Fashion trends 2022: the key styles to shop this summer

The sun is finally shining, meaning it's time to soak up the fashion trends 2022 has to offer. Ready to reinvigorate your wardrobe, this season is packed full of summer-ready brights, chic artisanal detailing, and gorgeous accessories that will remind you of the joy of dressing up. 

The sun is out and we couldn't be happier about it. But that does mean that it's time to embrace the latest fashion trends 2022. With something to suit every taste and shape, this season really does have it all. Whether you're catching some rays in your backyard or heading off on vacation, you can instantly add a fresh feel to your capsule wardrobe by injecting some of this season's must-have items. 

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 bright color clothes of dopamine dressing, to discovering what is boho style, this summer is packed with trend-led pieces that will make you feel both stylish and relaxed. 

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 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 COLOR

Forget tan, neutrals, or classic creams, the fashion color trends 2022, are all about going bold and bright. 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.”

From the best pink dresses to new bolder iterations of the best blazers, this summer is the time to inject color into your closet. Ask yourself what color suits me and be most concerned by the hues near your face. If you're currently selecting what to wear to a wedding, or need an outfit for a christening, a block-colored look or bright print will easily reflect the joyous mood of the occasion.

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 high-waisted, wide-leg trousers cinch in your middle, and gently skim over your thighs. Add a boxy blazer and you’ve got the recipe for a chic and empowering look in seconds.

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 your best sandals and you're good to go.

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2. FRINGING DETAILS

With its tassels, crochet, and slouchy fits, this fashion trend has a more bohemian feel - conjuring up idyllic summer holidays, wearing chunky sandals and a fringed outfit that moves in the gentle sea breeze - you've got the idea. And to accessorize? All you need is a cocktail!

Seriously though, fringing is actually easy to wear and very flattering and it's also incredibly fun. Choose pieces where fringing falls cleverly over any areas you’re a little self-conscious of, and it easily skims over those areas, taking your look to a new level in the process.

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.”

While you can wear fringing subtly everyday, this is a great one for party season, particularly if you're on the hunt for what to wear to a festival this summer. The swishing fringe detail with help you dance the night away in style.

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 and easy to dress up or down for different summer events. 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 a fringing makeover. Look for open crochet knits and OTT tassel embellishments to add an instant and easy summer 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 concert 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 summer definitely help to celebrate the season in style. But sequins in the sun 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 jacket 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 the best midi dress styles that you can wear with pretty 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 spring/summer 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. 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. And while the micro is the most trend-led shape this season, straight-to-market brands know their audience, so you can still find plenty of 'just above the knee' styles if that's more your hem length. 

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 summer.

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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.

We saw this look feature heavily in the swimwear trends 2022, with subtle slashes at shoulders and backs as well as more racy thigh and midriff cut-out designs.

Still not convinced? 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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7. THE '00s

We know it feels as if the Noughties only just happened, but it’s been long enough for the turn-of-the-century styles to return to the runway. We're turning to the nostalgic era of double denim, satin joggers, and chokers. Yes, really. 

It can be difficult to embrace trends from years gone by without feeling as though you’re playing dress-up, but this season takes small nods from the decade rather than wearing it from head to toe. 

For example, be inspired by famed denim duo Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, and match your blue jeans with fitted shirts. Or swap your best leggings for a dressier, satin pair of lounge pants. 

WHAT TO BUY

Faded denim: To execute this trend perfectly, you need to swap your jeans for the kind of denim that already looks as though it’s lived a very full life. Faded or stonewash is ideal but darker shades work too. Then for added points, double it up, pairing with a denim shirt or your best denim jacket.

Slinky satin: Any satin will work wonderfully but if you really want to amp up the '00s aesthetic then go for pink or bold colors. Keep an eye on fabrics though, as some satin can end up looking a little cheap.

3/4-length boots: While the cowboy boot is once again reigning supreme, any 3/4 winter boot will work - you can wear them with everything from the best midi dresses to over your jeans.

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8. Elevated shapes

Go big or go home with this larger-than-life trend. Trapeze dresses have been rising up the fashion ranks for a while now, the total opposite of bodycon, this aesthetic is both comfortable and stylish - winning. A statement look, all it needs is a pair of simple gold hoops - check out our round-up of the best jewelry brands for inspiration - and add some sleek mules or your best white trainers. 

And this isn't just a summer fashion trend either, making this a solid investment buy that you can wear now and keep wearing through the next six months. Looking forward to the Fall 2022 fashion trends, we’re also seeing floor-sweeping maxi skirts in flattering A-line shapes as spotted at Carolina Herrera. Offset the voluminous shape and wear with fitted tees and tucked-in shirts that show off your waist for a flattering, hourglass silhouette.

WHAT TO BUY

Trapeze dresses: While a trapeze dress is by its nature an oversized dress, there are some aspects that are important to point out. A trapeze dress is not oversized everywhere. The dress should still fit you properly across the yoke of your back, shoulders and arms. The trapeze will start flaring out from just above or just below your bust line, making this a really comfortable style and one of the most stylish dresses to hide a tummy. A good choice for summer - especially if you look for cotton or linen fabrics - this easy breezy style makes a statement whilst looking effortless too. If you're looking for the best petite dresses in a trapeze shape, opt for shorter styles to avoid swamping your figure, taller frames can get away with maxi lengths.

A-line skirts: Take inspo from Carolina Herrera and go for this fit and flare style for a '50s inspired silhouette. Shorten the hem and go for midi lengths if a maxi length feels too overwhelming and stick to block colors. Pink is one to look for if you want to stay ahead of the curve.

Pared-back accessories: Whether that’s a slip-on mule or a sporty sandal, this trend is attention-grabbing as it is, so accessories need to be unfussy and minimal. 

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