New Year, New Trends

 

2022 Trend Predictions

Written by Rachel Reingold, Contributing Writer

Photo compiled by Jessica Katz, Online Editor

Make room in your closet for the up-and-coming trends of 2022. Based on runway looks and celebrity attire, the Y2K aesthetic continues to be on the fashion radar. Here are some trend predictions from this nostalgic era to look out for.

Platform Shoes

Versace never disappoints when it comes to bringing back platforms time and time again. For fall/winter 2021, Versace created the first-ever monogram heels which elevated their traditional Mary Janes (Waterhouse, 2021). The brand continued its modernized strategy for spring 2022 with more options, including loafers, mules and sandals. These platforms are simplistic in design but eye-catching in the height of the shoe itself. While Versace jump-started this comeback, there are definitely more affordable options, like Steven Madden and Sam Edelman, to amp up your style for any occasion.

Low-Rise Bottoms

When I think of Y2K, my mind jumps to low-waisted jeans; they’re not your traditional skinny style, but instead, a relaxed fit or boot cut. MIU MIU added a twist to the low-rose style by incorporating mini and midi khaki skirts in their spring 2022 runway show (Petrarca, 2021). MIU MIU used all genders to model low-rise bottoms, accessorized with a belt and paired with a layering of two shirts. Tom Ford took low-rise a more comfortable route with vibrant satin joggers, a practical option for lounging around and everyday life (Phelps, 2021). 

Chainmail

If you’re thinking about your next party-ready outfit, look no further. Imagine Paris Hilton’s slinky chainmail dress from her birthday in 2002 (Barsamian, 2016). Not only was this trend huge in the early 2000s but also in 2017 where A-list celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Lais Ribeiro walked red carpets in silver and gold dresses. For spring and summer, designers have adopted brighter colors and different style garments other than dresses. Versace used the metal mesh material to create a neon green muscle tank and a purple mini skirt (Solá, 2021). In Coperni 2022 spring ready-to-wear, they modeled a silver maxi skirt, bodysuit and lingerie (Leitch, 2021). This trend is definitely going to be a show stopper. 

Cutouts

Kendall Jenner recently gained a lot of attention for her risque wedding attire: a black skin-tight dress with large cutouts across the chest and stomach. Many celebrities have sported this style on red carpets, making cutouts all the talk. In her spring 2022 line, Stella McCartney added movement and vibrancy to her garments with bright colors and multiple cutouts (Madsen, 2021). Balmain took the trend in a different direction, using cutouts to expose the midriff (Leitch, 2021). While this trend may look intimidating, give it a chance, as cutouts are eye-catching and infuse sex appeal into any outfit. As a styling tip, make sure to maintain skin continuity without any distractions from hair or accessories. 

Catsuits

This year, fashion is feeling a little frisky. Catsuits are a surprise but very versatile when it comes to street style, athleisure or a night out. This trend made its appearance on red carpets, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian wearing a pink Balenciaga catsuit and Lizzo wearing a floral Richard Quinn catsuit (Lee, 2021). Celebrity clothing brands have incorporated catsuits into their collections, such as Skims X Fendi and Ivy Park x Adidas, so the everyday consumer can opt for this figure-hugging one piece. 

Micro Mini Skirts

Showing a little leg never killed anybody. Mini skirts have been the buzz for quite some time and designers are now reinterpreting them. MIU MIU designed a khaki school girl mini skirt style, reminiscent of Britney Spears’ “...Baby One More Time” music video (Bateman & Cruz, 2021). Other designers, like Dior and Valentino, are taking a more sophisticated route by pairing a mini skirt with a matching blazer allowing the outfit to turn into a day-to-night look (Spring 2022 Trend: Miniskirt Suit, 2021). 

Fringe

Designers are taking fringe to a whole new length, adding extra movement in a dramatic way. Fringe has been reconstructed over the years, first originating with Mesopotamian feathered fringe (THE ORIGIN OF THE FRINGES, 2020). Through the incorporation of western influence, more modernized fringe designs were born like tassel flapper dresses of the 1920s and hippie outfits of the 1960s. In these references, fringe was designed as short frayed ends, however, designers like Ferragamo and Chloé used the loose strings to hang from the chest or waist and reach the floor (Meis, 2021). Fendi also used the free-flowing material to create a tiered effect by laying fringe on top of fringe. 


As trends are constantly evolving, keep in mind that practicality is important. Staying true to your style and using pieces that are already in your closet will help elevate these trends. You will not have to over-buy on clothes you may not wear in the future once the trend has passed.

Sources

  • Barsamian, E. (2016, November 3). Kendall Jenner and Paris Hilton's 21st Birthday Dresses. Vogue.

  • Bateman, K., & Cruz, I. (2021, October 22). Why the Micro-Mini Skirt Is 2021's Biggest Fashion Statement. W Magazine.

  • Lee, V. (2021, December 25). How 7 Celebrities Style Catsuits So Differently. The Zoe Report.

  • Leitch, L. (2021, September 29). Balmain Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Vogue.

  • Leitch, L. (2021, September 30). Coperni Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Vogue.

  • Madsen, C. (2021, October 4). Stella McCartney Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Vogue.

  • Meis, A. C. (2021, October 1). Dior, Chloé, Versace, and More Debut Dramatic Fringe on Spring/Summer 2022 Runways. L'OFFICIEL USA.

  • THE ORIGIN OF THE FRINGES. (2020, August 7). Corbeto's Boots.

  • Petrarca, E. (2021, October 5). Miu Miu Showed Y2K Low-Rise Bottoms and Micro-Mini Skirts. The Cut.

  • Phelps, N. (2021, September 13). Tom Ford Spring 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Vogue.

  • Solá, F. (2021, December 23). Y2K Style Metal Mesh Is Back For 2021 Holidays. Refinery29.

  • Spring 2022 Trend: Miniskirt Suit. (2021, October 11). Vogue.

  • Waterhouse, J. (2021, December 15). Platform shoes are back, and here's how to wear them. Vogue Australia.

 
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