29 Worthwhile Fashion Items Readers Bought In 2022

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29 Worthwhile Fashion Items Readers Bought In 2022

From Bridgerton-inspired fashion to the Y2K revival, 2022’s trends were all over the style spectrum. In turn, Refinery29 readers have purchased a vast range of clothing, from fitted corsets to lower-than-low-rise jeans

While this hodgepodge of trends may appear overwhelming at first look, we’ve carefully combed through the most popular — and purchased — products of the last year. As you peruse through the options to inspire your next shopping spree, certain themes will emerge: Refinery29 readers loved staying cozy this past year. We’re talking about loose nap dresses, relaxed-fit cargo denim, and comfy slippers all topping the shopping list. One-and-done outfits, like boiler suits and matching sweatsuits, were also the sartorial highlights of this past year, as people gravitated toward pieces that didn’t require additional styling. On the accessories front, shoppers were all about the Y2K fashion comeback, buying early-aughts baubles like belly chains and chunky rings

Take a walk down memory lane and pick up the pieces you might have forgotten to buy along the way. Scroll ahead, for the 29 products R29 readers bought and loved in the last 12 months. 

Tenniscore

While we welcomed tenniscore, an athleisure aesthetic inspired by the popular sport, to our closets in 2021, expect its popularity to only rise. In particular, pleated skirts and matching workout skort sets were a hit with the shoppers. The preppy style works both on and off the court and is perfect for fall

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Ribbed Polo Tank, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Corsets

The return of Bridgerton influenced numerous brands to put a Regencycore fashion spin on the bustier — a lingeries-as-outerwear style that even our editors can’t get enough of. Fashion enthusiasts have particularly enjoyed satin, chiffon, and bandage styles. Even better: One of the buzziest styles was less than $60.  

Shop Zara

Zara Floral Corset Top, $, available at Zara

Puff-Sleeve Tops

Although cottagecore peaked in 2020, one trend from the aesthetic lineup has refused to let up in the two years since: frothy puff sleeves. While voluminous bell-sleeve blouses in floral prints and pastels are the ultimate statement pieces for spring and summer, options in velvet or muted colors will work just as well for fall and winter. 

Shop & Other Stories

& Other Stories Puff Sleeve Top, $, available at & Other Stories

White Button-Down Shirts

Once you find a button-down that fits, it’s hard not to wear the versatile staple on repeat. This past year, people went for oversized styles to sport as loose outerwear over dresses and tanks. The best part is that you can wear this basic year-round, with endless styling capabilities. 

Shop J.Crew

J.Crew Classic-Fit Soft Gauze Shirt, $, available at J.Crew

Matching Sweatshirt Set

The foolproof one-and-done look: a coordinated set. It doesn’t get better than lounging around in a comfy sweatsuit and then, with a change of shoes, having the ability to run errands in it, too. One reason they’re not going anywhere? The comfy sets are endlessly iterable and can be updated to match the current color trends or prints. 

Shop Reformation

Reformation Hunter Classic Sweatshirt, $, available at Reformation

Reformation Boyfriend Sweatpant, $, available at Reformation

Jumpsuit

Another one-and-done piece that is a surefire winner in our style books is jumpsuits. In particular, R29 readers and editors enjoyed the effortless qualities of this lightweight piece from Alex Mill and the different variations, from short-sleeve options to ones featuring funky prints, of the brand’s signature utility style. 


Shop Alex Mill

Alex Mill Standard Jumpsuit In Cotton Twill, $, available at Alex Mill

Loose House Dress

A soft, worn-in T-shirt and shorts getup is an easy look to jump into to work from home, but slipping into a loose airy frock creates an instant put-together appearance even if you woke up five minutes before a Zoom call. No worries we’ve all been there.

Shop Hill House Home

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House Home

Maxi Dress

The billowing floor-length frock was the runner-up dress favorite. My suggestion: Anthropologie’s best-selling Somerset Maxi dress that requires zero additional styling thanks to its dramatic maxi hemline. Recently, the linen iteration — now with pockets! — has made its highly anticipated debut. 

