10 Outdated Dress Trends to Retire in 2023 and 10 to Wear Instead

Photo:

Prada/Imaxtree; Getty Images

Fresh, fun, and feminine—sheer dresses were perhaps one of the biggest trends on the spring/summer 2023 runways with designers from Prada to Tory Burch showcasing transparent frocks in a myriad of pretty ways. 

Photo:

Carolina Herrera/Imaxtree; @ninasandbech

Florals for spring take on a whole new meaning this year. Skip the ditsy prints in favor of bold and beautiful flower appliqués (or what we like to call the rosette trend). We've already seen influencers and celebrities embrace these stylish corsages that are set to continue their dominance into the new season. 

Photo:

Courtesy of Coperni; @christietyler

It's all about dressing like a goddess this spring thanks to designers such as Saint Laurent and Ferragamo gracing the runways with cascading dresses of liquid jersey, sheer organza, and chiffon—serving us fresh and romantic silhouettes to wear at our next special occasion.

Photo:

Courtesy of Prada; @jordanrisa

The '90s aesthetic continues its dominance into spring, with strapless tube dresses, in particular, reigning supreme. This season's iterations come in everything from classic black maxi hemlines to icy pastel hues and silhouettes cut looser from the body. 

Photo:

Courtesy of 16Arlington; @greceghanem

Sparkles for spring? Yes indeed. Designers presented glitz and glam in everyday dressing—from pastel-hued sequins to liquid silver metallics, crystals, and lamé fabrics—proving that life's too short not to wear sequins year-round.

Photo:

Ulla Johnson/Imaxtree; Getty Images

Crochet was practically everywhere on the runways in the full gamut of colors, from natural hues to yellow and gold. We saw plenty of fresh takes on the trend that we're bound to see in stylish beach looks come summer.

Photo:

Ulla Johnson/Imaxtree; @endlesslyloveclub

If you're looking for a dress trend that feels completely unique, look no further than the bubble-hem offerings from designers such as Ulla Johnson and JW Anderson, who brought us playful and modern iterations of a style that's long been regarded as outdated. 

Photo:

Blumarine/Imaxtree; Getty Images

Yes, denim dresses are back in 2023. Perhaps one of the easiest and most wearable trends you'll try this spring/summer, this year's iterations come in a delightful array of washes and varying lengths—with many softer denim fabrics coming into play.

Photo:

Courtesy of Nensi Dojaka; @champagnemani

Perhaps the most dominant and versatile color on the runways was black—spotted on no less than 4000 looks. There's a style for everyone this season, from cutout maxis to simple slips.

Photo:

Courtesy of Coperni; Getty Images

Asymmetry was pervasive on the spring/summer 2023 runways. One-shoulder necklines, sleeves, and angular hemlines were seen in full force, leaning into the trending Y2K aesthetic.