March marks the beginning of warmer weather, longer days, and most importantly—spring fashion. The relief of putting away your puffer coats and thermal underwear and bringing out lighter layers is unmatched, as we’re often able to express personal style better when function gives way to form and it’s not so frigid out.
According to stylist Chelsea Volpe, expressing your softhearted side is in, with fabrics like lace and tulle being at the forefront of spring trends. We’re also predicting that quirky and playful accessories will trend hard, as folks find new ways to reinvent themselves in accessible ways. And of course, throwback fashion is still on top, including styles from the ’70s, ’90s, and early 2000s.
Read on to see the fashion trends that will take over this spring, along with some of our shopping picks for each look.
Sculptural Sandals
Statement shoes are on trend this spring—more specifically sandals that look like works of art. These colorful slippers have a unique energy and shape, making you look fashion-forward even with the simplest outfit. We love that even though they appear complicated, they’re usually made with rubber or other flexible materials for a comfortable, supportive fit.
- Melissa Puff Sandal + Collina Strada, $125
- Camper Kobarah Slingback Sandal, $150
- Marshall Columbia Green Yume Yume Edition Love Heels, $346
Whimsical Hair Accessories
While there’s been an emphasis on basics and simple silhouettes in clothing, accessories are becoming more fun than ever. Whether it be sequin scrunchies or cartoonish pins, we’ll definitely see people expressing more color and charm with hair accessories. Decorative claw clips had their moment in 2022, but this year, playful hair clips and barrettes are becoming more and more popular.
- Emijay Disco Scrunchie, $14
- Sandy Liang Corsage Hair Elastic, $88
- Maison Cléo Handmade Hair Clip, $38 (prod note: yellow heart hair clip)
Delicate Lacework
New York–based stylist Liv Schreiber says that romantic pieces are definitely in for spring—and what’s dreamier than lace? Expect to see a lot of pieces that have lacework or lingerie-inspired tops and dresses. You could say this is a daintier extension of the balletcore trend—which was going strong all of 2022—and will most likely continue into spring of this year.
- Jason Wu Floral Guipure Lace Cape Overlay Minidress, $2,995
- Maje Semi-Sheer Lace Top, $325
- Cosabella Never Say Never Sassie Camisole, $85
- House of Aama Storyteller V-Neck Lace Crochet Top, $390
Tulle Ruffles
In the same airy, ephemeral vein, tulle is another trend you’ll see making waves this year. It’s been on the cusp of the cycle for a minute, but expect to see it everywhere once the weather gets a little warmer. You might think of tulle as a material that should be reserved for formal events, but there are plenty of ways to dress it down—like pairing a white T-shirt with a tulle skirt or wearing casual sandals with a tulle minidress.
- Endless Rose Strapless Tulle Peplum Top, $90 (pink)
- Shushu/Tong Off-White Paneled Minidress, $289
- Hill House The Collector's Edition Ellie Nap Dress, $275
Aughts Business Casual
Say goodbye to dopamine dressing and logomania—early 2000s basics are back and even better than they were before. Instead of vibrant patterns and designer monograms, we’re bringing back muted tones and simple but elevated silhouettes à la Miu Miu in the early aughts. Pieces that are perfect for the office are considered everyday wear with this style, which consists of knee-length or midi skirts, basic tanks, and oversize blazers. Schreiber also notes that there will be more of an emphasis on flawless tailoring and fit. While keeping up with trends can get tiring (and expensive), this one has classic items that will remain stylish through every cycle.
- Kotn Women's Cropped Jacket, $99
- Amomento White Button Up Shirt, $92
- Tankair Hot Mesh Top, $235
- Reformation Winnie Skirt, $178
- Universal Standard The Pinstripe Blazer, $298
’70s Eyewear Frames
When it comes to eyewear this year, bigger is definitely better. If you’ve been on the fashion side of TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed that oversize, square-shaped ’70s-style glasses are back on trend with a modern twist. You can channel the disco decade by wearing a vintage pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses or buying a pair of everyday frames to add a retro feel to your ensemble.
- Coco and Breezy Abundance Frames, $249
- Eyebuydirect.com Gaston Square Clear Brown Eyeglasses, $39
- Gucci Oversized Square-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses, $495
- Ace & Tate Rosa Glasses, $125
Viva Magenta
Since 1999, the Pantone Color Institute has chosen a color it feels embodies the climate and culture for the year ahead. This year’s pick is Viva Magenta, which the Institute describes as a shade that “revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression.” The bright purplish-pink shade is definitely bold, and you’re bound to command attention wherever you go while wearing it. For a spring look, pair a magenta piece with muted colors or pastels or wear a magenta set to really stand out. We’ve already spotted the color on the runways, so we’re sure it'll be everywhere this season.
- Zelie for She Showstopper Dress, $93
- Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pant, $218
- COS Structured Denim Shirt, $135
- Ovcio Featherlight Fuchsia Cashmere Scarf, $139
- Derek Lam 10 Crosby Casper Convertible Belted Shirt, $119
Skinny Scarves
’90s fashion continues to dominate the 2020s trend cycle, and skinny scarves are the newest accessory to make a comeback. There’s not one bit of utility to this accessory, but they add a bit of stylish playfulness to your outfit nonetheless. A sequined option is the season’s must for your going-out outfit or you can wear a basic, solid-colored scarf for a chicer, classic look.
- H&M Glittery Knit Scarf, $16
- Rebecca Minkoff Sequin Skinny Scarf, $58
- Kitten D’Amour Florence Rectangle Scarf, $18
Meet the Expert
- Chelsea Volpe is a fashion and still-life stylist based in Manhattan. She has collaborated with brands such as Bloomingdale’s and Estée Lauder, and her styling work has appeared in publications such as Cosmopolitan and Vogue Italia.
- Liv Schreiber is a New York–based stylist and fashion influencer. She is the co-founder of Brand Caffeine, which was named a top e-commerce agency by Forbes.
Why Trust Byrdie
Shannon Stubbs is an experienced beauty and fashion writer. To write this story, she consulted style experts and other trusted sources. She has been a writer at Byrdie since 2022.