Summer fashion trends 2023: from beach to festival
Summer clothes, festival packing and pool outfits
Summer is finally here. Now’s the time to update your wardrobe with fresh new holiday looks that’ll work from beach and pool to city break packing and festival weekends.
Metallics, fringing, texture, uplifting prints, asymmetric swimwear, wideleg trousers, rave… discover the key pieces of clothes and fashion trends that are making a splash this season.
With inspiration coming from the Cruise resort collections, Coachella’s festival looks and TikTok (clunky sandals are winning right now), we’ve got all the biggest looks to know – and where to find them at Drake Circus and The Barcode.
Festival looks: rave, rock, double denim, enduring boho
1. Rave and day-glo
Bring some 90s dance to your festival look with tie-dye T-shirts from H&M, smiley face pendants (Accessorize have some fun ones), sporty sunglasses, a bucket hat and retro trainers (try JD Sports and schuh).
Image provided by Accessorize
2. Rock chic
This look never goes out of style thanks to the queen of festivals, Kate Moss, who iconically paired tiny denim shorts with Hunter wellies with her old-school band T-shirt way back in 2005.
However, this season, it’s got a slightly cowgirl twist – think metallic cowboy boots from New Look, fringing on your leather jacket or bag (try River Island) with distressed denim cut-offs (these are everywhere from Next to Levi’s).
Image provided by Primark
3. Double denim
This look is everywhere with jeans/midi skirt/shorts being offset by a crop jacket. Mix and match bright colours or go for one simple shade (Levi’s and Marks & Spencer have amazing denim).
4. Enduring boho
The 70s Fleetwood Mac look shows no sign of disappearing (especially when paired with tousled dry-shampooed festival hair) so it’s all about Isabel Marant-style embroidery on tops and dresses (Monsoon), raffia bags (River Island and Primark), flat sandals or clogs (schuh), layered jewellery and beading with dreamy details (have a look at Lovisa and Accessorize).
Image provided by Monsoon
And don’t forget…
Hiking gear is in
Vogue paired its festival bikini top with a sensible fleece and parka – it’s all in the styling. It might be summer but it can still tip it down so ensure you’ve got a chic rainproof and style it out with short-shorts… try Primark, Superdry and Tommy Hilfiger.
Packing for a city break: oversize tailoring, midaxi dresses and late-night glam
1. Oversize tailoring
The street style from the fashion shows in Paris and London flagged up one major look: baggy, oversize trousers with crop top (see Bella Hadid for inspiration) or slouchy jeans worn with a blazer and a tee (Marks & Spencer and River Island have it all covered). Pair the look with centre-parted hair, narrow frame sunglasses (from The Sunglass Hut) and trainers or flat sandals and you have the perfect outfit for effortless chic.
Image provided by H&M
2. Midaxi dresses
Following on from the prairie dress, the midaxi is a slightly more laidback and flirtier with a hemline that stops just above the ankle. Whether going for 90s flowers or more graphic prints, this is the perfect buy for warm holiday evenings here and abroad (Marks & Spencer, River Island and New Look have amazing collections right now).
3. Late-night glam
From the Mugler H&M collection to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour sparkle, metallics, sequins and dazzle are the most luxe way to update your summer party nights. For instant high-end luxe, check out New Look, River Island and, of course, H&M.
And don’t forget…
Accessories make the outfit
Oversize hairslides and opulent scrunchies from Claire’s, pearls in your braids (Accessorize are going big on this trend), a good pair of sunnies, a fanny pack (New Look have ones that give a hint of Chanel) and you’re good to go.
Image provided by River Island
Holiday pool and beach swimsuits and bikinis: prints, neutrals, asymmetric, crochet
1. Prints
Uplifting retro and geometric prints in bright hues are the perfect way to get in the holiday mood before you even reach the plane, which you can find at Monsoon (River Island has some gorgeous tropical-inspired, psychedelic and rose patterns).
Image provided by Boux Avenue
2. Neutrals
Earthy hues of brown, terracotta and espresso are leading this season’s colour palette – where ruched in a 50s-style swimsuit or string bikini for serious influencer style (Marks & Spencer have this trend covered beautifully).
3. Asymmetric
One-shouldered designs for bikinis and swimsuits give instant Amalfi glamour (add a cutout midriff for extra points from Boux Avenue).
4. Crochet
Crochet is everywhere this season – from bucket hats to dresses – so it makes sense it’s big in swimwear too – texture is another trend that’s going strong at H&M and New Look.
Image provided by H&M
And don’t forget…
A huge beach tote, a floaty cover-up (go for kaftan details, throw-over chiffon and statement dresses from Primark, Monsoon and Next) and wide-brimmed hats. Sandalswise choose between pastel Birkenstocks, wedges or Grecian crossovers (try schuh and Marks & Spencer).
Image provided by H&M
Pampers and post-shopping brunch, lunch and cocktails
Need your nails, wax, brows and lashes sorted? Drake Circus and The Barcode is the ideal place for a pre-holiday pamper with Laser Clinic and Superdrug. For brunch and lunch and post-shopping nights out, head to The Barcode with amazing food and drinks from Brewdog, Cosy Club and fun from Boom Battle Bar.
Keep an eye on our offers page for the latest deals, menus and ways to shop and enjoy delicious food and drink all year round.
Don’t forget there are always exclusive discounts for students, Blue Light and Cruise card holders, military personnel and NHS workers plus there are plenty of loyalty memberships to take advantage of.
