Spring is in the air, regardless of what the groundhog said! There’s nothing more invigorating than a fresh fashion season and, with it, new trends, styles and inspiration. We tapped Nordstrom women’s managing fashion editor Kate Bellman for her top trends to watch for this spring. —Noa Nichol
Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.
I’ve been in fashion/retail for 20-plus years and most recently celebrated my 10th anniversary with Nordstrom. While at Nordstrom, I’ve had roles within digital merchandising supporting the designer online business, a fashion director for footwear, and my current role as women’s senior managing fashion editor. Outside of work, I have two little boys with lots of energy who keep me very busy.
There’s still a chill in the air, but we’re setting our sights on spring; besides the obvious (temperature), why does a new season warrant fresh fashion?
Much like the start of a new year—which delivers elements of a clean slate, resolutions, and the prospect of what’s to come—a new season shifts how we feel about what we want to wear. It’s a time for serious wardrobe re-assessment.
That said, what are some of the KEY trends you’re seeing for spring 2023?
perfected classics. For 2023, we’re seeing the resurgence of perfected classics, which creates the opportunity to build your dream closet with timeless and luxurious essentials. With a relaxed fit and easy attitude, this new uniform translates as seamlessly into a work setting as it does into the every day. Must have pieces—such as the evolved trench coat, sharp blazer, poplin shirting, and tailored wide legs, along with streamlined and sophisticated accessories—pull together a polished wardrobe you’ll revisit time and time again.
Stripe Cotton Poplin Shirt by Nordstrom Signature (A Nordstrom Made brand)
Aleah High Waist Straight Leg Trousers by Reiss
’90s Pinstripe Blazer by Smythe
playful prep. In keeping with the classics, prep gets playful this Spring with a fresh take on the signature prep school/sport mix. Staple prints, such as stripes, gingham and madras, are explosive and recoloured, while the tweed set and mini skirt make their comeback. The staple loafer gets a novel remix in new colour combos and handbags, and jewelry evoke joy with playful and vibrant colour.
Barrel Leg Plaid Pants by Open Edit (A Nordstrom Made brand)
Velvit Suede Tassel Loafer by Jeffey Campbell
Plaid Seersucker Surplice Peplum Top by Ganni
couture party. Every day is a party when it comes to high shine, with a nod to couture via sculptural party dressing and showstopping details such as ruffles, bubble hems, and bustiers. Neon greens and purples add a fanciful flair, while chic black and/or white ground this trend in sensual elegance. Pink, in all shades, appears as the standout colour of the season. From light pastel to deep fuchsia, pink is as prevalent in a tailored suit as it is in #barbiecore.
Oversize Jacket by Naked Wardrobe
Bloom Pavé Statement Choker by Cult Gaia
Gathered Crossover Neck Jersey Minidress by Versace
abstract prints. Drawing inspiration from art and nature, large scale and oversized prints amp up outfits an eye-catching alternate to florals. A multitude of colours and vibrant graphics turn RTW into art for both special occasions and the everyday. Paired with artisanal accessories, statement-making prints are grounded by woven leathers, raffia straw and colourful stones across jewelry, handbags, and footwear.
Jasmine Watercolor Print Long Sleeve Satin Dress by Stine Goya
Luna Abstract Print Skirt by Vero Moda
Superamini Paloma Rainbow Box Clutch by Amina Muaddi
Are we still focused on the 1990s, or is fashion turning the clock back even further than that?
There were a lot of layers to ’90s fashion, and every new season brings back another trend from a decade that offered a broad range of aesthetics. For Spring 2023, ’90s references still come into play—most notably, soft and minimalistic tailoring. Y2K fashion continues to influence with low-waisted silhouettes, cargo pants, and denim skirts. Never to be left out, the over-the-top moments of the ’80s also make a cameo, with statement making couture details such as oversized ruffles, bows, and peplums.
Diego Patchwork Denim Miniskirt by Sea
Glitter Double Crystal Bow Pointed Toe Pump by Mach & Mach (A Nordstrom exclusive)
Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Satin Cargo Pants by FRAME
Denim is always in style, but what new silhouettes are you seeing for spring?
After a decade plus of the skinny jean as the leading silhouette on the jean scene, we’re finally starting to see an abundance of newness in denim. The straight and wide leg replace the skinny as your everyday staple. For the more fashion forward, look to extreme flares and super slouchycarpenter and cargo styles. If you’re really looking for something new, try embellished and decorated jean bottoms and jackets. As an honourable mention, we’re seeing the return of the denim skirt, which could replace your favourite pair of jeans.
Embroidered Cutout Straight Leg Jeans by Area
Relaxed High Waist Straight Leg Cargo Jeans by Frame
Aloe Two-Button Mid Rise Wide Leg Jeans by Fidelity
Colour wise, what hues should we fill our wardrobes with for the warmer months ahead?
If I was to spotlight one colour this season, it would be pink! With so many shades and styles – from flamingo to fuchsia, from romantic to electric—there’s something for everyone with this lovely hue. Although pastels are never a stranger to a spring palette, this season they’re a bit more mellow, bringing a sense of calm to our wardrobe update.
Vida Slingback Pointed Toe Pump by Open Edit (A Nordstrom Made brand)
Ruffle Cap Sleeve Organza Midi Dress by Chelsea28 (A Nordstrom Made brand)
Mini M Frame Leather Shoulder Bag by Mansur Gavriel
Is footwear going to see any major new trends in the upcoming months?
Footwear silhouettes are strong and architectural, ushering in styles like the platform and the wedge. Prep is also a major influence through spring footwear with loafers, Mary Janes, and fisherman sandals.
Dali Peep Toe Platform Wedge Sandal by Veronica Beard
Heather Platform Bit Loafer by Open Edit (A Nordstrom Made brand)
Amaya Fisherman Platform Sandal by BP. (A Nordstrom Made brand)
Final, tough question: what one item will you be adding to your own rotation this spring?
That is a tough question—how do I choose from all the fabulous fashion out there? Actually, I still don’t have a suit and, with the continued momentum of tailoring in fashion, I think it’s finally time to invest in the right one. I’ll be searching for a grey or tan suit with soft, wide leg trousers. Wish me luck!
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