Trends » Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends

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Despite the hardships of social distancing, we still got to enjoy an original and creative fashion month and many exciting spring/summer 2022 fashion trends!

If there is an article that every fashion girl ecstatically looks forward to, it’s the trend report. And if there is an article I love writing, it would be this one. After all, who wouldn’t want to have the glorious task of summing up the popular looks seen at Fashion Weeks around the globe and compiling the all-important list of them for fellow fashion lovers everywhere? But enough about me, you aren’t here to read about my adoration of fashion trends – no doubt, you’d much prefer to find out all the spring 2022 trends, and, boy, are there plenty for you to get excited about!

It seems that the spring/summer 2022 fashion trends will be the year of the extra. Extra color, extra pattern, and most definitely extra details! Think of the feathered Fendi coats and Tom Ford’s sequined excitement if you need any proof – really, it’s enough eclecticism to make even Carrie Bradshaw die of excitement.

While everything seems a bit more chaotic than normal on the runways (and in the world), other designers sought to create a softer and more playful style. Dior went back to the ‘60s with mod minis and suits, but even then, there was an itching to escape if the tiger print proved anything. Dior wasn’t the only brand to traverse back in time, though: Alberta Ferretti channeled the ancient Greeks and Romans with loosely draped items fit for a goddess. So, while these trends may not go together perfectly, what is fashion without a bit of chaos?

Details

#1. Fancy in Feathers

If you walk down the street only to find brightly colored feathers on the ground, odds are a rare bird didn’t visit your neighborhood but rather a very chic friend. Completely bougie, feather trimming is quickly becoming a fan favorite, with designers at Bottega Veneta, Christian Cowan, David Koma, and Fendi all choosing to partake in the look. If you’re someone that likes to hop on trends quickly, now is the perfect time because, according to Google Trends, searches for feathered dresses are 4X more popular now than last year.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Feathers

#2. All about the Oval

Spring and summer are both months when we naturally all show our skin a bit more, and this year it seems that slashes are passé and circles of our flesh completely off-trend. But ovals? Ovals are definitely here. The sexy fashion trend appeared in all the four fashion capitals, with designers primarily taking fabric from either the neckline or stomach. Look to Nina Ricci or Ottolinger if you need inspiration.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Oval Cutouts

#3. Sequin Mania

There is no way to ignore the love for sequins this spring and summer. While the detail might often be put aside for holidays, they are meant to be worn year around this upcoming season. Badgley Mischka has fulfilled the need for sequined jumpsuits, and Thebe Magugu created a sequined button-down, but if you’re still struggling to find any sparkling items, heading to Tom Ford is an excellent bet, as his runway was filled with glittering items.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Sequins

#4. Fringe Effect

Fringe may have been popular last year, but this year, it’s returned with a vengeance. It doesn’t matter whether the item is a dress or skirt (or shirt or jacket), the long swinging tassels undoubtedly pronounce one thing: fringe is a 2022 fashion trend. So, hit up Chloe for multicolored strings or Burberry and Balmain for other takes on the trend, but either way, you’ll want to endlessly spin this season to show off this fun detail.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Fringe

#5. Out on the Train

This year, you can make the ultimate exit at parties when you leave because long trains attached to mini dresses have become infinitely chic. From Gucci to Prada and Louis Vuitton to Valentino, the addition of long satin trains played a key role in their collections. Di Felice at Courregès also advocated for the trend, with an endlessly long train trailing behind the model. Cue the dramatic exit music!

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Trains

#6. Dapper in Draping

Draped details have taken on a new focus for the spring and summer months. While draping might be a crucial part of the fashion design process, purely draped materials that would suit a Greek goddess are often not the end result that walks down the runway. This year, however, is quite different, with many Grecian silhouettes finding their way into collections. Consider the Rick Owens, Loewe, and Richard Malone collections this past September if you need any coaxing, but it certainly seems that bodycon dresses are out, and the floating fabric is in.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Draping

#7. I See London, I See France and Soon I’m Seeing Your Underpants

This daring trend might be more difficult for many to get into (I certainly don’t think I’ll be able to wear it) but for those that can – more power to you! After all, you’re in good company, considering Kate Middleton even pulled off this trend back in her college days when it was popular before. So, it’s time to put on your favorite pair of panties and find a see-through dress you’re comfortable in. Luckily there are plenty to choose from, with David Koma and Loewe both creating options. But if you want to nix the dress altogether, Chanel has many options that are simply upgraded underwear.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Visible Underwear

#8. Strapped up

There is no way that by now, the look of waistbands has eluded you, but perhaps its distant cousin has. If that’s the case, then allow me to introduce you to the waist ties. As the name implies, these sassy ties will adorn your waist, and many designers found them to be the detail they couldn’t get enough of. While Balmain updated the trend of showing your thong with built-in lines above the waistband, both Etro and Altuzarra crisscrossed fabric across the stomach to only partially reveal some skin. It’s safe to say that this fashion trend will have everyone fit to be tied!

