New year, new fashion trends. We spoke with Brittany Calvert of Tea and Tchotchkes in Greenport, Stephanie Segrete Sack of North Fork Apothecary in Cutchogue, and Joanna Mazzella of Mint in Mattituck to learn more about the styles we’ll be seeing more of this year.
Q: What fashion trends do you expect to see in 2023?
Brittany Calvert: I think you’ll see a lot of oversized, comfortable yet functional pieces this coming season! We’ve just gone through the formal wear pandemic; a lot of leggings and sweat, so now I think it’s an idea to step it up a bit. The look will be more elegant and put together, but still comfortable, wearable pieces that you always find at Tea and Tchotchkes.
My personal favorite idea for this year, which I’ve started to see a lot more of, is unisex – rather, companies that exclusively sell menswear advertise women in their collections and vice versa. But this is not completely unknown to us. We have been doing this since the store opened in 2017. I absolutely love shopping for men’s shirts in the store and selling them to everyone.
One of my personal favorite trends is rubber chunky soles! These hit the scene (and my heart) last year, but I think they’re going to make a big splash this year, especially in the spring! My favorite at the moment is Jeffery Campbell’s Clogge – they come in so many colours!
Stephanie Segrete Sack: While there are many trends to look out for this spring, for me the most important trend for the ultimate North Fork lifestyle is understated luxury. I focus on clothing that prioritizes longevity and practicality alongside beauty, expert craftsmanship and simplicity. People are looking for pieces that not only look good, but also fit easily into many areas of their lives.
Joanna Mazzella: Spring/Summer 2023 is guaranteed to be fresh and very wearable! We’re witnessing tons of beautiful greens, pops of orange, and a return to cobalt blue. Wide denim with trousers will play a big role in your wardrobe, as will the emphasis on utility styles and cargo. We see that western influence continues to be present in shirts and accessories. Strong shoulders and romantic sleeves are very distinctive.
Q: What’s trending right now?
Brittany Calvert: I usually don’t tend to follow specific trends – I think about my clients and myself. I always try to find clothes in the store that feel like timeless favorites that are versatile for all body types. I never get tired of hearing, “I bought this dress, pants, or sweater from you last year and I wear it all the time,” or “it’s become my favorite!” That feeling people get is how I shop for business.
Stephanie Segrete Sack: Two trends I’m really excited about are also styles that have been with me for a long time. I love Spring’s commitment to elevated basics designed with relaxed tailoring and functional fabrics to create a polished, flattering uniform that transitions from day to night. The second trend I’m excited about is the return of utility cargo pants. But this time you will see wide legs, excellent tailoring and finer manufacturing.
Shopping in a pharmacy is a very tactile, sensory experience. Guests are always delighted with the incredible softness of every item I sell. All my denim, for example, whether it’s stretchy functional denim or the more rigid, traditional kind, is all super soft and made from the highest quality fabrics. There is no “breaking in” period that was part of my torturous teenage years. The same goes for my new brand obsession, Bembien. Handmade leather and rattan bags that are supple, soft, ethically made and quietly luxurious. Carrying a Bembien bag (no matter what I’m wearing) makes me feel effortlessly chic and totally put together in a cool French girl way… you know how Françoise Hardy and Brigitte Bardot look in every photo.
Joanna Mazzella: Right now, with the holidays just over, we’re seeing interest in cozy and casual winter pieces that will be worn for years to come. We’ve just started our annual Mint Winter Sale, so we still have some really amazing winter coats and jumpers that people are snapping up! There is also excitement about vacation and resort styles, especially bright dresses for this long, overdue vacation. Many people are planning to escape somewhere tropical, so we’re already seeing interest in bright fun dresses and easy-to-pack blouses.
Q: What trend do you think is left behind in 2022?
Brittany Calvert: Matching sets. Last year there were so many of them and it didn’t work very well for us. I haven’t seen that many this year.
Stephanie Segrete Sack: While I think everyone should wear what they feel comfortable and confident in, I’m happy to say goodbye to super skinny high waisted jeans. While the silhouette works for a few people, it’s not a good look for most women or men. And it’s definitely not a style based on comfort.
Joanna Mazzella: Bizarre cutouts. No more of that! It’s confusing and doesn’t work for most. A piece here and there is nice and different, but not big side cutouts.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
Brittany Calvert: Pack your skirts! This year we have some beautiful wrap skirts in all different prints and fabrics. There is something so easy and effortless about a wrap skirt. Dress up or down. I am very excited to wear them all!
Stephanie Segrete Sack: I can’t wait to get my gorgeous pieces from Vince in a favorite spring color – Key Lime Pie green! This pop color is welcoming and upbeat, with a nice vibe that reminds you warmer weather is on the way. I’m also looking forward to Banjanan’s Spring collection of handmade dresses that honor India’s rich history of beautifully intricate textile designs. Their dresses are small works of art, but with pockets, total comfort, incredible style and machine washable. And they look great at weddings or worn with my Doc Martin boots.
Joanna Mazzella: Definitely the color! And utility pants! So easy to wear for any woman and can be casual or dressy!
Q: What is your favorite item currently being sold in the store?
Brittany Calvert: We have amazing winter coats and jackets in store! I happened to snag one this year and wear it everyday! All of our clothing is currently 50% off in the store, as well as accessories, plants and more! Throughout January, we are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m.! We always have an end of season sale that usually starts after Thanksgiving. We take a short break in February to regroup and reopen in mid-March.
Stephanie Segrete Sack: My absolute favorite item right now is the Emerson Citizen of Humanity jeans. Personal experience has proven that these jeans look amazing on any woman regardless of age, shape, size or height. These are slim but relaxed boyfriend jeans with a low rise and easy leg shape. There’s something incredibly sexy about the cut of these jeans. I get so many compliments every time I wear them… which is often. If you went to the store every day for the next week, chances are I’ll be wearing them at least four days a week. I love them so much!
Joanna Mazzella: My favorite current look in Mint right now would have to be the new print set from Omika. The print will instantly transport you to a beautiful warm Caribbean island. The versatile look is perfect as a set or worn on its own for a variety of looks — a button-down top tied at the waist can be worn with white jeans or beautiful wide-leg pants back with a simple white tank top for an effortless look!