Bazaar Spring 2023 Outfit Guide

williamanderson

Bazaar Spring 2023 Outfit Guide

A new season always brings a fresh perspective. With winter behind us and summer on the horizon, spring has so much to newness to embrace: warmer weather, blooming flowers, and, of course, runway looks to covet.

The spring fashion trends that resonated with me the most as BAZAAR's senior fashion and accessories editor all had one thing in common. This season's best looks all revolve around wardrobe staples with a twist, whether it's a classic button-down shirt in a polka dot print or a tailored summer suit with shorts instead of trousers. In terms of new accessories, the best spring bags and investments to update your everyday uniform range from structured top handle bags to strappy sandals.

From the pages of Harper's BAZAAR's spring issues, I break down my favorite must-have items of the season—including the pieces defining spring 2023 and how to wear each one.

dior bag for harpers bazaar
Peter Langer
Dior D-Bubble bag.

Dior’s raffia D-bubble bag is an ode to founder Christian Dior’s great love of gardening, embellished with hand-crocheted flowers.

SPOT ON:
POLKA DOT SHIRTS

a collage of models wearing polka dot clothing in a guide to spring clothing 2023
FROM LEFT: SAINT LAURENT, PROENZA SCHOULER, BATSHEVA, CHANEL: COURTESY THE DESIGNERS

There’s something so elegant about graphic black-and-white polka dots. On the spring runways, everyone from Chanel to Burberry to Proenza Schouler made a case for the dotted shirt. I love the idea of wearing these tops tucked into a jean skirt with a brightly-colored bag and an espadrille. It feels like a French-girl-summer moment. But I'm also tempted to try a polka dot top with a coordinating skirt. As the runways showed, this pattern is so compelling when it's worn from head to toe.

Although polka dot shirts are having a spring resurgence, they're actually a seasonless top. I would wear one into the fall under a blazer with a pencil skirt, or pull the collar out of a solid crew-neck sweater for a hint of pattern.

Nili Lotan Printed Oriane Ruffle Shirt
$595 at nililotan.com
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Salon 1884 Classic Shirt in Polka-Dot Silk Twill
$1,090 at Neiman Marcus
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Equipment Slim Signature Silk Shirt
$295 at equipmentfr.com
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Proenza Schouler Printed Dot Shirt
$890 at proenzaschouler.com
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK

WHY DON’T YOU...?

Add another dimension with a structured east-west bag.

bags stacked on white background
RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Clockwise from top: Tory Burch bag, $598. Givenchy mini bag, $1,690. Miu Miu bag, $2,800.

IN POCKET:
CARGO PANTS

spring wardrobe essentialspinterest
FROM LEFT: SIMKHAI, FENDI, ACT Nº1 , COPERNI: COURTESY THE DESIGNERS

Cargo pants with exaggerated proportions and heavy pockets are all the rage. Spring 2023 runway collections, as well as celebrities like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, are walking proof of the silhouette's unexpected comeback. Updated cargo pants feel appealing because of their hands-free element. There's storage for backup inventory just a pocket away. (But if you really need extra space, a small pouchette bag on a chain does go perfectly with the look.)

I used to think of cargo pants as a form of workwear in neutral colors. Fresh takes this spring include bright colors and silkier fabrics that make them feel elevated, like on Fendi's runway. As for styling, my favorite approaches come from the Coperni and Brandon Maxwell runways, where models wore them with a perfect white tank top.

JUSTIN P. ETIENNE 750THz Cargo Pants
Now 30% Off
$420 at iamjpe.com
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Collina Strada Lawn Cargo Pant
$425 at collinastrada.com
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK/
Brunello Cucinelli Multipocket Utility Trousers
Now 53% Off
$1,595 at brunellocucinelli.com
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Laquan Smith Iridescent Taffeta Cargo Pants
$212 at Moda Operandi
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK


WHY DON’T YOU...?

Put a point on things with a vibrant pair of strappy sandals.

shoes on white background
RICHARD MAJCHRZAK/STUDIO
From left: Jessica Rich sandals, $275. Femme LA Sandals, $189. Versace strap pumps, $1,575. Tony Bianco sandals, $189.95. Tom Ford sandals, $1,450.

BRIEF STATEMENT:
SHORT SUITS

a collage of models wearing short suits as spring outfits
CENTER: SEBASTIAN KIM. RUNWAY, FROM LEFT: BEVZA, LANVIN: COURTESY THE DESIGNERS

I often associate suit sets with menswear-inspired tailoring that feels polished. This season, there’s an exciting new take on suiting that feels cool and less traditional: the shorts suit.

With a Bermuda or board short length, plus an oversized blazer thrown on top, shorts suits are more playful and not just for the office. I would pair these with a fisherman sandal for a Saturday around the city at museums and brunch, or throw on a little kitten heel for an event on a warm spring evening.

Ralph Lauren Giuseppina Tweed Jacket
$2,290 at Ralph Lauren
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
The Row Cosima Jacket
$4,250 at therow.com
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Theory Carissa Blazer
$435 at Theory
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Ralph Lauren Ainsworth Tweed Short
$890 at Ralph Lauren
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
The Row Flash Short
$1,290 at therow.com
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Theory Wool Blend Tapered Shorts
Now 40% Off
$147 at Bloomingdale's
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK

WHY DON’T YOU...?

