Of All the Dress Trends, These Are the 10 That Matter Most Right Now

The past year may have been all about the trouser, but I believe dresses are still the most reliable wardrobe mainstay around. They can take you from working week to weekend fun and be styled in a multitude of ways for myriad occasions. After all, it's not like you could repurpose your jeans for a wedding guest outfit, but you can absolutely alter the aesthetic of a dress with the addition of a belt or the switch of a shoe.

Dress Trends 2023: The 10 need-to-know styles for the year ahead

Photo:

@sofiaziadaa

The reason I always look forward to the start of a new season is the prospect of unearthing the trends that await for it. I've already begun charting the need-to-know jewelleryboots and jeans for the year ahead; now, it's time to turn our attention to the overarching dress trends of 2023. I've scoured the runways—everywhere from Prada to Coperni—to bring you the most noteworthy frocks.

From the cool take on prints to an ingenious way to wear florals (it's not what you think), breathtaking embellishments to hem and neckline updates, scroll on to discover the 10 dress trends set to take over summer 2023.

1. Asymmetric Sleeves

Dress Trends 2023: Asymmetric Sleeves

Photo:

Courtesy of Rejina Pyo

Style Notes: A recurring dress trend on the summer 2023 runways was asymmetry; there were step hemlines aplenty, but perhaps the chicest interpretation is asymmetric sleeves, as seen at Rejina Pyo.

Shop the Trend:

A great black dress will never go out of style. 

2. Bouquets of Corsages

Dress Trends 2023: Corsages

Photo:

Courtesy of Carolina Herrera

Style Notes: If you thought the only way to wear florals was by way of prints, think again; designers such as Carolina Herrera opted to adorn everything from tops and necklaces to, yes, dresses with pretty corsages. 

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The colour! The neckline! The corsages! This dress ticks off so many trends in one go. 

This will look incredible styled with an oversized blazer and slingback heels. 

3. Dramatic Drapery

Dress Trends 2023: Dramatic draping

Photo:

Courtesy of Coperni 

Style Notes: Draping was a major dress trend last year, and designers continued their exploration of these dramatic silhouettes into 2023 by way of dresses. Look for dresses with cascading trains, as seen at Coperni, or opt for statement sleeves on minis. 

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So chic, no one will assume this is high street. 

4. Refined Nighties

Dress Trends 2023: Lace-trimmed slip dresses

Photo:

Courtesy of Adam Lippes

Style Notes: Slip dresses have proven themselves to be pretty timeless over the past few years and, for 2023, a subtle update keeps them feeling fresh; additions of pretty, delicate lace. 

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I love the slips from this independent designer. 

This best-selling Reformation dress is just so beautiful.

5. Bubble Hems

Dress Trends 2023: Bubble hemlines

Photo:

Courtesy of Ulla Johnson

Style Notes: This season sees the return of countless, '80s-inspired fashion trends—think lamé fabrications and neon hues—but the most stylish interpretation has to be puffball hems, which were prevalent on skirts and dresses alike. 

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I'm legitimately obsessed with this dress (and brand). 

Just add jumbo metal earrings to complete your '80s style metamorphosis. 

6. Sheer Delights

Dress Trends 2023: Sheer fabrications

Photo:

Courtesy of AMI

Style Notes: Sheer dresses were perhaps the biggest trend on the S/S 23 runways, with everyone from Bottega Veneta, ACNE Studios and Prada showcasing transparent frocks of their own. Me? I'm partial to the black and white styles, akin to this look from AMI. 

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This will work just as well dressed up for a night out as it will with knee-high boots and a blazer in the day.

7. Blurred Lines

Dress Trends 2023: Ombré prints

Photo:

Courtesy of Zimmermann

Style Notes: Ombré or tie-dye, call it what you will; the important thing is that you consider investing in the blurred, watercoloured pieces that will no doubt dominate the market this year thanks to the likes of Zimmermann, Jonathan Simkhai and Ferragamo. 

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The independent, size-inclusive brand Beyoncé is obsessed with. 

8. Bare Shoulders

Dress Trends 2023: Off-the-shoulder silhouettes

Photo:

Courtesy of Erdem

Style Notes: Although they never really go out of style, it would be fair to say that off-the-shoulder necklines haven't been as predominant as they were a few seasons ago. However, that's that's all about to change, as some of the sleekest 2023 dresses have a full view of the décolletage. 

9. Liquid Shimmer

Dress Trends 2023: High-shine sequins

Photo:

Courtesy of 16Arlington

Style Notes: While sparkly dresses make a comeback every party season, their shelf life has been extended significantly, with more designers presenting embellished, sequinned pieces year-round. The key to making this trend feel fresh is all in the finish of the sequins; the more liquid-looking the shine, the better.

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Look for halters for another 2023 update. 

10. Take the Tube

Dress Trends 2023: Minimal tube dresses

Photo:

Courtesy of Prada

Style Notes: The '90s aesthetic is still going strong, with tube dresses becoming something of a hero item for those who subscribe to it. Look for tube dresses with next to no detailing to channel the runway mood. 

Shop the Trend:

Add a blazer and gold jewellery for an easy and chic look.

Next Up: The Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.