Fashion trends 2022: Our guide to shopping for the new season
Boost your mood, your confidence, and your style credentials with the latest fashion trends 2022

The fashion trends 2022 has to offer will reinvigorate your wardrobe. From bright colors to artisanal detailing, this season is all about rediscovering the joy clothes and accessories can bring.
With the sun making a more regular appearance, now's the time to truly embrace the fashion trends for 2022. With something to suit every taste and shape, this season really does have it all. When it comes to new season trends, the trick is to work out which styles you can weave into your existing capsule wardrobe. This helps to refresh your wardrobe essentials, such as your best blazer, and give them a directional feel. With a busy summer ahead, that's hopefully packed full of occasions and travel, our best loungewear has finally been relegated and we're excited about the wave of newness that has swept both designer and straight-to-market brands.
Katie Eastwood, stylist ambassador at online personal styling service Stitch Fix, is expecting big things for the trends 2022, “We’re going to be seeing lots of extreme lengths; whether that be maxi or midi, metallics, bold colors, or low waists—in 2022 it’s definitely a case of ‘more is more’.”
From the mood-boosting brights of dopamine dressing to lashings of embellishment and craft-inspired fringing and crochet details, the top fashion trends 2022 are a celebration of life and fashion. Get ready to reset your wardrobe.
Fashion trends 2022 to shop now
Most of the styles you’ll be seeing in stores filter down from the runways and the fashion trends 2022 can only be described as a downpour of maximalist looks.
From London to Paris, whether you're loving British clothing brands such as Burberry or French clothing brands such as Chanel, the SS22 runways were filled with creative and bright color clothing, something that has been lacking from our closets for the last couple of years. The one question that remains, after dressing down for so long is: do we dare to wear them?
“Remember you don’t have to recreate an exact outfit seen on the models”, says Paula. “The fashion shows are there to inspire you, so take pieces from the looks you like best and weave them into your existing wardrobe subtly at first.”
It is thought this new wave of bold dressing has come about as a result of the pandemic, which designers have used to flex their creative muscles. “Trends often come through as a reaction to these political, social and economic issues." says Katie, "The bold, extravagant pieces we are seeing across the 2022 runways are most likely a reaction to restraints we’ve all been under as a result of the pandemic.
By celebrating the bold, the colorful, and all that sparkles, designers are offering a form of escapism, allowing people to embrace something positive through their aesthetic.”
Consider your options carefully, and think wisely about what you buy. StitchFix has found that 83% of its customers want to buy fewer, more quality items in a bid to become more conscious shoppers. Move away from the ‘wear once’ culture by using this to guide your style, opting for pieces you’ll learn to love and will wear time and time again in various outfits and iterations. You can also investigate the best sustainable clothing brands, that consciously design fashion-forward pieces that have a lower environmental impact. And if you want to fund your new wardrobe, why not learn how to sell your clothes online and swap out the old for the new.
Here are the biggest fashion trends to snap up in 2022.
1. TOP-TO-TOE COLOUR
Dior/Christian Siriano/Versace
Forget tan, neutrals, or classic creams, the fashion color trends 2022, is all about color. Models walking for Christian Dior and Versace were seen in top-to-toe brights that really make a statement. “The Queen has been color blocking for years, now it’s time for us all to boost our mood with bold hues," says woman&home fashion director, Paula Moore. "Start with a bright accessory, such as shoes or a bag, and add this to a look you're comfortable in.”
From this point, you get more confident, she explains, “You can build up to a whole look easily. Fuchsia pink and Kermit-the-frog green compliment all skin tones, so why not try a suit that will take you from day to night effortlessly.”
WHAT TO BUY
Bold shoes and bags: Ease into the trend with color-pop heels or attention-grabbing arm candy. They will instantly brighten up a little black dress or add some interest to your jeans. If you really want to branch out, try clashing the colors as well. Blues and greens or oranges and pinks are great together. Check out the best handbag trends for 2022 for some added accessory inspiration.
Boxy suits: The key to a good suit is all in the fit. A pair of wide-leg trousers cinch in the waist and skim over thighs—simply tuck in a slim-fit top, add a boxy blazer and you’ll feel empowered in seconds. Take a look at our guide to what color suits me to work out which shade is best for you.
Smock frocks: There is nothing easier than a throw-on-and-go dress. If you can bag a smock-frock in a bright color then you’ve nailed the trend without even trying. All you need is to add boots and you’re good to go.
Fashion editor's picks...
Zara High Heeled Satin Mule
RRP: $69.90 / £49.99 | These purple satin-style mules give a nod to the 90s and we're in love. The sculptural heel keeps them bang on trend too. Jazz up your jeans or experiment with color clashing and team with the best pink dresses.