Shop Anthropologie

The Somerset Collection by Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress: Linen Edition, $, available at Anthropologie

Party Dress

Rewind to the 2000s because Y2K-inspired mini dresses, halter tops, and glitter and shine have all joined in on the fun. A can’t-miss short dress is an attractive piece to have in your wardrobe and can save the day when you don’t want to rely on your over-used LBD for a night out. Long live the party girl aesthetic!

Shop Betsey Johnson On Torrid

Betsey Johnson Convertible Dress Ponte Tattoo Sketch, $, available at Torrid

Bike Shorts

Gone are the days when spandex shorts were only for long-distance cyclers. The athleticwear is part of street style outfits and is a beloved bottom for warm-weather days. Pair it with an oversized blazer and blouse for a chic look or a hoodie for a more casual vibe. 

Shop Lululemon

Lululemon Align High-Rise Short With Pockets 6″, $, available at Lululemon

Midi Skirt

A midi skirt — especially this silk one from Quince — has been a longtime fan favorite. And who can blame shoppers? It’s an effortless style that you can wear year-round, whether with a sweater for cool days or a ribbed tank top for the summer.

Shop Quince

Quince Washable Silk Skirt, $, available at Quince

Micro Skirt

Who can forget the micro Miu Miu skirt? Ever since the viral look debuted on the catwalks of the spring 2022 runways, fashion trailblazers were ready to test out the controversial bottom that shows more than it covers. Refinery29‘s fashion writer’s pick: this Miaou style

Shop Miaou On Revolve

Miaou Micro Mini Skirt, $, available at Revolve

Baggy Pants

In 2021, tight and restricting skinny jeans were declared dead, which gave rise to the breezy wide-leg silhouette. A popular early-aughts style, baggy jeans have won shoppers over this year thanks to their comfortable relaxed fit and timeless style appeal. 

Shop Madewell

Madewell Baggy Straight Carpenter Jeans: Fruit Embroidered Edition, $, available at Madewell

Cargo Jeans

There are many names for these practical pants marked by their pockets — carpenter jeans, utility jeans, combat trousers, etc. Regardless of what you call them, cargo jeans are becoming the most popular denim trend of 2022. In fact, the throwback trend resonates so much with consumers that the shopping app Klarna reported a 103% increase in purchases over the past year. 

Shop ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Hourglass Cargo Jeans In Stone, $, available at ASOS

Low-Rise Jeans

The controversial low-rise jeans came back in 2021 and can since be found in stores everywhere. Whether people love or hate the Y2K trend that requires simultaneously pulling up your pants while sitting down, one thing is for sure: we are all testing it out.

Shop Free People

The Ragged Priest | Free People Low-Rise Baggy Jeans, $, available at Free People

Grandma-Inspired Costume Jewelry

Tik Tok’s coastal grandma aesthetic repopularized costume jewelry, bringing back everything from bedazzled statement earrings to big brassy necklaces that wouldn’t look out of place in your nana’s jewelry box. More-is-more is the mindset to embrace with this one.

Shop BHLDN

BHLDN Nicola Bathie Mae Earrings, $, available at BHLDN

Chunky Rings

Child-like baubles also were all over TikTok this year, with chunky rings of radiant hues and whimsical prints a favorite. For maximum style impact, layer on several styles of different shades and sizes. Bonus: You can buy these candy-colored styles in packs for as little as $12. 

Shop Amazon

AIDSOTOU 20 Piece Colorful Chunky Resin Rings, $, available at Amazon

Belly Chains

Readers loved how thin delicate waist chains added that extra sparkle and glitz to an outfit. Also that they pay homage to the early 2000s. If you’ve yet to try, Missoma, Bagatiba, Petit Moments, and more Instagram-favorite brands offer dainty body jewelry for the more subtle type of shopper. 

