Fashion trends 2022: Our guide to shopping for the new season

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

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. 

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2. FRINGING DETAILS

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. 

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3. SEQUINS AND SHIMMER

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.

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4. MAXI VS MINI

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.

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5. BOLD STRIPES

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.

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6. CUT-OUTS

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.

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