Fashion month was well and truly back this year for spring summer 2023, with over 350 designer showcases spanning four cities, and (thankfully) not a virtual show in sight.
The spring summer 2023 runway showed us that there was a serious emphasis this season on accessories with innovative and avant-garde accessories stealing the show.
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We saw bags and shoes not just complementing the clothes but becoming an extension of the outfit itself, adding an extra layer of detail and texture.
This extended to designers sending bags down the runway in the same fabric as the dresses, trousers and coats the models were wearing. In Valentino’s case, the accessories even matched the model’s face.
We saw designers lean into their playful and artistic sides with loud, jovial and fun accessories, from abstract heels and teddy bear bags to regency glamour through the use of gloves at brands like Chanel, the accessories really stole the show.
We’ve rounded up the top 5 accessory trends that dominated the Spring/Summer 2023 runway and found high street options to get the look for less.
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Accessories Trend #1 – Oversized Bags
I for one am very thankful that oversized bags are on the way back. I’m more of a carry everything but the kitchen sink in my bag type of gal so this is music to my ears.
The past few years we’ve seen bags get smaller and smaller and honestly; I’m not mad we might see this back of this. I mean who really liked not being able to fit their phone in their bag?
On the runway we saw designers blowing up the proportions this season with models sporting oversized bags – sometimes even half the size of the model carrying it down the runway. Standouts pieces from Prada, Louis Vuitton and Marni.
Shop our Favourites
Marni logo-print tote bag, £314, Farfetch – buy now
Suede Tote Bag In Dark Green, £43, ASOS – buy now
Balmain, Large B-Army 42 Tote Bag, £950, Farfetch – buy now
Metallic Silver Leather Shopper Bag, £79.99, Mango – buy now
Golden Goose Pasadena Leopard Tote Bag, £710, Farfetch – buy now
Accessories Trend #2 – Abstract Heels
This year the spring/summer 2023 showcased designers expanding beyond the traditional shoe shapes and experimenting with interesting shapes and designs.
It’s out with the traditional and in with the fun. Just look at Dries Van Noten curved golden heels glisten – they’re a thing of beauty.
Shop our favourites
Tom Ford Velvet Wedge Sandals, £1,100, MyTheresa – buy now
Camper Kobarah Abstract Heeled Sandals, £115, ASOS – buy now
Metallic Open Toe Twisted Heel, £30, Ego – buy now
Si Rossi Curved-Heel Sling-Back Heels, £254, Farfetch – buy now
Accessories Trend #3 – Chunky Jewellery
For the past few years we’ve seen dainty jewellery at the forefront, layering each delicate item piece by piece but according to fashion week change is acoming.
Designers displayed voluminous chunky jewellery on the spring/summer runways this year with the mindset of the bigger the better and we couldn’t love it anymore.
Shop our favourites
Darya Recycled Silver Earrings, £245, Loveness Lee – buy now
Resin Chunky Chain Necklace, £60, M&S – buy now
Multicoloured Gema Bracelet, £175, Swarovski – buy now
Petit Moments Heart Earrings, £56, Revolve – buy now
Sylvia Toledano Byzantine Cuff, £138, 24S – buy now
Accessories Trend #4 – Gloves
With the rise in popularity in Regency-era TV shows such as Bridgerton and The Gilded Age we saw a rise in interest in Regency-era glamor and elegance.
On the runway this was demonstrated through creative versions of the glove. From wild embellishments at Bottega Veneta to Botter’s highly conceptual views of the accessory – they were quite literally everywhere.
Shop our favourites
Black Feather Trim Long Gloves, £22, River Island – buy now
Gucci Sequin Gloves, £485, Gucci – buy now
Salamander Leather Gloves, £59.99, Zara – buy now
Aldo Tygress Gloves In Leopard, £22, ASOS – buy now
Accessories Trend #5 – Knee High Socks
While we’ve seen the ankle sock make an appearance just about everywhere this last year, at the spring/summer 2023 runway we say the emergence of the knee high sock.
A little sock can add just the right kind of allure to an outfit—and it’s both practical and pretty in this kind of weather. Win-win if you ask us.
We even saw some designers hone in on the monochromatic approach by matching the looks with harmoniously hued fishnets.
Shop our favourites
Monogram Calf-Length Pop Socks, £4, Urban Outfitters – buy now
Black Spot Sheer Calf Socks, £5, New Look – buy now
Knee High Check Mesh Socks In Black, £6, Ego – buy now