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Waist Ties/Straps

Garments Overall

#9. Micro-Minis

If there were any spring trend I’d want you to know, it would be the rise of the micro-minis. These infinitely short skirts have taken the fashion world by storm, with many designers creating skirts that are perhaps no more than five inches in length. Take Prada or Dior as an example, often more renowned for their classic silhouettes, the micro-mini was progressively popular on their runways. Along with them, Virginie Viard at Chanel ditched the longer versions of the classic skirt suit for delicate and scrumptious minis.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Mini Skirts

#10. Bras as Tops

Along with the revealing trend of showing off your underwear, wearing a bra as a shirt has also become the height of chic. From Missoni to Miu Miu, this out-from-under look is certainly popular. And while some might argue that it’s no more revealing than going to the beach, if you find yourself uncomfortable, placing a jacket over it is perfectly acceptable, as Tom Ford proved.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Bras as Tops

#11. Twist on the Trench

Trench coats are forever a staple to any complete wardrobe, but this year, they’re getting a revamp. Instead of the loose and flowing fabric or the structured style that they often come in, this year, designers decided to spice up the garment. At Balenciaga, the coat was splattered with paint, Riccardo Tisci removed the back from his coats, and Thebe Magugu color-blocked his with a vibrant blue and tugged it off the shoulder. While drastically upcycling your classic trench isn’t the best option, investing in a new one certainly is.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Trench Coats

#12. Bodycon Jumpsuits

Let’s blame Kim Kardashian’s Balenciaga Met Gala look for this up-and-coming trend. While this jumpsuit won’t allow you to hide anything, it will be perfect for any parties you’re planning on going to. So, whether there is a crazy print like at Roberto Cavalli, a tight jersey like at Saint Laurent or a knit material like at Acne Studios, this will be the perfect spring trend to show off all of your beautiful curves.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Catsuits

#13. Tracksuits or No Suits

Oh, yes, the Paris Hilton-approved look of the early aughts is back once more. While velour is no longer the key material of the 2022 tracksuit, many designers still reached for it. Think Loewe, Blumarine, and MSGM if you need any inspiration. The only question that remains is; will this lead to a return of Juicy Couture?

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Tracksuits

#14. The Bigger, the Better

The polar opposite of micro skirts, maxi skirts have also become incredibly popular. The floor-grazing style first found its way onto our Instagram and TikTok feed about vintage thrift, but designers soon decided to channel their earlier predecessors to create their own versions of the streamlined skirt.

Trend reporting company LYST has already confirmed this with the statement, “Short hemlines might be defining the current season, but maxi long lines are coming in hot for the next one.” So, if you plan to take this fashion trend advice seriously, Peter Do, Saint Laurent, Chloe, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy all have their own versions of the summer 2022 runway trend. 

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Maxi Skirts

#15. Say ‘I Do’ to a White Dress

While I will never advocate for you to get married before you’re ready, if you are planning to get married in 2022, then this is the perfect time to do so. Designers were clearly hearing wedding bells of their own as they created the pure white confections that were clearly meant for a wedding. So, whether you prefer modest or sexy silhouettes, there are plenty of dreamy white dresses to go around. Consider Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, and Louis Vuitton, who all ditched ballgowns for the wedding dress of your dreams.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: White Dresses

#16. Leather Fever

The ‘model-off-duty’ classic of a leather jacket is back on the runway once more with glorious takes on the rough garment. Created more classically at both Acne Studios and Miu Miu, the jacket got a bit stranger at other shows. Think oversized, coated-in zippers, mixed with denim and shoulder pads galore. If any of those items sound like a trend you want to pull off in 2022, then head to Prada, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, or Simone Rocha – you’ll be certain to find a modern take on the biker jacket.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Leather Jackets

#17. Corset Tops 

Love them or hate them, but corset-style tops are back once again. Some occurred in the form of classic corsets, and others came as bustiers, but it’s certain that this trend will reach a fever pitch in the spring. Both Hadid sisters have been seen sporting the trend, and while neither needed a body-cinching piece (and nor do you), this seemed to provide some inspiration to designers. So be it Loewe, Givenchy, or Balmain, the sultry and elegant design is a sculptural must-have in your wardrobe.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Corset Tops

#18. Time to Coordinate

Coordinated dressing isn’t just for when you’re younger! This perfectly Instagrammable look of matching tops and bottoms played out on runways across all four fashion capitals. So, when you look to create a matchy-matchy look this spring and summer, heading to Dior or Acne Studios will be your best bet.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Co-Ord Sets

#19. Blazers for Days

Both preppy and chic, blazers are the perfect addition to any outfit. Because they are the perfect layering piece (and return to the office look), many designers found comfort in the oversized blazer. Alexander McQueen, Nina Ricci, and Miu Miu all went for the structured blazer effect with shoulder pads in place for the inner corporate boss hidden in all of us. Saint Laurent, on the other hand, made the blazer ready for nightlife – an oversized blazer and nothing else at all might be your new go-to look for a night out.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Oversized Blazers

Textures and Materials

#20. Rough as Leather

Considering leather jackets are on this list, and other leather details were also placed prominently on the catwalk at times as well, it only seemed fair to talk about the rough leather that was often used. In collections such as Miu Miu, Acne Studios, and Dolce & Gabbana, smooth leather was ditched for a more roughed-up look. Perhaps it increased the appearance of toughness on the leather jacket or simply added a bit of extra pizazz – but whatever the reason, we are here for it!

