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Are you staring into your closet and wondering what to wear in April 2023? We’ve got ideas on the 5 go-to color palettes and other style inspiration on what to wear for every day and every occasion in April 2023 to look chic whether you’re dressing for work, off-duty adventures, working out, date night or spring vacation.

fashion color palette ideas and style inspiration for April 2023

Just for fun, when we think about the perfect wardrobe for a new month, we like to dress in a color palette that channels the true essence of the month.

what to wear to spring chic in April 2020

What to wear to be spring chic in April 2023.

Of course, we also have to focus on the practical solutions that will carry us through the variable weather patterns of each month. Making April particularly challenging, as it always seem to include cold wet days and sunny balmy ones. And sometimes both in one 24-hour period.

It’s a tough circle to square, but lots of people have given this conundrum some deep thought. For example, we recently read a style article in The Telegraph of London that coined a new phrase that we are immediately adopting: “The April dress.”

The writer described The April Dress as ” a specific type of dress [perfect for] wild fluctuations in climate. It has sleeves – but they can be rolled up. It comes in a mid-weight fabric. Look for a strong primary hue that avoids the sugar of a high summer pastel and the drabness of black. Aim for bold florals or other prints on a dark background rather than anything too light or delicate.”

Duly noted. But first, back to the color palette.

what’s the color of April?

For us, the color of April is a fresh hue of green that signals spring in full bloom. That celebrates the Earth, and holds a promise of renewal and re-birth.

If you’re in on that idea, here’s how you might play it this month.

what to wear to spring chic in April 2020

What to wear to be spring chic in April 2023.

Pair a hit of pale green with any navy or dark blue suit in your work wardrobe. You’ll be amazed at how beautifully it will wake up your entire look. This spring green shade also loves to play beside grey – so just layer a bit of it over your reliable go-to grey work wardrobe.

Five luxury fashion color palettes to inspire what to wear in April 2022 for work, off-duty, working out, date night and spring vacation. 

Five luxury fashion color palettes to inspire what to wear in April 2023 for work, date night and spring vacation.

If you’re more daring, toss this spring green hue against deep purple. Or lavender. Or black! In fact, green, black, gold and white is an extremely energizing color palette, especially this time of year. Or you can always go monochrome, with tone-on-tone green – just layer light over dark or vice versa. As long as it’s all in the same green family, you will look incredibly chic. We promise.

So. Much. Fun.

In summary, when done well, an April color palette should send you into the day feeling jaunty. Open to adventure, looking to be surprised by something amazing. Radiating energy.  And this April, perhaps more than most, positive energy is a luxury we all need.

Five luxury fashion color palettes to inspire what to wear in April 2022 for work, off-duty, working out, date night and spring vacation. 

Five luxury fashion color palettes to inspire what to wear in April 2023 for work, date night and spring vacation.

5 color palettes and style inspiration for what to wear in April 2023

1. fashion color palette April 2023: seeing cyan.

When you mix the colors green and blue, you get the color cyan. Or teal. Or turquoise. But instead of mixing blue and green, why not make them adjacent? It’s a fresh and gorgeous color combination perfect for the spring. Sky blue is a huge color trend this spring and summer. So why not double-down on it, and pair it with fresh green hues? Navy is also the perfect playmate for this color story. Surf and turf? Yes, please.

Five luxury fashion color palettes to inspire what to wear in April 2023: green and blue. Courtesy Photos.

Consider this LoveShackFancy sequined mini dress ($695) for your next date night. Or this bestselling shimmering dress by Significant Other ($230). Or Altuzarra’s Shibori print crop top ($995) and coordinating maxi skirt ($1,295).

Accessorize with these jaunty Balenciaga cat-eye sunnies ($490) or the brand’s trending mini leather shoulder bag ($1,700). This bucket hat ($98) from Jacquemus is adorable and on trend. For dressier occasions, consider these stunning topaz and Tsavorite earrings ($1,870). These green “glass” sandals ($1,385) from Amina Muaddi. Or a Bottega Veneta cassette bag in vibrant sapphire blue ($5,500).

2. fashion color palette April 2023: cool camouflage.

The combination of muted dove gray and soft sage green is a great way to operate under the radar this month. We’re thinking mossy and misty shades. Resulting in looks that are smoky – and a bit mysterious.

Five luxury fashion color palettes to inspire what to wear in April 2023: green and grey. Courtesy Photos.

Go casual with this on-trend leather bomber jacket ($1,950). Or dress up in a wool-cashmere coat like this one from Max Mara ($4,590). When date night arrives, consider a semi-sheer maxi dress ($550). Or a sexy satin mini dress ($790). These malachite earrings ($230) would be a fun way to finish any evening look.