M&S Short Sleeve Collared Shirt
RRP: $42.50 / £25 | Great for summer workwear, this short sleeve, collard shirt will have you looking smart whilst staying comfortable. Style with tailored trousers for the office or with linen drawcord trousers for the weekend or vacation.
Honorine Elodie Midi Dress
RRP: $337 / £310 | A hot pink frock is a must-have this summer, guaranteed to steal all the attention. This has a tiered skirt and puff sleeves for a feminine boho vibe that’s ideal when deciding what to wear to a bridal shower.
Boden Stitch Crossbody Bag
RRP: $150 / £98 | Have a bit of fun with your handbag and opt for one of the best crossbody bags from Boden. With contrast stitching, it's just the right size to fit the essentials and is great for ensuring you can enjoy your day hands-free.
Mango Cotton Culotte Trousers
RRP: $59.99 / £35.99 | Kermit the frog green is one of the biggest color trends this season, making these tailored culottes bang on trend. Ideal for smarter summer occasions, pair with one of your best shirts and some comfortable flats.
Oliver Bonas Ochre Skirt
RRP: $87 / £59.90 | This gorgeous pleated midi skirt from Oliver Bonas can be dressed up or down, styling with t-shirts or blouses depending on the occasion. We love the comfort fit, elasticated waist, great for unseemingly hot summer days.
2. FRINGING DETAILS
Chloe/Proenza Schouler/Alberta Ferretti
With its tassels, crochet, and slouchy fits, this trend has a more bohemian feel - just dream of your summer holidays, wearing chunky sandals and a fringed outfit that moves in the gentle sea breeze, and you've got the idea. All you need to accessorize is a cocktail.
Fringing is actually easy to wear and very flattering - choose pieces where it falls cleverly over any areas you’re a little self-conscious of, and it will take your look to a new level. Saisangeeth Daswani, head of advisory at trends intelligence agency Stylus, saw this one coming. “With digital taking over our day-to-day lives, we expect that consumers will have a continued desire for touch-and-feel in fashion," she explains. "Tactile surfaces have become key, offering a new way for consumers to engage with products.”
WHAT TO BUY
Maxi dresses: The long-line dress is always a winner in our eyes as it means limited leg-shaving. Aside from that, it’s also super flattering. Any styles with tassels in earthy tones will ensure your summer look is at the top of the style ladder.
Crochet tops: Open-knit tops are going to be big news this season. Try to find a style that has extra fringing at the bottom that will fall over your hips. Wear with a slim-fit midi skirt or chinos for a look that oozes style prowess.
Beach bags: The best beach bags and the most spacious tote bags this season have all been treated to the fringing treatment. Look for open crochet knits and OTT tassel embellishments to add an instant and easy spring twist to your look.
Fashion editor's picks...
Free People Crochet Halter Top
RRP: $148 / £140 | Crochet and fringing, this top ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re hitting the festival circuit or lounging on a hammock in the garden, this is made for carefree days. Team with denim jeans or shorts.
Mango Fringed Handbag
RRP: $49.99 / £29.99 | Ease yourself into the trend with a cool fringed bag that will elevate the simplest of looks. We love the vibrant green and blue hues on this beauty. Wear with everything this summer.
Jonathan Simkhai Kamilah Dress
RRP: $545 / £539 | A crochet dress is a worthy addition to your holiday wardrobe taking you from beach to bar. Layer over your best swimsuit and finish with gladiator sandals, a key shoe trend 2022. The color means it’ll go with everything.
Karen Millen Fringe Skirt
RRP: $238 / £139 | Embrace this artisanal trend with delicately crafted designs and fringed pieces. With a nod to runway styles, this standout skirt can take you from beach to bar and even answers what to wear on a first date.
Sandro Fringe Midi Dress
RRP: $370 / £279 | Treat yourself to a new LBD (little black dress). The fringing makes this style ideal for dancing as the movement will ensure you stand out from the crowd. Team with some simple strappy sandals.
Dune Lemoney Sandals
RRP: $99 / £75 | Offering a splash of color to your summer wardrobe, these lemon ombre sandals bring a fun feel to proceedings. Ideal for jazzing up jeans and t-shirts or teaming with a floaty maxi dress as you stroll along the promonade.
3. SEQUINS AND SHIMMER
Valentino/Chanel/Loewe
Sequins aren’t just for Christmas. You can shimmer any month of the year, so take inspiration from Chanel and Valentino and introduce everyday sparkle into your closet. Ideal for what to wear to a wedding this summer, after a rather stop-start season the last couple of years, it's time to party in style (and glitter).
Whether it’s a show-stopping dress or a chic two-piece, sequins in spring will certainly get rid of any winter blues. But sequins in spring aren't the same as at Christmas. “I love sparkle, but the key is to keep accessories to a minimum”, says Paula. “If you wear a standout piece, avoid overwhelming the look with lots of jewelry or prints. Let the clothes do the talking.”
