As someone who owns and wears a lot of dresses, I’m of the opinion that no dress trend is a bad dress trend. Sure, there are some I personally wouldn’t wear, but I genuinely believe there’s a place for every frock option, be it bodycon or oversize, subtle or saturated. This is something I’d like you to bear in mind when you read this story. Like every other piece of clothing or accessory, it’s common for some dresses to lose their appeal over time, especially if they once tapped into a very specific fashion moment. For example, I love puff-sleeve dresses, the type that’s intrinsic to the cottagecore aesthetic, and will always gravitate towards them. But, as the saying goes, sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing. Although I know I’ll loop back into wearing my puff-sleeve dresses in a couple of months, right now, I find myself exploring new dress trends that feel fresh for 2022 by way of fresh silhouettes, prints, textures and colours.
It occurred to me that some of my colleagues might feel the same about the dresses currently in their rotation, so I decided to ask them which, for the lack of a better word, “outdated” dress trends they were the no longer excited about. We agreed on the eight below. Now, that’s not to say we don’t like them, think they hold no style value or, indeed, that you shouldn’t wear them—it’s just that we fancy trying something a little different this summer. To counter them, I’ve listed the dress trends we think are breakout stars of the season. Scroll on to see the eight dress trends we’re pausing on and the eight we’re excited to wear instead.
Style Notes: Last year was all about frothy, romantic dresses, but 2022 has taken a more streamline turn, as simple tube dresses continue to dominate new-in sections. Stick to block colours and no-fuss necklines to tap into the minimal aesthetic.
Yes, that price is correct.
This Skims dress comes with major influencer backing.
Such an excellent colour.
Style Notes: While plunge necklines certainly aren’t out, it would seem the fashion-person’s preferred way to showcase skin this summer is via the back. Right now, there are so many beautiful open back dresses to choose from, I—a woman with a 32G bust size—am currently on the hunt for the best backless bra to wear with them.
This Arket dress also comes in classic black.
A backless dress isn’t just for evening—this linen iteration makes it perfect for daytime wear, too.
Matteau dresses are having a moment.
Style Notes: Upon conferring with my colleagues, we all agree that midaxi hemlines are somewhat noncommittal—that you should either opt for a midi dress or go all-out with a full-on maxi dress. I recommend the latter, seeing as it’s one of 2022’s most noteworthy trends.
This looks so expensive.
Wow!
The tiered skirt also ticks off another big 2022 dress trend.
Style Notes: I am and will always be a fan of puff sleeve dresses, but the shine is slowly coming off the puffy one-shoulder dresses that were all over social media last summer. Now, much like tube dresses, the focus is on simple, asymmetric straps.
This beach dress comes in so many gorgeous colours.
Asymmetric straps and cut-out? That’s what I call a trend double-whammy.
Thanks to Carrie Bradshaw, Norma Kamali dresses are enjoying a surge in popularity.
Style Notes: Although we absolutely appreciate the cut-out trend, my fellow editors agree that dresses with giant holes in are often too restricting—particularly when it comes to finding suitable pants to wear underneath them. Instead, we’re taking with the smaller cut-outs cropping on all sorts of dresses.
Another chic dress that also comes in black.
The cut-out dress all of our editors would love to own.
This looks so high-end.
Style Notes: Florals will always be a mainstay on dresses—some of my most favourite frocks involve disty blooms. However, if you’re looking for a fresh print to try, might I suggest graphic monochrome? Be it swirls or blown-up shadow florals, this is a trend that’s sure to catch the eye.
I love the clash of prints on this mini.
Is that a sliver cut-out I spy?
More monochrome swirls, more micro cut-outs. Are you seeing a pattern emerge?
Style Notes: Knitted dresses are one of my preferred things to work from home in, as they’re so darn comfortable. Now, though, I’m switching out ribbed weaves in favour of trending crochet styles.
Just add tan sandals and gold jewellery.
Commit the name to memory, because Farm Rio is going to rule summer.
I find so many chic pieces at Massimo Dutti.
Style Notes: If looking glamorous is the goal, there are many dress trends that’ll help you achieve it. Sparkle is an obvious one, as is embroidery, but the adornment that feels fresher than them all this summer is undoubtedly feathers. Taller Marmo dresses continue to be in-demand, but there are plenty of frugal options out there to shop now, too, should your budget be more limited.
