These are the 26 Coolest Buys of the Season, According to Fashion Directors

The new season is almost here and while it may not have arrived quite yet, I'm already eyeing all things spring fashion. From vibrant, colorful pieces that will usher new life into our wardrobes to the key trend I’m already test-driving to the trendy spring basics that are quickly on the rise in 2023, there is a lot to look forward to on the fashion front in the coming months.

To give you a look into what you can expect to see fashion insiders shopping, wearing, buzzing about as soon as the first buds bloom, I sat down with the buying experts at five key retailers—Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi, MyTheresa, Farfetch, and MatchesFashion. Each season, I rely on the curation at these retailers to point me in the direction of everything worth knowing about. Here, they're divulging the cool spring shopping finds that have earned their highly coveted stamps of approval. Discover everything from fresh swimwear and drool-worthy dresses to trendy staples and buzzy designer bags.

If you want to get a jumpstart on next season fashion, ahead, take a scroll through the 26 spring shopping items that will matter most.

"The '90s, be that grunge or minimalism, is firmly returning to fashion. We have invested in nine denim maxi skirt styles from both the runway and true denim brands, working hard to scout out the perfect fit, length, and wash."

"Whether a blazer, bomber or shacket, the humble black jacket is a simple, elegant staple that elevates even the grungiest of looks."

"Featured in over half of the shows at fashion month, this is a clear continuation of the Y2K trend we first saw take hold for SS22."

"Another clean, simple, '90s-inspired style. Magda Butrym's sculpted silhouettes always make a statement."

"Featured by almost a quarter of all designers showing during spring/summer ’23 fashion month, this style taps into this idea of practicality—investing in long lasting, durable, yet cool styles that will see you through from work to weekend."

"I love a great bag and the Loewe New Raffia Tote Bag is a must-have. Whether to complement your office outfit or take it to the beach. It’s spacious and holds all of my essentials, which makes it a chic and versatile bag for everyday wear. But not only for practical reasons, as also the timeless design makes it an eye-catching accessory. Also, proportions are always fun to play with! Whether we’re talking about a relaxed and oversized leather option as Khaite's Olivia, or a raffia alternative offered by Loewe."

"Statement pumps are back! With Loewe for example, we’re seeing the surrealism trend re-emerging from the past season with the rose-heeled shoes, but also the runway pumps by Bottega Veneta easily stand out as a statement piece with their glossy finish."

"While we have been seeing huge uplifts in our party business, the same trend can be seen through our swimwear offer as she invests in her beach to bar wardrobe. Crystal embellishment from brands like Oséree and Self Portrait are great as they also offer matching cover-ups for the customer to buy into total looks."

"Rounded and soft shapes are some of the key trends we're seeing in the handbag market for SS23. They come in intrecciato weave and a metallic handles, as in the new Bottega Veneta's Sardine Bag, or also in more minimal styles such as the Le Bisou bag by Jacquemus."

“There is a current mood in the air for a stripped-back approach to dressing - classic pieces that can be worn again and again. When it comes to accessorizing, the same thinking applies—Khaite has really been nailing belts, creating sharply powerful pieces that really deliver on statement factor while simultaneously not feeling like too much.”

“The foundations of Miu Miu’s SS23 collection were a series of jersey layers, mostly in neutral tones of beige, stone and grey. These felt refreshingly palette-cleansing and effortless, their statement was in their simplicity. These pieces are a perfect transeasonal staple, encouraging the wearer to create their own vibe through styling as an alternative to defaulting to statement pieces.”

“Jonathan Anderson struck gold with his Bumper accessories line. The distinct style has been widely embraced, appealing to many via its playful shape and myriad color combinations. It is great to see new iterations emerge each season - the slimline profile of the new Bumper Moon makes for a perfect go-to shoulder bag.” 

“Versace has been coming out with some super key new shoe styles within its Pin-Point family. Their spike stiletto heels, silver detailing and corset lacing speak to a return to a super sharp kind of power dressing - a hardened sexiness nodding to self-empowerment, and generally very unstoppable vibes.”

“In line with the current return to pared-back 90s minimalism, Prada’s collarless jackets for SS23 are a key silhouette. In both wool tailoring and leather, these styles have a chic simplicity that feels really right for the season’s new take on austerity dressing.”

"We saw denim throughout the fashion week street style, but on the runway, it made even more of a statement. Designers went beyond the Canadian tuxedo and introduced new silhouettes and hyper-detailed treatments, such as grommets on Chloé’s “three-piece” set—our favorite look. True to form, Gabriela Hearst took a sustainable approach to achieve the lived-in look, using 87% recycled cotton, 13% hemp, and a laser wash finish (which uses less water in production) to create the dreamiest shade of indigo."

"We feel strongly about what we're referring to as the 'ESD,' or the easy slinky dress. Characterized by draped jersey or bias-cut satin, often with a cowl neck or slip dress silhouette, it carries a versatile and seductive, effortless appeal. Parisian brand Atlein—which is exclusive to Moda—offers endless variations on this style in sustainable jersey, while Prada delivers an artful spin on the trend in a slip-style, V-neck midi that comes finished with the house’s signature triangle emblem at the back."

"Instead of showing leg—this season, it’s all about elongating the silhouette with a lean column skirt. Valentino’s cady couture silk version captures this new mood perfectly—what we’re calling 'sensible glamour.'"

"Every few years, a new take on the essential leather jacket emerges—eclipsing all styles that came before, and rendering them dated. For Spring ‘23—and beyond—we suggest investing in styles that skew sporty and carry a tough, protective quality that’ll leave you ready to face the elements. Think: a strap to hold the jacket in hand, moto details, and massive zipper pockets, as seen on Courrèges’ must-have Vinyl biker jacket."

"Ludovic De Saint Sernin is leading the “new guard” of Parisian cool with innovative and alluring takes on night-out attire that pushes the boundaries of gender expression. This leather bustier dress is a current favorite."

"Mary-Janes and Ballet flats have had a resurgence this season and are definitely here to stay as our customers look for more dressed up styles to complement their hybrid lifestyles. We love our Le Monde Beryl exclusive capsule of velvet styles with leather toe caps."

"Flore Flore specialises in versatile modern basics. Each piece focuses on simplicity and sustainability and are all made from organic cotton in a mother-daughter owned factory in Portugal.”

“Super Yaya is new to our Innovators Programme this season and for SS23 they have collaborated with knitwear label Leorosa on an exclusive capsule of beautifully crafted, eclectic cardigans featuring ruffles and oversized bows. We love how you can style them in so many ways depending on the occasion - with a pair of wide-leg jeans from Raey or a Simone Rocha mini-skirt and ballet pumps.”

“Recently launched Armarium is the epitome of modern wardrobing, which is a trend we are really backing this season. Crafted in Italy this wool suit perfectly nips you in at the waist for the most flattering silhouette.”

Next: 10 It Pieces That Are Already Defining 2022

“Our customers are always looking for pieces that will work hard in their wardrobe season after season. New brand to MATCHESFASHION, E.Stott offers an alternative approach to slow fashion, their eveningwear pieces come with detachable sleeves and capes to make them easily adjustable. You can also mix and match to create completely new looks for different occasions.”