Summer is short in the UK, so Britons make the most of the brief affair they can have with the sun every year when it rolls around. For June, July and August, the women of the UK can finally ditch the layers and embrace bare skin for the first time in a full calendar year. Since time is of the essence, we want to prepare you for all the garments that will be must-haves while the weather is warm. There’s no time to waste, so let’s find out what this year’s most in-demand UK fashion looks will be.
Flower power
We know that Miranda Priestly would have something to say about it, but florals are back for spring and summer ‘23, and everyone is ready for the pops of colour they bring. We’re seeing florals of all sorts appearing on all garments, particularly in the designer dress area. There’s variety in the florals we’re seeing; by large, they’re a little more dramatic and punchy than the florals we’ve seen over the last few years of spring and summer fashions. Colour power clashing, 3D florals taking over as entire flower-shaped shirts rather than just a print and lots of embroidery are bringing a new depth to the runway and the wardrobes of British women this year.
Drop it low
The dropped waist is back! Many women thought they’d seen the last of extremely low waists when Keira Knightly was in her flare jeans and waistcoats era back in the early 2000s, but nothing good in fashion stays gone forever! After years of high waists everywhere, these low waists might seem extreme to many eyes. The current waistbands are, in fact, a lot more refined and forgiving than the trends of the early 2000s and, as such, can work on a far more extensive array of body types and be styled well with many different shirt and shoe options. If you want maximum impact and to bare as much skin as possible under the glorious summer sun, pair your low-waisted bottoms with a cropped top for full midriff exposure.
I’m blue
Cobalt was one of the Pantone colours of the year this year, and it’s still showing itself in various ways. Vibrant cobalt blue is an excellent summer colour in all its bright and bold glory. You can either go all the way in and opt for a total head-to-toe cobalt look with a dress, add some colour to a neutral outfit with a cobalt jacket, or keep it down to a splash of colour with a pair of shoes, a handbag or even cobalt nails. The mineral brightness of the colour is a nice reprieve from the last few years of calmer, more muted tones, and we think it’ll be with us for a while.
On summer days, we wear black
Though black is not traditionally a summer colour, goths all over the UK can rejoice this year because many collections are showing — and many fashionable British women are reaching for — black garments this sunny season. Don’t wait for Wednesdays to wear black, a la Jessica Lange; instead, reach for summer black all season long. Choose loose weaves, sheer garments and natural fabrics that breathe well despite absorbing heat when the weather is warm. Black can add a lot of drama to your look, so feel free to play around with slightly more dramatic looks and silhouettes this summer.
Fringe elements
As it has done since its heyday in the ‘70s, fringe is making yet another comeback this year. Fringe can be a little frightening for those whose fashion sense doesn’t tend towards the eye-catching or dramatic, but it’s easy to style if you know how! If you’re into turning heads and being the centre of attention, choose a fully fringed dress like the recent Jill Sander runway moments. If you like something a little more subtle, go for a fringed sleeve accent or a fringed back to add texture to a look. Choose wearable garments for picking through current trends like fringe to keep the items in heavy rotation.
Well tailored
The sharply tailored ‘90s cuts of the last season are still here for the summertime, but with a different lean: softer colours. The suiting is still a little bit oversized, just the way we like it, but the sharp pleats, double breasts, and well-defined shoulders are being mellowed out by minty greens, soft ecru, and mellow khaki tones. Shifting elements of a trend like this give it more longevity and often more flexibility for the modern British women’s wardrobe.
Wrap up
These are the women’s summer fashion trends that we predict will be at an all-time high this summer. Flowing garments, pops of colour amongst muted tones, a new take on black and many more elements are dying to make it into your wardrobe.