Fashion Trends That Will Completely Take Over 2022
As we slowly but surely progress past the era of Zoom meetings and staying in sweatpants all day, we think it's safe to say that we're all ready for a change. Finally having work, school, and everyday interactions in person is something to celebrate, so 2022 is all about transitioning, trying new things, and being bold — especially when it comes to fashion. Whether you're running straight from the office to dinner in an oversized blazer, or strutting down the street in some fringe, the trends that you'll see all over the place in 2022 are playful, fun, and practical (via StyleCaster).
All that being said, it can be intimidating to think about how to incorporate pieces straight off the New York Fashion Week runway into your closet. But, you might be surprised to find out that you probably already have a lot of these items in your wardrobe. So without further ado, let's take a look at the trends that will completely take over 2022.
Puffer coats will keep you warm while looking chic
You can look cute and stay warm all winter long thanks to this trend. Although they originate all the way back to the 1930s, puffer coats are still in fashion. Vox explains that the longevity of the puffer coat's reign can be attributed to the "relatively slow cycle of outerwear fashion," and simply because puffer coats do a really good job of doing what a coat is supposed to do: Keep you warm!
Although puffer coats are nothing novel, there are a ton of jackets with so many fun new twists out on the market. There are oversized quilted corduroy jackets in light pastel patterns for when you want to feel extra cozy on a chilly day, or you can be bold and try a bright color in a ski puffer jacket style (via Mood Sewciety).
According to L'Officiel, puffer jackets were also a big hit on the runway for the Fall/Winter 2021 season, so like we said, don't worry: They're not going out of style any time soon.
Take an oversized blazer or suit from your work meetings to a night out
Who says business attire has to be boring? According to Harper's Bazaar, some of the biggest names in fashion, such as Chanel and Prada, all designed big blazers for their Spring/Summer 2022 collections.
There's so many ways to wear these versatile pieces — you can pair your blazer with the traditional option (pants), or you can switch it up and go with shorts, a dress, or even a skirt instead. According to Vogue, mini-skirt suits made a big impact on the runways this past September with designers like Christian Dior, Michael Kors, Versace, and so many more debuting adorable matching sets.
If you want to take the boldness of a blazer a step further, get a suit in a bright color like fashion editor, stylist, and author Caroline Vazzana. If you love the look of a blazer, but can't afford one at a designer price, stores like Princess Polly, Zara, and so many more have got you covered.
Wide-leg and flared pants: The bigger the better
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's time to toss your skinny jeans. That's right: In 2022, it's all about wide-leg trousers and flared pants. Not only are they more comfortable, but there are so many fun styles to choose from.
According to L'Officiel, wide-leg trousers and flared pants originated in the '60s with the introduction of bell-bottom pants, and represented "disco culture" while simultaneously symbolizing "liberation within fashion through the late 1900s." And you can still spot these pants everywhere today. Harry Styles can almost always be seen in high wasted, wide-leg pants at his concerts. The Cut's editor-in-chief, Lindsay Peoples Wagner, was spotted in bold colored wide-leg pants throughout New York Fashion Week, and Emma Chamberlain definitely knows the value of a flared yoga pant.
Trust us, from cozy knit flared pants for a night in, to sleek trousers for a dinner with friends, there's a variation of these pants for every occasion, and you need at least one pair in your closet for 2022.
Add some movement to your look with fringe
We know that you've been bored during all of your Zoom meetings throughout 2021, so what better way to add a little bit of a dramatic flair to your wardrobe in 2022 than with some fringe? According to Who What Wear, brands such as Burberry and Balmain got creative with fringe designs when they showcased their Spring/Summer 2022 collections, by creating "car wash-esque straps," "multicolored strings that stemmed from maxi and minidresses," and "suiting made entirely of thick belts that draped onto the floor."
There's lots of room for innovation with this trend, so don't be afraid to try something new and add some fringe pieces to your closet. L'Officiel explains that your clothes are meant to emphasize "natural movement," so what better style to wear as you strut down the street?
If you're convinced that this trend is just a fad, don't worry. Fringe dates all the way back to 3000 B.C. in Mesopotamia, so we think it's safe to say that you don't have to worry about fringe ever going out of style (via Fashion Gone Rogue).
Consider bold and bright colors to celebrate the new year
What better way to celebrate the world reopening after almost two years of Zoom meetings than by wearing bright and bold colors? From influencers like Emma Chamberlain and Yolande Macon, to fashion icons like former editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, Aya Kanai, and designer Erin Robertson, it seems like everyone is stepping out of the house in bright hues from electric blue to bright red.
