The Most Dominant Color of the Season Is Also the Most Wearable
The spring/summer 2023 collections were rife with fresh and exciting hues, from icy pastels to ballet pink and aquamarine, to try this year, but the most dominant (and perhaps most surprising) is also the most versatile and wearable color of them all—black. In fact, there were over 4000 black looks comprised of everything from elegant suiting to bubble-hem dresses and sleek '90s silhouettes that sashayed down the spring/summer 2023 runways—proving that 2023 is all about making a bold statement through this understated, powerful, and perennially chic hue.
Whether you're a minimalist, maximalist, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of styles to suit every sartorial taste. If you're looking to make your black outfit feel very 2023, take note of the standout details we spotted, including sheer fabrics, layered looks, contrasting white details, cool suiting, maxi hemlines, hooded dresses, and understated '90s silhouettes. For more inspiration, keep scrolling below as we share some of the chicest head-to-toe black looks from the runways along with cool ways the fashion set is already styling this year's most popular color. Elegant and strong—you can never go wrong with all black.
On the Runway
The spring/summer 2023 runways saw plenty of fresh and sleek takes on suiting. Try your hand at low-rise tailored trousers.
Lean into this year's minimalist '90s silhouettes and opt for a black strapless tube dress.
We love the contrast of a casual and cool bomber jacket paired with an open-crochet knit skirt.
Hooded dresses are a fresh trend we spotted from several designers, from Versace to Saint Lauren. If you're looking for a black dress that feels very 2023, then this is the perfect option.
It's all about sheer and open-knit crochet styles in 2023. There are plenty of chic dresses and skirts already on the market so you're ready when the temps start to rise.
A knit skirt set looks all the cooler when paired with contrasting white details and accessories.
A luxe-looking quilted black jacket will take an outfit from zero to 100 in an instant. Style with a skirt and buckled shoes to give the look edge.
Nothing looks as elegant as a classic black suit. For a Chanel look, opt for a tweed or textured fabric.
Streamlined and sleek, Miu Miu convinced us that we all need a black knee-length pencil skirt this year.
Shake it up in the LBD department and go for a bubble-hem dress—a trend that was literally all over the spring runways.
A layered black look adds dimension to your ensemble. Play with lengths and textures to keep your outfit interesting.
Here's one thing we know: A black cropped tank top will never let you down.
On Instagram
Nothing is as visually striking as a floor-length black coat. Style it with tailored trousers, a belt, and a knit sweater to keep the look polished.
Speaking of maxi hemlines, ankle-grazing skirts continue their prominence into 2023. Style a sleek black one with a cool black leather bomber jacket.
Black jeans are an easy and cool way to wear this year's most dominant color trend. Choose a relaxed silhouette for an of-the-moment look.
Black knee-high boots are the chicest option to combine with an all-black skirt outfit, and we saw plenty of iterations on the runways.
For your next evening out, combine skinny pants (yes, they're a thing now!) with black boots and a statement leather shearling coat.
A sleek black dress is the perfect option for your next fancy event. Style it with all-black accessories, of course.
A relaxed black puffer jacket is the perfect topper to contrast over a sleek black blazer.
Statement details add a striking touch to an all-black ensemble. Try a trending rosette detail for a romantic look that will incite all the compliments.
Next, 5 Fresh Color Trends I'm Trying in 2023
Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
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