These Fashion Trends Defined 2022 — Here’s How To Shop Them

Less than three months before the new year, you might be tempted to overlook 2022's biggest fashion trends in favor of a 24/7 sweatpants existence until 2023. Lucky for you, soft clothes are a piece of the style puzzle. That said, they’re not the only items on deck. 

Nostalgia is the name of the game.

With Y2K fashion peaking higher than ever, the remainder of the year has plenty of fun trends in store. Spotlight-stealing attire with a joyous mood is taking over ahead of the holidays, from vivid colors and prints to bold silhouettes like bubble dresses, volume tops, cut-outs galore, and ultra-low rises on pants and skirts.

Accessories are in on the fun, too. Think: chunky-AF platforms, rainbow-bright bags, and a more-is-more jewelry aesthetic combining beads, pearls, and rhinestone-decked baubles. Oh, and if your 2022 resolution was to adopt a new signature color, you better make it purple — it’s the 2022 hue in all tints, from Pantone’s Very Peri color of the year to saturated violet and lavender shades. 

Ahead, a deeper dive into 2022's biggest fashion trends to fit before the year ends. Naturally, with an edit to shop. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

2022 Fashion Trend: Sweats 2.0

Whether an oversize, fleece-lined jogger is your jam or you’re more the elevated soft-pants type, preferring knitted flares and flowy culottes, leisurely bottoms continue to be a 2022 constant, mostly thanks to the continuation of hybrid work setups.

Victor Glemaud Wool Flared Leg Pants, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Skims Cozy Knit Pant, $, available at Skims

Tibi Tropical Wool Pull On Wilt Jogger, $, available at Tibi

Donni Eco-Fleece Roll Pant, $, available at Donni

Cuyana Washable Silk Wide-Leg Drawstring Pant, $, available at Cuyana

2022 Fashion Trend: Voluminous Silhouettes

From oversize shirting to ballooned silhouettes and a continuation of the puff sleeve trend, dresses and tops will retain their volume through the end of the year. If anything, the latter will spice up all the soft pants you’ll probably still be rocking on the bottom.

Carolina K Kendall Blouse, $, available at Carolina K

Dôen Meribel shirred floral-print cotton-voile midi dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Good American Tapped Poplin Shirt, $, available at Good American

Staud Luna Top, $, available at Shopbop

Rebecca Taylor Pleated Romper, $, available at Rebecca Taylor

2022 Fashion Trend: Platform Shoes

From sky-high heels to flatforms, loafers, ankle-strap heels, boots, and even clogs, this year's most popular shoe silhouette is amped up for a throwback-inspired lift. So, go ahead and give your micro-heels a break — 2022 is all about chunky soles. 

Melissa Farah Platform Mary Jane, $, available at Nordstrom

Katy Perry Collections The Uplift Buckle Platform Pump, $, available at Nordstrom

Larroudé Miso Sandals, $, available at Shopbop

Simon Miller Vegan Platform Bubble Clog, $, available at Simon Miller

Brother Vellies Empire Platform Boot, $, available at Brother Vellies

2022 Fashion Trend: Low-Rise Pants

Dipping wayyyy below the belly button, the low-slung pant and micro-mini skirt are back in full force. If you're not the snug ‘n’ stretchy thong-revealing style type, embrace the look via low-slung denim, leather pants, or cargos á la Jennifer Aniston in the ’90s.

Miaou Black Dita Trousers, $, available at SSENSE

Urban Outfitters UO Peachy Low-Rise Mini Skirt, $, available at Urban Outfitters

The Ragged Priest Low-Rise Baggy Jeans, $, available at Free People

Ester Manas Asymmetric Drape Skirt Black, $, available at The Webster

With Jean Tommy Cargo Pant, $, available at With Jean

2022 Fashion Trend: The Color Purple

From Pantone’s calming Very Peri to more saturated tones with a regal air, pieces tinged with purple are everywhere, so lock in your signature hue before it's too late.

Ganni X Levi's Western Blouse, $, available at Ganni

Zara Faux Leather Leggings, $, available at Zara

Hanifa Miya Knit Cardigan Dress, $, available at Hanifa

ALOHAS South Bicolor Lilac Boot, $, available at alohas

Simple Retro Ruby High Neck Purple Knit Sweater, $, available at Simple Retro

2022 Fashion Trend: Regencycore, Continued 

Corsets, pearls, lady cardigans, and prim florals show no signs of a slow-down. Embrace this form of head-to-toe elegance for polished occasions like work or a party. Or, flirt with the trend with a single frilled piece combined with leggings and sneakers.   

Reformation Twilight Dress, $, available at Reformation

Wald Pas De Deux Necklace, $, available at Wald

Eloquii Bustier Top, $, available at Eloquii

LoveShackFancy Cropped Tweed Cardigan, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Maje Cotton Shirt with Small Flower Print, $, available at Maje

2022 Fashion Trend: Cutouts

No shame in the cutout game. Skin is still in, and cleverly-placed cutouts on dresses, tops, even the occasional low-rise bottom will stick around as part of the Aughts 2.0 fashion movement. 

Oak + Fort Cutout Blazer Dress, $, available at Oak + Fort

I Am Gia Amina Pant, $, available at I Am Gia

H&M Cut-out Dress, $, available at H&M

Onia Kaia Tricot Bikini Top, $, available at Onia

Autumn Adeigbo Solid Keiko Blouse, $, available at Autumn Adeigbo

2022 Fashion Trend: Bra Tops

Pshh to real shirts, right? Whether dressing comfy at home or making a bolder statement for a night out, the bra has officially reached “real top” status. Layer yours under a shacket or oversize blazer for balance.

Bevza Seashell Pleated Satin Bra Top, $, available at Intermix

Paloma Wool Consuelo Organic Cotton Blend Bra Top, $, available at Nordstrom

Jonathan Simkhai Aeris Bra Top, $, available at FWRD

Ozma Sophie Crop, Silk Noil, $, available at Ozma

Everlane The Seamless Bra, $, available at Everlane

2022 Fashion Trend: Bright Bags

Orange, pink, yellow, green, and bright blue are just a few ways to get in on the rainbow-bright bag trend. If not a single color to accent an outfit, go for a two-tone design or one swirling in several shades. 

By Far Dulce Shoulder Bag, $, available at Revolve

Coach Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 18, $, available at Coach

JW PEI Gabbi Bag in Pink, $, available at JW PEI

Brandon Blackwood The Syl Bag, $, available at Shopbop

Charles & Keith Ridley Chain-Link Boxy Bag - Mustard, $, available at Charles & Keith

2022 Fashion Trend: Mod Print

From A-line mini skirts to near-dizzying motifs — butterflies included — designers nodded to the ’60s on the runways while adding a dash of Y2K nostalgia to the pot. So, embrace your inner print mixer by combining bold with bolder (think: jacquard knit sweater and swervy skirt to start.

La Femme Apéro Dammier Knit Set, $, available at La Femme Apéro

Vatka Lokum Pants, $, available at Lisa Says Gah

River Island Swirl Print Miniskirt, $, available at Nordstrom

Collina Strada Thumbtastic Mock Neck Mesh Top, $, available at Nordstrom

Topshop Tie Dye Ruched Long Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

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