Summer Fashion Report, 2023 Edition

Summer heat is in full swing, and so is summer fashion. Sure, everything is sticking to your thighs, but hey, we’re still out here to be ourselves and knock em’ dead, sweaty or not.

We got some tips from the crew at the North Loop’s upscale boutique Martin Patrick 3 on the latest summer fashion trends and how to build the perfect summer wardrobe for 2023.

So, what does summer fashion look like?

“It’s fun, it’s playful, we’re all so over our winter coats and our sweaters,” says buyer Samantha Tousey. With the season comes bright, spunky colors that mimic the nature around us; greens and pinks begin to poke their noses out and the reds and blues start to subside. “There are floral prints everywhere,” she adds. “There are amazing bomber jackets that have floral… You see it in shorts, tops, across the board.”

So how is the summer fashion of 2023 any different than 2022? What’s new?

“Cargo pockets,” Tousey says right away. “Cargo pockets are back in a huge way. Think early 1990s, you’ll start to see a lot of that.” She also mentions that we are seeing a more relaxed fit in all types of clothing, mimicking the easy breeziness of the summer air. Staying cool is just as important as looking it.

Speaking of staying cool, Tousey and I chatted a bit about was how convenience and practicality play a huge role in fashion. Fabrics that are lightweight, pack well, and are easy and fast to throw on are what we will actually want to wear, and it makes building a wardrobe economically so much easier when we keep these things in mind.

“A lot of brands are using an interlock cotton, it’s a really nice four-way stretch cotton that packs really easy. Modal is great for summer as well. Things that are not super hot and heavy and also you don’t have to worry about ironing them. Nobody really wants to get their iron out.”

I felt so seen as she said these words. Who wants to do chores before they go out?

Viscose is another wrinkle-resistant fabric Tousey mentioned that I had never heard of before, thought you may be familiar with its cousin, rayon. Apparently, the wrinkles will drop right out of viscose if you hang it overnight. What magic. The classic terrycloth is another wonderfully summery material that stays neat.

Tousey says what she has been most excited for this summer is getting in inspiring brands like Bode, a New York-based clothing line founded by Emily Adams Bode Aujla, winner of the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year in both 2021 and 2022. Bode’s fashion is all about vintage, preservation, and bold patterns and textures. Their men’s line is very much gender fluid and androgynous in style, something that is still tricky to find in the world of fashion, kudos to them for making it happen. Their women’s line launches this summer, with hopefully a similar vibe.

“They have this silk blouse that has a motif of New York City, and then they have crochet pieces…just some fun prints,” Tousey says. Bold patterns and statement pieces are everywhere, on the top and bottom. Abstract, plaid, floral, you name it, the bolder the better.

The funnest part of fashion? Accessorizing!

“Big statement earrings, gold jewelry. Silver comes and goes but it’s very much still leaning towards gold. Big gold pieces, gold cuffs. For shoes you’re still seeing sneakers galore. The sneaker trend is not going anywhere,” Tousey assures us. Platform sandals and platform loafers are also still very much in style for this summer.

Of course, we also talked sunglasses.

“There’s so many fun colors like papayas and greens, the same color stories carry through. We’re seeing a ‘70s retro vibe with a play on the color of lenses.” No more mirrors, just colored, classic lenses. Tousey says the once popular chunky ski-goggle-esque Shield sunglasses are also slowly trickling away, a trend she is happy to say goodbye to (ditto).

What about taking care of our planet and thinking about eco-friendly fashion choices?

“A lot of our brands use recycled cotton or recycled silk,” Tousey says. “We do a lot with Citizens of Humanity and AGOLDE, and they’re actually doing a big sustainable movement where it’s all organic cotton, it’s all in the U.S., they’re working with local farmers rather than bringing it from overseas…” She mentions brands also doing cool things like making “no waste” sweaters, using the leftover yarn pieces from one sweater to weave a completely new sweater, making them one-of-a-kind as well.

Tousey says of sustainability in fashion, “It’s definitely becoming more and more that we’re actually getting on board. Before it felt like it was kind of a buzzword, and now it feels like it’s actually top of mind and actually happening.” Supporting brands who are making the effort to create change does matter, as does seeking out recycled and organic products, much like we do at the supermarket.

If you’re looking for brands that support changing gender norms and edging towards a non-binary view of fashion, check out Bode, as mentioned earlier, and Minneapolis-based brand MX Apparel Design. Tousey said that while the fashion industry has a long way to go in terms of getting away from the gender binary, “definitely from where we were five years ago, ten years ago, it’s changing.” We’re seeing cuts and patterns merge together in a delightful way as more and more brands dive into leveling the playing field of fashion.  

What kind of advice would a fashionista give to the average person to up their style game?

Be true to yourself!

“Just embrace your style,” Tousey says. “I think sometimes people try to look like people that are on Instagram or social media and it doesn’t really come through, it doesn’t feel authentic. You feel most confident in what you’re comfortable in, so just be true to yourself.”

If you’re in the North Loop area this summer, come have a gander through Martin Patrick 3 and get inspired!

www.martinpatrick3.com