Dopamine dressing is taking over in the fashion trends 2022, so boost your mood, your confidence, and your style credentials for the year ahead.
The fashion trends 2022 has to offer are set to reinvigorate your wardrobe. It’s been a rocky road when it comes to style the last couple of years, but with fashion weeks in full swing, many designers are finally getting to showcase their collections IRL for the first time since February 2020.
There's no better time to re-evaluate your capsule wardrobe and work out which pieces are wardrobe essentials, the ones you can bypass for future seasons, and what you need to update now. If you’ve been spending your time in the best loungewear or muted neutral colors, this year's fashion trends are expected to be an explosion into dressing up again. Katie Eastwood, stylist ambassador at online personal styling service Stitch Fix, says, “I’m predicting 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.”
While trends like Dopamine dressing are on the way (think mood-boosting brights), there are plenty of trends you can weave into your wardrobe now to wear seamlessly with your best jeans or best winter coat until the weather warms up. Take inspiration from our top trend picks and start building your new-season style now.
BIGGEST FASHION TRENDS FORECAST FOR 2022
Most of the styles you’ll be seeing in stores filter down from the runways and the fashion trends forecast for 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 runways were filled with bright, daring pieces that have been lacking from our closets for 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 woman&home fashion director, Paula Moore. “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. 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 trends to look out for in 2022.
1. TOP-TO-TOE COLOUR
Forget tan, neutrals, or classic creams, this season is an explosion of all things bright—and it’s not one for wallflowers. Models walking for Christian Dior and Versace were seen in a top-to-toe color that really makes 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 Paula. "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, and 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.
WHERE TO SHOP
Uterqüe—best for unique separates
Essential Antwerp—best for colorful, quirky prints
Zara—best for bright accessories
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 the 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.
Chunky sandals: The ‘dad’ sandals aren’t going anywhere this season as hefty soles and simple designs continue to take center stage. Flat-soled sandals bring a laid-back, super cool feel to any look and minimize fuss, making this footwear the perfect companion to fringing. Check out the best 2022 shoe trends 2022 for more inspiration.
WHERE TO SHOP
Mango—best for crochet pieces
Cos—best for chunky sandals
All Saints—best for fringing and tassels
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.
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 a plain 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.
WHERE TO SHOP
ASOS—best for dramatic dresses
Whistles—best for responsible sequins
Warehouse—best for colorful sparkle
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, 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. Add tights for extra coverage until the weather warms up.
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.
WHERE TO SHOP
Make—best for cool-but-sophisticated style
Massimo Dutti—best for a muted color palette
Stradivarius—best for affordable trends
5. BOLD STRIPES
Read between the lines this season and embrace bold, defined stripes. There were no pinstripes insight 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.
WHERE TO SHOP
Lands End—best for Breton tops
Market—best for oversized stripes
Boden —best for bright patterns