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 in 2023?
Brittany Calvert: I think you will see a lot of oversized, comfortable yet functional pieces in the upcoming season! We’ve just gone through the lounge pandemic; a lot of tights and sweats, so now I think the idea is to step it up a bit. The look will be more elegant and complex, but still the comfortable, wearable pieces you can always find at Tea and Tchotchkes.
My personal favorite idea for this year is that I’m starting to see a lot more unisex — more than companies selling exclusively menswear advertising women in their collections and vice versa. However, this is not completely unknown to us. We have been doing this since the store opened in 2017. In particular, I like to buy men’s shirts in the store and sell them to everyone.
One of my favorite trends is thick rubber soles! These burst onto 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 right now are Clogs by Jeffery Campbell — they come in so many colors!
Stephanie Segrete Sack: While there are many trends to look out for this spring, to me the most important trend for the ultimate North Fork lifestyle is understated luxury. I am focused on clothing that prioritizes longevity and practicality along with beauty, expert craftsmanship and lightness. People are looking for pieces that not only look beautiful, but also easily fit into multiple aspects of their lives.
Joanna Mazzella: Spring/Summer 2023 is guaranteed to be fresh and very wearable! We’re seeing tons of gorgeous green, orange hues, and a return to cobalt blue. Wide-leg denim with trousers will play a big role in your wardrobe, as will the emphasis on practical styles and cargoes. We see that the western influence is still present in shirts and accessories. Powerful shoulders and romantic sleeves are very prominent.
Q: What’s trending right now?
Brittany Calvert: I usually don’t tend to follow certain trends — I keep my clients and myself in mind. I always try to get clothing from the store that is a timeless favorite and universal 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 the store.
Stephanie Segrete Sack: The two trends I’m really excited about are also styles that have guided me for a long time. I love Spring’s commitment to elevated basics designed with a relaxed fit and performance fabrics to create a sleek, flattering uniform that transitions from day to night. Another trend that delighted me is the return of practical cargo pants. But this time, you’ll see wide legs, an exquisite cut, and more subtle craftsmanship.
Shopping at the Pharmacy is a very tactile, sensory experience. Guests are always delighted with the incredible softness of every item I sell. For example, all of my denim, whether it’s stretch denim or the tighter, vintage one, is super soft and made from the highest quality fabric. There is no “breaking in” period that was part of my tumultuous teenage years. The same goes for my new brand obsession, Bembien. Handmade leather and rattan bags that are supple, soft, ethically produced and quietly luxurious. When I’m wearing my Bembien bag (no matter what I’m wearing), I feel effortlessly chic and totally put together in a cool French way…you know, the way Françoise Hardy and Brigitte Bardot look in every photo.
Joanna Mazzella: Right now, with the holidays just over, we’re seeing interest in comfortable and casual winter pieces that will be worn for years to come. We’ve just started our annual Winter Sale at Mint, so we still have some really amazing winter coats and jumpers for people to grab! There’s also excitement around vacation and resort styles, especially bright dresses for that long, overdue vacation. Many people are planning a getaway to somewhere tropical, so we’re already seeing interest in bright, fun dresses and blouses that are easy to pack.
Q: What’s one trend you think is left behind in 2022?
Brittany Calvert: Matching sets. Last year there were so many gatherings, and it didn’t really work out 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 high-waisted, super-skinny jeans. While the silhouette works for some, it’s not a good look for most women or men. And it’s definitely not a comfort-oriented style.
Joanna Mazzella: Bizarre cutouts. No more of that! It’s confusing and doesn’t work for most. A little nice and different here and there, but not the big side cutouts.
Q: What are you looking forward to wearing this year?
Brittany Calvert: Wrap skirts! This year we have beautiful wrap skirts in all different prints and textiles. There is something so easy and simple about a wrap skirt. Dress it up or down. I’m so excited to wear them all!
Stephanie Segrete Sack: I can’t wait to get my beautiful pieces from Vince in my favorite spring color – Key Lime Pie green! This colorful color is welcoming and optimistic and has that cozy vibe that reminds you that warmer weather is just around the corner. I’m also looking forward to Banjanan’s spring collection of handcrafted dresses that pay homage to India’s rich history of beautifully intricate textile patterns. Their dresses are small works of art, but with pockets, total comfort, amazing style and machine washable. And they look great at weddings or with my Doc Martin boots.
Joanna Mazzella: Definitely a color! And utility cargo pants! Every woman can easily wear them and they can be casual or more dressy!
Q: What is your favorite item currently being sold in the store?
Brittany Calvert: We have great winter coats and jackets in store! I accidentally snagged one this year and have been wearing it every day! All of our clothing is 50% off in store right now, as well as accessories, plants and more! We are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. throughout January! We always have an end of season sale that usually starts after Thanksgiving. We are taking a short break to regroup in February and reopen in mid-March.
Stephanie Segrete Sack: My absolute favorite right now are the Citizen of Humanity Emerson jeans. Personal experience has shown that these jeans look great on every woman, regardless of age, shape, size or height. It’s a slim but relaxed boyfriend jean with a low rise and a simple leg cut. There is something incredibly sexy about the cut of these jeans. I get so many compliments every time I wear them…which is often. If you came to the store every day for the next week, chances are I’ll be wearing them at least four days a week. That’s how much I love them!
Joanna Mazzella: My favorite look at Mint right now would have to be the new print set from Omika. The print immediately transports you to a beautiful warm Caribbean island. The versatile look is perfect as a set or worn separately for different looks — the button-up top can be worn with white jeans or gorgeous wide leg trousers with a simple white tank top for an effortless look!