During her Spring/Summer 2022 fashion show, designer Cynthia Rowley displayed beautiful, flowing gowns in shades of hot pink and red-orange, along with other garments that featured patterns in lemon yellow and pastel pink. The entire runway looked like a joyous commemoration of color and light — the exact mindset we're trying to enter the new year with.
In case we haven't convinced you yet, Who What Wear predicts that soft, neutral shades will cycle out of trend in 2022, and be replaced with colors like saffron. This bright reddish hue was displayed at shows like Kwaidan Editions, LaQuan Smith, and Proenza Schouler, so expect to see more in the coming months.
Trade in your coveralls for a catsuits
If you loved past trends like jumpsuits and coveralls, now's the time to elevate your look and add a catsuit to your closet for 2022. According to The Trend Spotter, you can dress up a sleek catsuit with heels (think Taylor Swift's recent "Saturday Night Live" performance fit), or dress it down with a t-shirt and sneakers.
Vogue tells us that celebrities aren't the only ones catching on to this trend, and noted that this chic look already accounted for some of the most popular street style moments during NYFW in September 2021. And the best part about this trend? Since catsuits are such a statement piece, they require minimal styling, and are the perfect option if you're feeling a little lazy.
That being said, get ahead of the rest of the world and rock a catsuit on your next date night, trip to the grocery store, or anything in between.
Who says cutouts can't be classy?
Start planning your spring and summer wardrobes by picking out some pieces with cutouts. While the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this trend might be Maddy Perez's iconic cutout pants from the HBO show "Euphoria,"(and all of the Halloween costumes that followed the premiere in 2019), InStyle emphasizes that cutouts are here for the long run, and they'll be even more "daring" and "sexy" than ever before in 2022.
If you're stuck on how to style a piece with cutouts, The Trend Spotter suggests pairing pieces like an asymmetrical cutout shirt with leather pants or a skirt. For a night out, you can put together contrasting pieces like a skin-tight dress with cutout details and an oversized jacket. StyleCaster notes that while mini "LBDs” were a hit in 2021, 2022 will swap the "little" in little black dress for "long." So, what does all this mean? Get ready to see lots of body-con black maxi dresses featuring cutouts all the way down to the floor in the coming months.
Bras can be shirts too!
If you want to try something new in 2022, show a little skin and wear your favorite bra as a crop top. According to Vogue, we can attribute this micro-trend to the world's new "post-pandemic tastes for subtle sultriness." That being said, if you're going for a more modest look, your bra top can also be paired with contrasting menswear pieces for those who are hesitant to dive head-first into this bold trend.
Whether you wear an actual bra or something a little more subtle, like a tiny knit or crochet top, you can pair it with pieces like a bulky blazer or high wasted pants to add some extra fabric to your look (via Who What Wear).
Marie Claire reported that bras worn as shirts were all over the runways at Spring/Summer 2022 collections such as Fendi, Coach, and Jonathan Simkhai. So once the weather warms up, you'll likely be seeing a lot of this trend in streetwear fashion.
You don't have to be French to wear a beret
Let's be honest, we know you've been dying to buy a beret ever since you watched "Emily in Paris." According to Refinery 29, data from the fashion shopping app, Lyst, explained that there was a "100% increase in search for red berets" after Season 1 premiered in 2020, and the trend hasn't stopped gaining popularity since. Dating back to French culture in the 1800s, we think it's safe to say that berets are timeless, so it's never too late to pick one up (via The Zoe Report).
Even if you're not in Paris, you can still transition these adorable accessories from winter to spring in 2022 and look super chic while doing so. Believe it or not, there's a lot of different styles of berets to consider, from wool flat caps to leather berets, and even plaid versions of the iconic hat (via Harper's Bazaar). If you're still feeling stuck, check out ASOS or The Trend Spotter for all the best Parisian beret inspiration.
Take your look to next level with a pearl accessory
It's time to take a hint from Harry Styles and purchase some pearl beads to take your fits in 2022 to the next level. A pearl necklace or a set of earrings can add a level of sophistication to any casual outfit, but don't be fooled: These aren't your grandma's pearls. Luckily, there have been a few quirky twists to the seemingly traditional accessory in recent years. According to L'Officiel, the first brand to have an edgy take on pearls was Vivienne Westwood in the late '80s with her pearl choker design, and since then we've seen fun additions such as colorful beads, layered necklaces, and chunky gold accents.
