Style trend cycles are getting shorter and shorter these days — not like the slow-moving fashion trends of the 1800s, to say the least. Naturally, looking back on some of the most popular looks of the last few seasons is a little more exciting. The top fashion trends can be tricky to track since everyone has a different aesthetic and freedom to express themselves, which is an A+ in our books.
From fashion designers to streetwear stylists rocking hoodies and crop tops, 2022 so far has been about embracing dressing again, leaning into some throwback looks, and having fun doing it. But what can we forecast for the rest of the year?
First, we’ll look back at the biggest trends of spring and summer this year; then, we’ll look forward to what we’re predicting to see in fall and winter.
The Top Spring Trends
This spring, it finally felt like the return of true socializing, and the occasion called for some serious dressing. The biggest trends of the season involved packing away those sweatpants and finally having some fun again.
Y2K Cute
From New York street style Instagram accounts to TikTok, there is simply no denying the return of Y2K fashion.
The early aughts were alive and well with lace tank tops and jean skirts back on the racks. Butterfly clips and headbands also made a return appearance with feminine and the bright colors of an Amazon rainforest scene welcoming the warmer weather.
You couldn’t travel far this spring without encountering either a bucket hat or a saddle bag (like our Syl Bag). Leaning into that girly, fashion-forward vibe was such a refreshing mood after all that time inside.
For now, it seems like Y2K fashion is here to stay, and we would not be surprised if we see fleece jackets and fur-lined boots this winter. Matching snowsuits, anyone?
The Power Trouser
For people less willing to redo the early 2000s, uniform dressing also had its moment this spring, especially when it comes to trousers.
Pant silhouettes have been steadily widening over the last few years and, this spring, reached a new level of comfort and class with the power trouser. Designed to sit right at the waist and accentuate curves, the power trouser paired perfectly with a tank top.
We were especially partial to pastel trousers to transition into our spring and summer wardrobe. When we couldn’t think of anything else to wear, we invariably grabbed a trouser and a t-shirt. Facts are facts, and the facts, in this case, say that look will always kill, outside of any trend cycle!
Mini Skirts
In March, one particular mini skirt went ultra-viral. We won’t mention her now, but if you know, you know.
Nothing but respect for the maxi skirt but the mini skirt came back in a big way, especially among celebrities and social media influencers. There’s a lot to love about a mini skirt. If you’re looking for something flirty and fun that shows off some of your assets, a mini skirt is your girl.
Jean mini skirts, as well as pleated mini skirts, totally worked with the Y2K vibes we saw everywhere.
If you ask us, nothing goes better with a mini skirt than a mini bag, which we saw lots of this spring. Our Instagram tags were stacked with y’all wearing the Mini Sophia Bag. We love seeing them out in the wild.
Summer
Come summer, the vibe was all about comfort and staying breezy around those rising temperatures. Retailers went all-in on risky and bold fashion choices to bring some flavor back to summer fashion.
Sheer Details
Inspired by some much-talked-about red carpet looks, sheer and mesh looks had a moment this summer.
We love a sheer detail. Sheer cutouts are like playing peekaboo with your clothes and your body. It’s a playful but refined way to bring some life into an outfit. We also saw some incredible top to sheer bottom looks, proving that risk-taking was in for the summer.
In addition to sheer clothing, we also saw lots of mesh accessories and jewelry, giving the world a little insight into what’s in everyone’s bags.
The Low Rise Return
Falling in line with the Y2K revival, low-rise jeans made their way back onto the streets this summer, and while some participated, others cried foul.
Here’s the good news. While early 2000s fashion may be back, early 2000s body shaming certainly is not. So if you want to get in on the low-rise trend, we say go for it — everyone is invited to this party.
Fashion is for everybody and every type of body. We saw people of all sorts playing with low-rise looks this summer. At the end of the day, confidence is the most important outfit ingredient. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.
All Linen Everything
Do the words "coastal grandmother" mean anything to you? This summer, TikTok fell head over heels with a Hamptons-inspired wardrobe. Young fashion lovers reached for linens and neutral palettes well beyond their years.
Inspired by nineties romantic comedy movies and some well-known celebrity icons of the style, the coastal grandmother look quickly took the internet by storm.
The vibe was old money, breezy materials, and coastal glam, and honestly, we're here for it. Not all of us have Hamptons houses, but we can all at least turn out a cute ensemble in a linen set and read books all day.
Fall
We’ve already seen the fall/winter fashion week offerings and are here to make our best trend predictions.
Shearling, Darling
Shearling became hugely popular last year as the streets were packed with teddy bear-style jackets and sweaters. This year, shearling is still in, but it’s gone through a bit of an upgrade.
Shearling lined jackets and mixing of materials will be big, as the trend gets transformed for the futuristic style we’ve seen in 2022 so far. We also know for sure we’ll be seeing shearling accessories like tote bags, belts, and shoes.
Back to Prep School
In line with the mini skirt trend, we definitely think the prep school look will make its regular return this fall, as it almost always does.
That said, it will look a little deconstructed and messy in a fun way. Wear a cardigan or a vest as a shirt. Pair a knit bra with a midi skirt. Introduce plaid in an unexpected way.
And, of course, no back-to-school look would be complete without a genuine leather backpack.
Clogs, Anyone?
The fashion world is famous for taking “ugly” clothing items and bringing them back en vogue, mixing high and low style.
Nowhere is that more apparent than in the return of the clog. This 90s and early aughts staple is back on the main stage. We predict we’ll see granola-inspired shoes all over the New York streets this fall, paired with designer handbags and maybe even a tube sock. Contrast is everything.
Winter
As fashion designers put together their couture lines, they may not have the standard consumer in mind, but there are a few key trends we can identify from runway shows this year that will have a big influence on winter wear.
All Knit Everything
Naturally, knits are in for winter, though we wouldn’t expect any grandmother styles to go viral like this summer.
Instead, we’re predicting looks like knit mini dresses and knit tube tops, as the cottage core aesthetic gets a bit of an edge to it. No, knit mini dresses may not be the warmest item in your winter wardrobe, but they will definitely still look seasonally appropriate at the club in January.
Sharp Shoulders
Oversized blazers have been in for a few years now, but they’ve been seriously lacking in the shoulder zone. That’s about to change.
The puff sleeve is getting sharp again as the 80s return. Expect the power trouser to be paired with oversized, sharp shoulders. We’re also seeing jumpsuits with accentuated shoulders, blurring gender gaps, and looking flawless doing it.
More Leather, Please
Leather pants blew up in NYC last year, and this trend is not slowing down this winter.
Get ready for leather dresses, long skirts, and floor-length jackets, Matrix-style. Seriously, you never have to convince us to go for more leather. We’re always game.
Getting Our Style Game in Gear for 2023
From sheer details to leather skirts to shearling purses, we’re closing out 2022 with a new approach to dressing that prioritizes fun.
We’re always here to guide you on your personal style journey, but honestly, the best way you can stay on top of the latest fashion is to park yourself at a vibey cafe, and people watch. Curate your look, and don’t forget to experiment a little. You’re worth it!
Sources:
Remixed Knits, Monster Puffers, Kidcore: The Top Men’s Trends of 2022 | Paper Magazine