater

This close-fitting, lightweight sweater still adds some volume to your already roomy look, thanks to its spiky texture. Just worn by itself, it would be a statement, but it’s even more eye-catching layered under a bright summer dress.

Off-White 5.0 Sneakers

I will always be a sneakers-with-dresses person—especially in the summer, when there’s so much to do. Maintain your style while still prioritizing comfort with this Off-White pair.

Jennifer Behr Mirabelle Silvertone & Crystal Bow Drop Earrings - Crystal

Bows are so in right now. These earrings are perfect for adding some elegance and sweetness to your look.

Supersize It

Everyone loves a simple tote in summer, but let’s double the size for something truly practical and fresh. A gigantic purse is the (literal) carryall you’ll want when hitting up your summer haunts. Throw in that picnic blanket, your sunscreen, and the snacks you bought from the corner store—don’t worry, they’ll all fit—and say goodbye to carrying multiple bags on each shoulder.

MAM Black Crossbody Bag

Made from recycled leather and measuring at a whopping 25 inches tall, this MAM crossbody bag is minimalist in design but maximalist in size. The sleek finish and organic shape serve to elevate your everyday style, while the spacious design allows you to throw just about anything you could need into its empty cavern.

Related article: 13 Summer Sandals For Every Occasion

Another Tomorrow Double-Breasted Linen Shirt

Made from the forever-favourite fabric of the summer, this linen, long-sleeved button-up is the airy top you need for the season. The relaxed fit is ideal for those hot days.

Another Tomorrow Pleated Linen Wide-Leg Pants

Pleated, linen wide-leg trousers—have you ever seen something more beautiful? Pair these with their matching top (see above) for a breezy vibe, or choose something a bit on the tighter side to make the transition from day to night.

Labucq Joan Boot Black

Black ankle boots are summer shoes if you style them the right way. Wearing them with a white matching set like above or with a denim midi skirt and black top would be so chic.

This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.