If you don't feel like breaking the bank on a real set of earrings or a necklace, stores like ASOS and Banana Republic have got you covered. Or, if you want to get extra creative, The Trend Spotter suggests adding pearl embellishments to your jackets, bags, and vests.
Knitwear isn't just for your grandma
Forget what you've been told: You can look just as good in knitwear as your grandparents can. This trend has taken an unexpected turn as designers like Jil Sander, Missoni, and Rick Owens have created formal knitwear pieces that you can wear on your next night out (via L'Officiel). While knit clothing has previously been associated with a more "relaxed feel," Vogue explains that designers have revolutionized the way that we see the material by designing "sharp silhouettes" for the next season of knitwear.
That being said, we all love feeling cozy, and there's still plenty of comfortable knitwear options on the market for winter in 2022. So, why not pick up an adorable knitwear set for your next movie night, night in, or even Zoom call? From cozy matching knit sets to glamorous crop top and maxi skirt sets, you can incorporate this trend into any setting (via Bustle and Who What Wear).
Pleated and plaid skirts will add sophistication to any outfit
Blair Waldorf, Serena Van der Woodsen, and the girls at Constance Billard aren't the only ones who can rock a pleated or plaid skirt. According to Marie Claire, you can pair a plaid mini-skirt with any turtleneck or blazer to create a classic, timeless look. Once the weather gets cooler and you're looking for pieces that offer a little more coverage, you can pick out a midi-length pleated skirt for the same effect (via Bustle).
The best thing about these trends? You can transition them throughout every season. While plaid skirts will allow you to romanticize fall and its preppy aesthetic to the fullest, pleated skirts add some movement to your look and can be paired with heels, loafers, and almost any kind of outerwear you can dream of, any time of year.
Sequins add sparkle to every outfit
While you may think that all things sparkly are reserved for the holidays, 2022 will revolve around bold trends and colors (via StyleCaster), so why not give sequins a try? According to L'Officiel, the Spring/Summer 2022 runways were all about "brilliant sequins, sequined applications, sparkling crystals, and on-trend chains," from Versace to Valentino.
While you may be hesitant to step out of the house to do grocery shopping in a full-out sequin ensemble, StyleCaster recommends adding touches of sparkle to your everyday look. Try pairing neutral pieces with a sequin top or skirt, or start off slow with some shimmery accessories, like earrings or a purse.
If you're still feeling unsure about this trend, take some inspiration from influencers like Kit Keenan, who's never afraid to rock a sparkly mini dress, or take notes from Lizzo, who turned heads in a sheer, shimmery, floor-length maxi dress.
These loafers were made for walking
If you're looking for a comfortable walking shoe that's also trendy, you have to invest in a good pair of loafers in 2022. Although they've been popular for a while now, brands keep coming up with ways to elevate and evolve the seemingly basic shoe with embellished details, bold colors, and chunky platforms.
According to L'Officiel, loafers originated in Norway in the 1930s and made their way to the United States in '50s, primarily worn by students and young men. Now these smart and practical shoes aren't just worn by college students sprinting to class. Influencers and fashionistas like Margot Lee and Caroline Vazzana seem to be just as obsessed with the trend, showing us that you can pair some simple black loafers with a dress, or you can get creative with pink platform loafers to upgrade your fit.
StyleCaster notes that after a few years of slippers and Zoom meetings, the world isn't ready to go back to uncomfortable footwear like heels and boots anyway — and we're not complaining.
Micro-mini skirts making a major comeback
The micro-mini skirt trend is straight out of Y2K — and we could not be more obsessed. According to Vogue, this trend was popular in the '60s and '70s as it represented "a shift in societal dynamics," and then made a major comeback nearly two decades ago in the early 2000s. And once again, the micro-mini skit is back in fashion. W Magazine reported that Miu Miu, Moschino, Versace and other big names in fashion turned heads on the runway with these tiny skirts reminiscent of early 2000s red carpet looks.
You can pair micro-mini skirts with contrasting pieces like knee-length boots and oversized jackets, or you can fully embrace the micro-mini and pair your skirt with a crop top and strappy sandals. Whatever you choose, channel your inner Christina-Aguilera-at-the-2002-VMAs energy, and give this trend a try (via Editorialist).