As this in-between season gets more confusing, with warm spring days that turn into winter at night, you might be tempted to overlook 2022’s biggest fashion trends, seen on the runways in September, in favor of a 24/7 sweatpants existence. Lucky for you, soft clothes are a piece of the 2022 style puzzle. That said, they’re not the only items on deck.
Nostalgia is the name of the game.
With Y2K fashion peaking higher than ever, the remainder of the year has plenty of fun trends in store for the next reemergence wave. Spotlight-stealing attire with a joyous mood is taking over, from vivid colors and prints to bold silhouettes like bubble dresses, volume tops, cutouts galore, and ultra-low rises on pants and skirts.
Accessories are in on the fun, too. Think: chunky-AF platforms, rainbow-bright bags, and a more-is-more jewelry aesthetic combining beads, pearls, and rhinestone-decked baubles. Oh, and if your New Year’s resolution was to adopt a new signature color, you better make it purple — it’s the 2022 hue in all tints, from Pantone’s Very Peri color of the year to saturated violet and lavender shades.
Ahead, a deeper dive into 2022’s biggest fashion trends. Naturally, with an edit to shop.
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2022 Fashion Trend: Sweats 2.0
Whether an oversize, fleece-lined jogger is your jam or you’re more the elevated soft-pants type, preferring knitted flares and flowy culottes, we’re predicting leisurely bottoms as a 2022 constant, mostly thanks to the continuation of hybrid work setups.
Cuyana French Terry Pleated Front Pant, $, available at Cuyana
The Great The Pointelle Lounge Crop Pants, $, available at Shopbop
Victor Glemaud Chain Link Wide-Leg Cropped Pants, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Donni Eco-Fleece Roll Pant, $, available at Donni
Skims Cozy Knit Pant, $, available at Skims
2022 Fashion Trend: Voluminous Silhouettes
From oversize shirting to ballooned silhouettes and a continuation of the puff sleeve trend, dresses and tops will retain their volume through the end of the year. If anything, the latter will spice up all the soft pants you’ll probably still be rocking on the bottom.
Ulla Johnson Hana Pullover Sweater, $, available at FWRD
Rebecca Taylor Pleated Romper, $, available at Rebecca Taylor
Good American Tabbed Poplin Shirt, $, available at Good American
3.1 Phillip Lim Multi Strap Bubble Taffeta Top, $, available at 3.1 Phillip Lim
Dôen Frances Top, $, available at Dôen
2022 Fashion Trend: Platform Shoes
From sky-high heels to flatform silhouettes, loafers, ankle-strap heels, boots, even clogs are amped up for a throwback-inspired lift. So, go ahead and give your micro-heels a break — 2022 is all about chunky soles.
Larroudé Miso Platform Sandal In Acqua Floral Knit, $, available at Larroudé
Naked Wolfe Jackie Black, $, available at Naked Wolfe
Ganni Suede Creepers T-Strap, $, available at Ganni
Simon Miller Vegan Platform Bubble Clog, $, available at Simon Miller
Brother Vellies Empire Platform Boot, $, available at Brother Vellies
2022 Fashion Trend: Low-Rise Pants
Dipping wayyyy below the belly button, the low-slung pant and micro-mini skirt are back in full force. If you’re not the snug ‘n’ stretchy thong-revealing style type, embrace the look via low-slung denim, leather pants, or cargos á la Jennifer Aniston in the ’90s.
Miaou Black Thong Trousers, $, available at SSENSE
Urban Outfitters UO Peachy Low-Rise Mini Skirt, $, available at Urban Outfitters
The Ragged Priest Low-Rise Baggy Jeans, $, available at Free People
Superdown Tamella Mini Skirt, $, available at Revolve
With Jean Tommy Cargo Pant, $, available at With Jean
2022 Fashion Trend: The Color Purple
From Pantone’s calming Very Peri to more saturated tones with a regal air, pieces tinged with purple are everywhere — lock in your signature hue sooner rather than later.
byFAR Mini Rachel Violet Circular Croco Embossed Leather Bag, $, available at byFAR
Hanifa Miya Knit Cardigan Dress, $, available at Hanifa
ALOHAS South Bicolor Lilac Boot, $, available at alohas
Aritzia Lula Long-Sleeve Shirt, $, available at Aritzia
Helmut Lang Wrap Skirt, $, available at Helmut Lang
2022 Fashion Trend: Regencycore, Continued
Corsets, pearls, lady cardigans, and prim florals show no signs of a slow-down. Embrace this form of head-to-toe elegance for polished occasions like work or a party. Or, flirt with the trend with a single frilled piece combined with leggings and sneakers.
Reformation Twilight Dress, $, available at Reformation
Eloquii Puff Sleeve Velvet Corset Top, $, available at Eloquii
Wald Pas De Deux Necklace, $, available at Wald
LoveShackFancy Daughter Tweed Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Moda Operandi
Maje Cotton Shirt with Small Flower Print, $, available at Maje
2022 Fashion Trend: Cutouts
No shame in the cutout game. Skin is still in, and cleverly-placed cutouts on dresses, tops, even the occasional low-rise bottom will stick around as part of the Aughts 2.0 fashion movement.
H&M Cut-out Dress, $, available at H&M
I.Am.Gia. Amina Pant, $, available at I.Am.Gia.
Onia Kaia Tricot Bikini Top, $, available at Onia
A.L.C. Clara Rib Knit Dress In Bluestone, $, available at The Yes
Autumn Adeigbo Solid Keiko Blouse, $, available at Autumn Adeigbo
2022 Fashion Trend: Bra Tops
Pshh to real shirts, right? Whether dressing comfy at home or making a bolder statement for a night out, the bra has officially reached “real top” status. Layer yours under a shacket or oversize blazer for balance.
Urban Outfitters Violetta Seamless Crisscross Bralette, $, available at Out From Under
Bevza Seashell Crop Top, $, available at Bevza
Jonathan Simkhai Aeris Bra Top, $, available at FWRD
Ozma Sophie Crop, Silk Noil, $, available at Ozma
Everlane The Seamless Bra, $, available at Everlane
2022 Fashion Trend: Bright Bags
Orange, pink, yellow, green, and bright blue are just a few ways to get in on the rainbow-bright bag trend. If not a single color to accent an outfit, go for a two-tone design or one swirling in several shades.
Balmain BBuzz 23 Pouch Clutch Bag, $, available at Farfetch
Coach Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 18, $, available at Coach
JW PEI Gabbi Bag in Pink, $, available at JW PEI
Brandon Blackwood The Syl Bag, $, available at Shopbop
Charles & Keith Panelled Chain Handle Bag In Mustard, $, available at Charles & Keith
2022 Fashion Trend: Mod Print
From A-line mini skirts to near-dizzying motifs — butterflies included — designers nodded to the ’60s on the runways while adding a dash of Y2K nostalgia to the pot. So, embrace your inner print mixer by combining bold with bolder (thin: jacquard knit sweater and swervy skirt to start.
Collina Strada Turquoise Butterfly Ivy Top, $, available at Collina Strada
Cult Gaia Nevra Top, $, available at Cult Gaia
Nasty Gal Swirl Print Midi Slip Skirt, $, available at Nasty Gal
Machete Kate Hoops in Tortoise Checker, $, available at Machete
The Elder Statesman Jacquard-Knit Cashmere Sweater, $, available at Net-A-Porter
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