Punctuate the look with a cocktail ring.

group of rings on white background
RICHARD MAJCHRZAK/STUDIO
Clockwise from top left: Verdura ring, $13,500. Le Vian ring, $3,248. Mahnaz Collection ring, $5,000. Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti cabochon ring, $4,500. Brent Neale ring, $8,350. Pomellato Iconica cocktail ring, $8,850.

LONG & SHORT OF IT:
ASYMMETRICAL SKIRTS

spring wardrobe essentialspinterest
FROM LEFT: BOTTEGA VENETA, RICK OWENS, ALAÏA: COURTESY THE DESIGNERS

For the past few seasons, the skirt lengths dominating runways have fallen at opposite ends of the hemline spectrum: designers favored either ultra-mini skirts or floor-grazing maxi skirts. It seemed there was no in-between—until now.

Behold the midi skirt with an asymmetrical hem. The high-low cut feels modern and statement-making, but it's also surprisingly versatile. Whether you wear one with a cropped tank or a layered henley, and finish the look with knee-high boots or chunky mules, these skirts add some bold flair to your spring outfits. Each one has a sexy edge, while still being covered.

Dolce & Gabbana Calf-Length Skirt with Jersey Mini Skirt
Now 100% Off
£1 at Dolce & Gabbana
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Ashlyn Fay Skirt
$1,075 at ashlynnewyork.com
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Anne Klein Tie Waist Ruffle Skirt
$99 at Nordstrom
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Loro Piana Mellbreak Cashmere Midi Skirt
$2,700 at Mytheresa
Credit: RICHARD MAJCHRZ


WHY DON’T YOU...?

Step it up with a pair of chunky peep-toe mules.

black mules on white background
RICHARD MAJCHRZAK
Clockwise from top left: Proenza Schouler platform sandal, $750. The Attico mule, $790; AGL platform sandal, $595. Dolce & Gabbana mule, $845.

IN THE FASHION CLOSET:

Structured Handbags

spring 2023 bazaar guide
Sharon Radisch

A classic top-handle bag is the most refined way to carry your essentials, in my opinion. This season, designers all seem to agree—and based off the colors and iterations that came through our fashion closet at the BAZAAR office, it seems they're here to stay!

I love that this bag style can adds another level of polish to an outfit, even a casual one. The chicest way to wear it is the simple way, with a pair of wide-leg trousers or Levi’s 501s, a T-shirt, and ballet flats. I'll also carry this bag style with a slip dress and sandals.

Luar Blue Small Ana Bag
$250 at Ssense
Ferrragamo Ombre Top-Handle Bag
$2,800 at Neiman Marcus
Versace Mini La Medusa Top Handle Bag
Now 63% Off
$797 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue
Brandon Blackwood Elizabeth Doctor Bag
Now 30% Off
$262 at brandonblackwood.com
Credit: Brandon Blackwood
Bulgari Serpenti Forever Top Handle
$3,500 at Bulgari
Ralph Lauren Collection Leather Top-Handle Bag
$1,800 at Saks Fifth Avenue

GET THE LOOK:

Sheer Layers With Lightweight Parkas

best spring outfits bazaar 2023
Fujio Emura

I always like to be prepared when I walk out the door and onto the streets of New York City—especially during the spring, when the weather is unpredictable at best. These parkas are lightweight and functional, plus the coolest way to top off a neutral, layered look. It’s sporty and easy.

The best part about this look? All the pieces are great wardrobe builders on their own and easily can be worn separately. I would wear this full look to the office, then take off a layer and add a collarless jacket for dinner in the evening.

Varley Grove Twill Parka
$250 at NET-A-PORTER
Tory Burch Open-Back Pullover
$348 at Tory Burch
Baserange Stretch-Bamboo Lyocell Jersey T-shirt
$67 at NET-A-PORTER
Baserange Vein Ribbed Cotton Top
$150 at NET-A-PORTER
Cuup The Balconette Mesh Bra
$68 at Cuup
M.M.LaFleur The Cobble Hill Skirt
Now 29% Off
$160 at mmlafleur.com

Styling Tip:

Gathering Power with T-Shirts and Brooches

spring 2023 bazaar guide
RICHARD MAJCHRZAK

Grey T-shirts have always been a wardrobe must-have, and finding the perfect one is really a scoop. My favorite versions are grey speckled cotton crew-necks in mid-weight cotton. They're so versatile, I can wear them with everything from black wide-leg trousers to midi skirts to vintage wash jeans (always with a pair of ballet flats, of course).

This spring, I love the idea of pulling out these tried-and-true basics and updating them with shimmering brooches. One styling approach I love is gathering the fabric at your waist and securing the brooch to one side of your torso. It's a simple way to elevate your favorite T-shirt.

Alex Mill Standard T Shirt
$58 at Alex Mill
Outdoor Voices CloudKnit Shortsleeve
Now 31% Off
$40 at Outdoor Voices
The Great The Slim Tee
$95 at thisisthegreat.com
Credit: The Great
Kenneth Jay Lane Sapphire Center Maltese Cross Pin
$360 at kennethjaylane.com
Credit: Kenneth Jay Lane
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Paris Flames Brooch
$33,000 at Tiffany
Credit: Tiffany & Co.
Ben-Amun Multi-Stone Brooch
$345 at Neiman Marcus
Headshot of Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen
Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen
Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor

Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen is Harper's Bazaar's Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor. Outside of the office she can be found downtown with her twin sister, figure skating somewhere or on the hunt for the perfect striped top. Follow her on Instagram @jaclynalexandra




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