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Rough Leather

#21. Netting

Netted and mesh items found their way out of fisherman’s bags onto the most popular runways of the season. Often loosely held together, the fabric created dresses and skirts for designers such as Ludovic Saint Sernin, Rejina Pyo, and at Bottega Veneta, the mesh was laced with metallic details.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Netting

#22. Crochet All Day

Along with netted items, crochet details and full-on garments proved to be popular once more. At times, the pieces were layered over suits or in matching sets, but either way, the vintage detail brought us all a bit closer to our past. If you’re interested in finding some of your own crocheted pieces, check out Altuzarra and Gabriella Hearst.

From the colorful tops and flowing dresses to loose skirts, this homespun look proved to be highly adopted in Milan. Etro and Jil Sander both went the more colorful route with bright tones popping up throughout the garments, but Alberta Ferretti and No.21 flew with the monochromatic theme of the 2022 catwalks.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Crochet

#23. Tulle Times

This soft and airy fabric is perfect not only for sheer dresses but also for adding extra fluff to any other garments. Most prominently used among British designers, the dressed-up trend is certainly having a moment. While Molly Goddard, surprisingly, decided to take a more relaxed approach to tulle, other designers such as Simone Rocha and Alice Temperley of Temperley London worked to heighten their impact on the dramatic detail.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Tulle

Themes

#24. Beachwear

The seasons of spring and summer are really just vehicles to go to the beach, and because many designers realized this, they simply decided to take the beach to us. Sort of! Surfer-cool colors and beach-ready outfits were presented at Chanel, Anna Sui, and Botter, who all proved to miss the warm sand beneath their toes as much as the crashing waves. And need I mention the tiny bikini tops that Italian designers fell in love with?

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Beachwear

#25. Dark Academia

School isn’t always everyone’s favorite thing, but this year, the nostalgia for school has become something else. Once again, a subculture that popped up on social media, this time Dark Academia, has influenced designers. As this nosedive into classical literature and private schools occurred, many brands reacted by streamlining their clothes to fit the aesthetic. Think school uniforms à la Raf Simons or oversized cable-knit sweaters at Lacoste! Whatever way you choose to wear this spring trend, just make sure to go for the neutrals – or don’t, the choice is yours.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: School Uniforms

#26. Swinging ‘60s

‘60s-style mod mini dresses and skirts have also become increasingly popular, with many designers straying away from belted details and going for the column look. Valentino, Giambattista Valli, and Prada all created a few options, but Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri went all out with a Mad Men-approved style that is to die for.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Swinging '60s

#27. ‘90s Mania

It’s no secret that ‘90s nostalgia is something that appears to be coming back in full force once again. The main brand that dove fully into this era was Chanel. A dominating force back in the ‘90s and still masterfully on top today, Virginie Viard decided to recall the heyday of the brand from the time when Karl Lagerfeld first got to work at revamping the company. For this ode to vintage Chanel, mini suit sets, string bikinis, and logomania were brought back – the only thing missing was Kate and Naomi! Of course, Chanel wasn’t the only brand to draw influence from the ‘90s, though. So, if you want more diverse choices, head to Acne Studios and Missoni for a 2020s take on the 1990s.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: '90s Fashion

#28. Y2K, Continued

Just when we thought it could be escaped, 2000s trends came back once more. As LYST once again summarized correctly, “Nostalgia prevailed, with designers taking cues from eras past to influence future trends.” So, with the 2000s looks, low-rise pants are certainly back, and butterfly patterns have returned. If you’re ready to once again pay homage to your inner Paris and Britney, there’s still time to head to Blumarine, Chanel, and Fendi for some true time traveling.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Y2K Fashion

#29. Monochrome Outfits

Monochrome outfits are something that, as a stylist, I always recommend: infinitely chic and so easy to put together, they are the perfect throw-on look. And the fact that many designers chose to incorporate them into the way they presented their collections proved that many people are just as ready for the monochrome fashion trend as I am. So, go yellow like Chloe or green like Bottega Veneta or any other color you desire – there’s an entire rainbow to choose from!

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Monochrome Outfits

#30. Color Blocking

As we previously mentioned in our print trend report, color blocking is a key spring fashion trend, with many designers finding different versions of the look to create a style that goes with their aesthetic. The two main ways that color blocking happened in the spring/summer 2022 collections were either abstract or split color blocking, with many designers dabbling in both. But whatever style you’d prefer, there are options at Fendi, Alice + Olivia, Loewe, and Dior.

Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends: Color Blocking

Photos via Vogue