WHAT TO BUY
Sequined blazers: The easiest way to include shimmering fabrics is in the form of a blazer. The smart cover-up never goes out of style, and if you bag one made from sequins then you can immediately elevate any look.
Wide-leg trousers: The trend for wide strides was big for AW21 and we are thrilled to see it continue into 2022. A flattering fit, they provide a clever way to dress down sequins. Just add your best white t-shirt to black sequin trousers and you’ve got a strong everyday outfit.
Slip dresses: A slinky slip dress in a satin fabric can be a little clingy, but cover the cut in sequins, and suddenly it’s a lot more wearable. Look for midi styles that you can wear with comfortable flats, such as ballet pumps or slides. You can also add the best shapewear for a more sculpted silhouette.
Fashion editor's picks...
River Island Sequin Midi Dress
RRP: $248 / £150 | Looking for a dress with that wow factor? Look no further. This color block design has a bodycon fit to show off your curves and a split hem for easy movement. Keep the rest of your look simple - just add a pair of barely-there sandals.
Ted Baker Sequin Frill Top
RRP: $295 / £225 | This is a real showstopper shirt with frill detailing, voluminous sleeves and party sequins. The high neckline gives it extra style kudos. Keep the rest of your outfit pared-back - team with tailored trousers or jeans and let the blouse sing.
Aggi Silver Ombre Sequin Blazer
RRP: $413 / £375 | With a cool silver and pink ombre design this is a wardrobe winner.The long length and accentuated shoulders offer a retro '80s-inspired finish and make it ideal for balancing out pear body shapes. Layer over your LBD or your everyday denim.
Zara Sequin Ruched Midi Skirt
RRP: $69.90 / £49.99 | Ruched designs are a flattering silhouette, as the drape across the body skims silhouettes. This cute sequin skirt will glide over hips and can be dressed up to party or dressed down with a tee and Converse.
Stories Pink Sequin Shirt
RRP: $69 / £55 | Don't fear cropped blouses and tees. If you don't want to bare your midriff, wear these items over sleeveless slip dresses or with high waisted skirts or trousers to bridge the gap but still embrace the style.
Kurt Geiger Crossbody Bag
RRP: $161.24 / £150 | Featuring Kurt Geiger's statement eagle-head clasp this yellow-gold sequin clutch is one to get the party started. The Kensington is now a style staple for the brand, reinvented in new colors and fabrications seasonally.
4. MAXI VS MINI
Peter Do/Off-White/Jil Sander
The good old midi skirt has reigned supreme for the last few years, but it's been ousted from the top spot this season—as we said from the outset, the fashion trends 2022 are all about extremes.
You're going to have to decide if you're Team Mini or Team Maxi this year (although we're sorry to break it to you, it's actually the micro-mini making its way into the mainstream). We know it’s not an easy thought to have a lot of leg on show, but if you've been trying to work out how to style knee-high boots, the mini-skirt is the ideal companion.
If you’re more of a maxi woman, then we're talking retro tube fits that finish close to the ankle, rather than the A-line hippie style we've been used to in seasons gone by. Think of a slinky, full-length look rather than voluminous fabric. If that sounds a bit constricting, remember: a subtle split offers more movement.
WHAT TO BUY
Mini dresses: There’s no need to immediately be put off—there is no age limit when it comes to style, it’s all about how you wear it and when you feel most confident. With a mini dress, try adding boots if you’re self-conscious about showing too much skin or keep your neckline high to balance shorter skirt hemlines.
Tube maxi skirts: Look for skirts that finish at the ankle but that offer a more streamlined fit. Designs that sit at the waist will help to elongate your legs. Try subtle splits that finish at the knee to help the fabric float as you walk—it'll be more comfortable too.
Ribbed tops: Fitted tops with long-line skirts will give you an hourglass figure in seconds. If you’re used to looser styles, this is the perfect time to learn how to wear shapewear. Wearing shapewear underneath a fitted top will help smooth your figure, creating an effortless look for spring.
Fashion editor's picks...
& Other Stories Shirt Mini Dress
RRP: $89 / £65 | The shirt style keeps this looking polished and the sleeves help to offset the shorter hem. There’s a flattering tie detail to cinch you in at the waist too. Team with other neutrals or add pops of neon to liven it up.
Jacquemus Maxi Tube Skirt
RRP: $535 / £335 | We love the sunset hue on this long skirt. It has a figure-hugging fit that will show off your shape and the stretchy fabric keeps it easy to move in. Pair with a crisp white blouse and gold jewellery for a glamorous getup.
Massimo Dutti Abstract Dress
RRP: $179 / £149 | The abstract print is a nice change from go-to prints such as florals and the cami design makes it easy to dress up or down all year round. Layer over a t-shirt for extra coverage or wear alone for an elegant evening look.