Shop 8 Other Reasons On REVOLVE

8 Other Reasons Star Chain Belly Chain, $, available at Revolve

Glass Handbags

Call Cinderella because she left behind her glass slippers — and a purse to match, too. The glass handbag was the most unexpected pick that R29 readers were curious about. With proper care, the see-through style can be a dazzling statement item that will make your lipgloss and wallet look like works of art.

Shop Etsy

CozzzySpot Adorable Tote Bag, $, available at Etsy

Drawstring Handbags

The drawstring bag trend has been on the rise since Chanel showed the slouchy 22 styles on the spring ‘22 runway. It’s a simple, functional holds-all silhouette that boasts more personality than an everyday tote. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your daily necessities falling out.


Shop Free People

FP Collection Billie Suede Crossbody, $, available at Free People

Balaclavas

Last year, the full face covering was a hit among celebs like Kim Kardashian and runway designers like Miu Miu, Tod’s, and Bevza. Eventually, it trickled down to fashion lovers searching for a cold-weather accessory to keep them toasty. We, too, are fans of the trend, which will no doubt return this fall and winter.

Shop 3.1 Phillip Lim On Farfetch

3.1 Phillip Lim Chunky Knit Balaclava, $, available at Farfetch

UGGS

Pack away the worn-in shearling boots you had since college, and join the crew by slipping into a pair of furry, slide-on UGG slippers. It’s a much-needed thank you to your aching feet after a summer of heels and strappy sandals. 

Shop UGG On Nordstrom

Ugg Genuine Shearling Slipper, $, available at Nordstrom

Ballet Flats

Dainty flats are just as ideal for gliding into the office as they are for sporting to weekend brunches. Pair the ballet style with a ribbed tank top and flowy midi skirt in the warmer months or a trench coat, slouchy sweater, and a pair of jeans for the cool seasons. 

Shop Everlane

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat, $, available at Everlane

Clogs

If you’re a clomp-curious fan, try this cool ’70s-esque shoe that is beloved for its functionality, dependability, and comfort. There are endless variations on the chunky shoe, from traditional leather-wood styles to ones made from cork and colorful rubber. Chances are, you unknowingly probably own a pair already. 

Shop Amazon

MIA Shoes Abba Clog-Inspired Sandal, $, available at Amazon

Chelsea Boots

These ankle-high boots have reigned as the go-to cold-weather shoes thanks to their classic silhouette, durability, and versatility. And unlike thigh-high boots, which tend to dress up looks, or the trendy knee-length styles which often call for a shorter hemline, this shoe seamlessly goes with any outfit. 

Shop Nordstrom

Caslon Miller Water Resistant Chelsea Boot, $, available at Nordstrom

Chunky Loafers

Bulked-up loafers add that extra oomph to an outfit. We’re talking about embellished hardware, thick soles, in a plethora of colors. It’s an edgy shoe to spice up the current preppy trend in fashion. Don’t forget to wear them with your white socks — it’s what all the cool kids are doing. 

Shop Etsy

GORshoesUA Penny Loafer Classic Top Sider Shoes, $, available at Etsy

Mary-Janes

I had a pair of red Mary-Janes when I was young — and was obsessed with them. That’s why my 24-year-old self is excited that the footwear is once again carving its way into people’s hearts and shoe closets. Thus patent leather shoe is currently on my shopping wishlist. 

Shop Marni On SSENSE

Marni Black Mary Jane Oxfords, $, available at SSENSE

Platform Shoes

“The higher, the better” is a footwear motto that people have been preaching this summer — whether it’s for sandals, sneakers, boots, or mules. Not only does the elevation add a dramatic height boost, but it can bring a high-fashion touch to an everyday look like a sneaker. 

Shop Converse On Nordstrom

Converse Move High Top Platform Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom

New Balance Sneakers

Over the years, New Balances went from a quintessential dad shoe to a dad shoe everyone wants to wear — and they’re not going anywhere. The shoe brand’s signature classic 574 series has skyrocketed in popularity and become an emblem of the ugly sneaker trend thanks to buzzy collabs with the likes of Staud and Aimé Leon Dore. 

Shop New Balance

New Balance 574 Core, $, available at New Balance

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