There’s a lot to be joyful about this year. Many of us (myself included) will embark on our first abroad holiday in two years, weddings can resume without official restrictions, and gatherings can be held, well, just for the absolute fun of it. Throw in a milestone Jubilee the whole country will be celebrating, and this summer is effectively going to be one gloriously overdue party. Now, this is Who What Wear, so naturally, the question turns to, what are you going to wear? Might I suggest embracing the euphoria by styling yourself in one (or more) of the dopamine colours that are so prevalent in the new collections.
The summer 2022 runways looked as if a confetti cannon had gone off, as shades of pink, lilac, and yellow fluttered their way into the hearts of everyone in attendance. That’s not to say that there weren’t pieces to appease those with muted palettes, but the resounding aesthetic from SS22 was celebratory, and the most defiant colour trends reflected that. The blush shades from previous seasons transformed into Hubba-Bubba bubblegum. At the same time, more vibrant tones, such as Amalfi tangerine and garden-pea green were presented in a slew of grown-up silhouettes, taking them to high-end territory.
Indeed, this kaleidoscope of colour was seen everywhere, from New York to Paris—and now, they’re lighting up our social media feeds, as influencers have begun to embrace them as we hurtle towards summer. But which summer 2022 fashion colours are truly taking off? We hardly had to deliberate over the six big winners.
Ahead, feast your eyes on the rainbow of shades that’ll make your wardrobe a more joyful place this summer.
Style Notes: You can thank Bottega Veneta for putting green—specifically Kelly green—back on the fashion map a few seasons ago but, now, we’re beginning to see a shift towards slightly softer shades of green coming through. Emilia Wickstead channelled the shade through dresses, while L’Agence took the suited approach.
Our columnist Monikh owns this jacket, and it looks so chic.
Bright tailored trousers are going to be a big hit for summer.
Just add jeans.
Draping and an on-trend colour? This dress will fly.
Bright shirts are very much a thing this season.
Style Notes: It’s no secret that fashion people are into orange in a big way right now, but what I find most intriguing is how it has also been adopted by minimalist dressers. I put this down to the punchy tone requiring next to no styling, for it’s already enough of a statement on its own. Take cues from Hanifa and invest in a bright orange dress to set yourself apart from the rest at any summer soirée you attend.
I love the combination of a square neckline and a full skirt.
I’d be tempted to invest in the matching top also.
Commit the name to memory—D’Accori shoes are going to be everywhere this summer.
See what I mean about bright tailored trousers?
So many of our editors want this Frankie Shop shirt.
Style Notes: Although I’m a big fan of the orange shade we’ve just spoken about, I have to agree with Elle Woods when she said “whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed”. Orange might indeed be fabulous, but pink has proven themselves perennial, not just on the runway, but in our wardrobes. For 2022, embrace bubblegum, Barbie-inspired hues, the sort seen at PatBo.
Another item our editors collectively love.
So pretty!
I have these shoes in cream, and can confirm they’re super comfortable.
Beautiful; just add strappy sandals.
The ultimate holiday swimsuit.
Style Notes: It’s been a few seasons since blue felt quote so relevant as it does now, and I, for one, couldn’t be happier about it. For 2022, striking shades of energy-surge cobalt took to the runway in various forms—from structured suiting at Stella McCartney to louche-but-luxe co-ords at Hellessy. What makes it so appealing is its sheer versatility; it is currently being used for everyday wardrobe staples like vests and trousers, and to elevate swimwear, so prepare to see a lot of it this summer.
Don’t you think this looks designer?
Iconic.
I have a feeling colour-block swimwear is going to be huge this summer.
A chic alternative to straight-leg denim.
Racer vests are a fashion favourite.
Style Notes: Call it lemon, call it butter, but definitely don’t call it white. Creamy tones bordering on yellow are another key look from the spring/summer 2022 runways, and its only ramping up the closer to summer we get. Less committal than the other shades on this list, I imagine this’ll be the shade pared-back dressers reach for in lieu of beige this season. My source? Jil Sander.
This would look incredible with a white knotted shirt.
I’d like to wear (and own) this entire outfit, please.
Selkie’s dresses come in an impressively diverse size range.
This will look impeccable with wide-leg trousers and tan slider sandals.
The oversize blazer every fashion person wants to own (if they don’t already do so).
This will pep up anything you choose to wear it with.
Matteau’s dresses are always some of the most popular come summer.
A prime example of how to do elegant arm-candy.
Back at it again with the bright tailored trousers.