Me & Em Cheesecloth Dress
RRP: $265 / £150 | White dresses are the perfect signaller that warmer weather is on the horizon. This tiered, cheese-cloth maxi dress features a relaxed, A-line fit that will casually skim the silhouette keeping you cool on long summer days.
Marina Rinaldi Purple Maxi Skirt
RRP: $425 / £250 | Rinaldi is renowned for making some of the best plus size clothing and this skirt with a rainbow waistband is a fun way to embrace the maxi skirt trend this season. Tuck your top in to reclaim your curves.
Boden Paneled Mini Skirt
RRP: $98 / £75 | Also available in a petite fit, this punchy red A-line, linen skirt is ready for fun summer days. An ideal pairing for how to wear Vans, we love the almost sporty feel to this look. Team with a classic Breton top for nautical style.
5. BOLD STRIPES
Jil Sander/Tory Burch/MaxMara
Read between the lines this season and embrace bold, defined stripes. There were no pinstripes in sight on the runways at Jil Sander or Tory Burch; here, wide stripes took the style crown.
“The striped jumper was a sell-out in winter and the look has made its way into 2022," says Paula. “Remember vertical stripes lengthen your figure and can be slimming. Pastel colors are gorgeous for spring, so give these a go, and a classic Breton is my go-to t-shirt all year round.”
If you opt for monochrome stripes, accessorize with color to pack a real punch.
WHAT TO BUY
Matching co-ords: Get three looks for the price of one in a matching co-ord. Wear the top and bottom together as one complete look, or separately for extra versatility.
Breton tops: Let’s be honest, we all love a Breton top. Super easy to wear and effortlessly stylish, the humble horizontal fisherman's stripe is a must-have. This season, try to mix up the colors and move away from white and navy.
Diagonal stripes: Experiment with the direction of your stripes. While vertical stripes are notoriously slimming, horizontal stripes don’t automatically widen you. Try layering pieces and play with proportions by adding diagonal stripes into the mix.
Fashion editor's picks...
Boden Puff Sleeve Frill Neck T-Shirt
RRP: $50 / £35 | A Breton tee but not as you know it. The frilly neckline gives the classic piece a feminine update that’s great for layering too. We love the bold red hue for a pop of color and the loose, relaxed shape.
Mango Striped Jumpsuit with Belt
RRP: $99 / £59.99 | Fully embrace the bold stripes trend in this flattering jumpsuit. It has diagonal stripes for a fresh update and the flowy fabric keeps it relaxed and elegant. There’s a coordinating belt for added structure.
Sandro Striped Linen Shorts
RRP: $245 / £179 | For easy breezy summer dressing, these striped shorts are top of our list. Wear with the matching shirt for a bolder look or team with a plain white tank to keep it more refined, a versatile addition to your closet.
LK Bennett Striped Platform Heels
RRP: $330 / £279 | Embrace statement stripes with one of Kate Middleton's favorite shoe brands, LK Bennett. Our place to head for what to wear to the races, these striking shoes will look great with your best floral midi dresses.
Whistles Striped Canvas Tote Bag
RRP: $169 / £85 | We can't resist a canvas tote, better than using plastic bags for our shopping this fun striped iteration features a nifty front zipped pocket, ideal for stashing items you need access to quickly. We love the colorway too.
6. CUT-OUTS
Saint Laurent/PatBO/Stella McCartney
We can feel you rolling your eyes, but stick with us on this one. We know the idea of cut-out sections of clothes can be daunting, but while the catwalks might have shown a whole load of flesh, you can do it the subtle way. Promise!
“There’s no need to shy away from this trend completely," says Paula. “A little goes a long way and even a small slash in the fabric at your waist can offer more movement in the fabric and highlight your smallest part.” Think keyhole details, open backs, and cold-shoulder tops that expose a little flesh without you feeling like all your lumps and bumps are on show.
Sheer fabrics were also big this season so bag a top with transparent sleeves for another way to wear this look.
WHAT TO BUY
Keyhole blouses: A less intimidating way to embrace cut-outs is with keyhole detailing. Whether it’s at the chest or on the back, a simple circle exposing a little skin is easy to pull off.
Open-back dresses: This style can be a problem if wearing a bra is essential, but there are also lots of exposed backs that finish just above where your bra strap lies. Look for fun prints, loose fits, and experiment with underwear.
Cotton pants: If your top half has a little flesh on show, offset the exposure by teaming with a pair of loose-fit trousers. A cool, cotton pair in black or tan are comfortable as well as stylish.
Fashion editor's picks...
H&M Printed Open Back Dress
RRP: $39.99 / £29.99 | Looking way more expensive than the price tag suggests. The midi-length keeps it cool and elegant, while the cut-out detail adds a dose of drama to the back. Style with your best sandals for a summer party..
Karen Millen Keyhole Blouse
RRP: $110 / £65 | Ease yourself into the cut-out trend with this printed blou