Toughen up a floaty summer minidress dress with Johanna Ortiz’s tall leather boots ($995) in jungle green. Or go rugged in Jil Sander’s hiking sandals ($1,230) made of recycled nylon. Accessorize further with a pearl-embellished bum bag from Simone Rocha ($690) or a crystal-studded tote ($425) from KARA. This Mudd Pearl bracelet ($180) is a gorgeous neutral that would finish almost any outfit.

3. fashion color palette April 2023: tangled in the grapevines.

As always, nature leads us to the perfect color palette. Grapes are green. And also purple. And together they’re absolutely stunning. Trust us – if you want to make a statement, this is a great way to go. After all, infamous supervillains frequently rock these together (looking at you, Joker).  And who doesn’t want to look wicked good?

Five luxury fashion color palettes to inspire what to wear in April 2023 for date night and spring vacation: green and purple. Courtesy Photos.

For off-duty adventures, consider Balenciaga’s spray-painted baseball cap ($495). Beach or pool days would just have to be more fun with a forest green swimsuit ($375) paired with a pareo like this one from Johanna Ortiz. Ditto for these new Bottega Veneta sunglasses ($495).

For a night out, we love this floral mini dress ($4,495) from evening expert Naeem Khan. And this pair of sparking purple sequined pants ($1,500) from LaQuan Smith. Heart-shaped faux emerald earrings are somehow both sweet and sassy ($250).

4. fashion color palette April 2023: classic with a twist.

Black and white will always and forever be the very definition of chic. But add green, and you can up the style quotient in sophisticated and unexpected ways. Modern, chic and energizing, this trio of colors is a fantastic way to enjoy the first full month of spring.

Five luxury fashion color palettes to inspire what to wear in April 2023 for every occasion: green, white and black. Courtesy Photos.

We predict that this sexy and fresh jumpsuit ($418) from Diane von Furstenberg will quickly become a go-to wardrobe item this spring. As will this smart cropped jacquard jacket from Marine Serre ($948). It looks fancy and dressy, but it’s make of terrycloth and it’s actually sporty and light. Wear it with the coordinating miniskirt ($549) for a summer suit par excellence.

You could go with a timeless midi dress like this perfect one from Joanna Ortiz ($1,250). Muted metallics are a big trend for spring summer 2023, and we love this slim knit midi skirt in an unexpected dark green hue from Galvan ($695). Stay on trend with a pair of black chunky loafers, like these from Prada ($995). Or add a jolly pop of color with these knee-high rain boots from Bottega Veneta ($750).

Of course, there’s always a black bikini ($360) (with a chic pareo – $285) or crisp white linen shorts ($200), paired with a jaunty bucket hat like this one from Acne Studios ($170). Or an on-trend baseball cap ($60). You could also opt for something like this Amina Muaddi top-handle bag ($935).

5. fashion color palette April 2023: green squared.

Monochromatic dressing can be incredibly chic in any color. Green is particularly well-suited to the idea. And it’s fun.

Five luxury fashion color palettes to inspire what to wear in April 2023 for work, off-duty, working out, date night and spring vacation. Monochrome green. Courtesy Photos.

We love the fresh energy of this sexy crochet and fringed mini dress from Alejandra Alonso Rojas ($1,695). It would pair perfectly with these sparkling earrings ($350) from Judith Leiber. Miu Miu’s sheer tee ($1,120) would be gorgeous paired with Victoria Beckham’s striking leggings ($690). Stella McCartney’s balloon pants ($1,090) and coordinating blazer ($1,950) are a cool way to play the green-on-green idea for day. So is Brandon Maxwell’s crisp green shirt dress ($1,595).

To ward off the spring chill, this wool-blend topper from Peter Do ($3,200) is an elegant solution. As are these shearling sandals ($1,235) from “it” brand  Amina Muaddi.

Accessorize with this new rubber Bottega Veneta shopper ($990) – perfect for April showers. Or a tourmaline pinky ring ($1,815). Or emerald green sunglasses ($269), ’cause why not?

what to wear April 2023: 5 chic fashion color palettes

Those are our ideas for you on how to not just survive, but to thrive this month, led by a fresh, chic green color palette that feels like something new being born. Whether for work, off-duty, working out, date night or spring vacation, this is what we’re planning to wear in April 2023. Happy shopping – and stay safe and healthy out there, dear reader.

Pamela Thomas-Graham

Pamela Thomas-Graham is the Founder & CEO of Dandelion Chandelier. She serves on the boards of several tech companies, and was previously a senior executive in finance, media and fashion, and a partner at McKinsey & Co.