Spring has finally arrived, bringing great news for both our moods and our closets. It’s the time of year when we can put function-first pieces aside in favor of clothing that brings a little more levity and excitement to our lives. And with this year’s spring and summer trends, there’s no shortage of high-impact options to choose from.

Ballerina-inspired style isn’t just for the studio anymore. Flats, form-fitting bodysuits, and plenty of pink details have become closet essentials for Spring/Summer 2023. Oceancore clothing is also making a major splash (forgive us), with seafoam greens, electric blues, and shimmering metallics making appearances on both the runway and in streetwear looks. But it’s not all about floaty, ethereal vibes this season: distressed leather and grunge details are creating a new juxtaposition, while designers take denim to new heights with unique washes, unexpected combinations and edgy cuts.

Ready for a sartorial refresh? Here, we round-up our top trending pieces of the season.

Elevated Florals

Classic floral patterns get a surprising update this spring, with designers incorporating kaleidescopic colours into statement pieces like oversized blazers, flowy pants, and ruffled dresses. Case in point: this excellent Stine Goya pant, which features a painterly print we can’t look away from. Pair it with the matching sleeveless or long-sleeve top for an impactful co-ordinating look.

Stine Goya Floral Printed Pant, $365 CAD

Distressed Leather

Give your pristine leather blazer a break and embrace the magic of the lived-in look. The leather jacket du jour has a distinctly vintage feel, with biker and bomber jackets becoming a popular choice among the it crowd. And if you can’t cop yours from a second-hand shop, look to Y2K darling Diesel: the premium denim brand has been on the come-up since 2022 and shows no signs of slowing down.

Diesel Leather Jacket, $1095 CAD

Balletcore

Add a touch of romance to your spring and summer wardrobe with ballet-inspired details. Tulle, pastels, shapewear, and cropped cardigans are all great closet additions, but what better way to truly embody the trend than with a luxe set of flats? We love the Tabi version by Maison Margiela, which adds an element of playfulness to the look.

Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerinas, $765

Under The Sea

Fashion is having a serious love affair with mermaid-coded style. Everything from netted fabrics in shimmering tones to sheer tops, sequins details, pearls and frills are in high demand lately. And for good reason: the look invites a world of fantasy and childish wonder into our closets. Two tickets to Little Mermaid, please.

Hatton Labs Multicolor Bracelet, $455 CAD

Double Denim

This spring and summer, we’re elevating the Canadian tuxedo. Seriously! Denim-on-denim is a total yes as of late, with designer labels like Staud pairing oversized denim blazers with sleek wide-leg jeans. The result is an elevated take on an unconventional combo.

Staud Maxwell Blazer, $395

’70s Revival

You don’t need to tune into Daisy Jones & The Six to sense that 1970’s fashion is on the rise. Everything from bell-bottom silhouettes to corduroy and skin-tight jumpsuits are in high demand. If you’re not keen on looking like you stepped out of a time machine, opt for a slightly more polished take on the trend, like this breezy crochet crop top by Sea New York.

Sea New York Camila Crop Top, $295 CAD

The Suit Short

Walking shorts are having their moment in the sun, especially when paired with a razor-sharp matching blazer. The look is one part old money, one part laid back. Try out the look and have your Clueless moment with this cheeky plaid set from Canadian fashion label Smythe.

Smythe Pleated Short, $425 CAD, shopsmythe.ca

Maxi Skirts

We couldn’t talk about spring trends without mentioning the denim maxi skirt, and item that has been practically flying off shelves lately. We’re big fans of Reformation’s take on the look, which has a front slit, deconstructed hems and panel details to add a little more edge and shape to the garment.

Reformation Maxi Denim Skirt, $268 CAD

Major Metallics

Metallics in all hues are bound to create a striking visual impression: and this season, the brighter and bolder, the better. Lean into the trend with metallic accessories, like the always-fabulous Coperni swipe bag in an eye-catching reflective gold colourway.

Coperni Metallic Mini Swipe Bag, $770

Candy Colours

Electrifying pastel hues are everywhere we look, with shades like bubblegum pink, periwinkle and brilliant violet leading the pack. The best part of this look? It flatters nearly everyone and delivers a much-needed (and pretty much instant) boost of serotonin after a particularly long, grey winter.

Ahiri Long Knit Dress, $199 CAD