As this in-between season gets more confusing, with warm spring days that turn into winter at night, you might be tempted to overlook 2022's biggest fashion trends, seen on the runways in September, in favor of a 24/7 sweatpants existence. Lucky for you, soft clothes are a piece of the 2022 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 for the next reemergence wave. Spotlight-stealing attire with a joyous mood is taking over, from vivid colors and prints to bold silhouettes like bubble dresses, volume tops, cutouts 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 New Year’s 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. 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, we’re predicting leisurely bottoms as a 2022 constant, mostly thanks to the continuation of hybrid work setups.
Cuyana French Terry Pleated Front Pant, $, available at Cuyana
The Great The Pointelle Lounge Crop Pants, $, available at Shopbop
Victor Glemaud Chain Link Wide-Leg Cropped Pants, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
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.
Ulla Johnson Hana Pullover Sweater, $, available at FWRD
Rebecca Taylor Pleated Romper, $, available at Rebecca Taylor
Good American Tabbed Poplin Shirt, $, available at Good American
3.1 Phillip Lim Multi Strap Bubble Taffeta Top, $, available at 3.1 Phillip Lim
From sky-high heels to flatform silhouettes, loafers, ankle-strap heels, boots, even clogs are amped up for a throwback-inspired lift. So, go ahead and give your micro-heels a break — 2022 is all about chunky soles.
Naked Wolfe Jackie Black, $, available at Naked Wolfe
Ganni Suede Creepers T-Strap, $, available at Ganni
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 Thong 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
Superdown Tamella Mini Skirt, $, available at Revolve
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 — lock in your signature hue sooner rather than later.
byFAR Mini Rachel Violet Circular Croco Embossed Leather Bag, $, available at byFAR
Hanifa Miya Knit Cardigan Dress, $, available at Hanifa
ALOHAS South Bicolor Lilac Boot, $, available at alohas
Aritzia Lula Long-Sleeve Shirt, $, available at Aritzia
Helmut Lang Wrap Skirt, $, available at Helmut Lang
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
Eloquii Puff Sleeve Velvet Corset Top, $, available at Eloquii
LoveShackFancy Daughter Tweed Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Moda Operandi
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.
A.L.C. Clara Rib Knit Dress In Bluestone, $, available at The Yes
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.
Urban Outfitters Violetta Seamless Crisscross Bralette, $, available at Out From Under
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.
Balmain BBuzz 23 Pouch Clutch Bag, $, available at Farfetch
Coach Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 18, $, available at Coach
Brandon Blackwood The Syl Bag, $, available at Shopbop
Charles & Keith Panelled Chain Handle Bag In 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 (thin: jacquard knit sweater and swervy skirt to start.
Collina Strada Turquoise Butterfly Ivy Top, $, available at Collina Strada
Summer is officially right around the corner, and after the last two years put a damper on the majority of our travel, social, and really, any sort of plans we had in mind, we’re looking ahead to a sunny few months of actually doing things — safely, of course. That said, get ready for what we’re predicting will be a Hot Plans Summer.
Whether you’ll be relaxing on the beach or hopping from brunch to a barbecue, we’re here to take some stress out of all that, well, planning. We partnered with Macy’s to create a guide of the 10 must-have essentials for wherever the warm weather may take you — think breezy sundresses, chic-yet-practical accessories, and thebest-in-show beauty products for keeping your skin and hair in tip-top condition, despite sweltering heat and humidity. And to ensure you’ll be supporting small businesses along the way, our picks all come from the soon-to-be-grads of The Workshop at Macy’s vendor accelerator program.
Keep reading for your summer plans shopping checklist.
The Original Underarm Brightening Deodorant Cream
The Hot Plan: Weekend beach trip
Why we love this product: A trip to the beach calls for us to forgo any type of sleeve situation, revealing our underarms to the world. A must for pre-trip prep, this innovative brightening deodorant cream addresses a multitude of bothersome pit problems, from fading hyperpigmentation and dark spots to soothing razor burn and preventing ingrown hairs — all while keeping B.O. at bay. It’s also formulated with sensitive skin in mind, so rest assured, it’ll be gentle and non-irritating on even the most delicate underarms.
Forgotten Skincare The Original Underarm Brightening Deodorant Cream, $, available at Macy's
Moisturizing Skin Moisture Cream
The Hot Plan: A long flight, anywhere
Why we love this product: The one downside to vacationing in a far-off destination? The fact that long flights wreak absolute havoc on our skin — even during summer months when it tends to lean on the oilier side. Cue this light-as-air moisturizer. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, squalene, jojoba seed oil, and apricot kernel oil, it provides deep nourishment sans any greasy residue. Slather it on after you land to revive flight-ravaged skin, revealing a plump, supple, amply hydrated complexion.
Sabila Skincare Moisturizing Skin Moisture Cream, $, available at Macy's
Go Green Kimono Maxi Dress
The Hot Plan: Sunday brunch
Why we love this product: Outdoor brunching is synonymous with summer, and this dress is just the thing to throw on when you have eggs and a Bloody Mary in your future. Crafted from sustainable bamboo and dyed with eco-friendly vegetable pigments, it’s breezy and breathable enough for sticky afternoon heat. Plus, the kimono-style silhouette can be dressed up or down pretty effortlessly — strappy flat sandals, casual white sneakers, or statement heels all pair well.
Dai Moda Go Green Kimono Maxi Dress, $, available at Macy's
Olivia Bra
The Hot Plan: A hot date
Why we love this product: No matter where you hope the night may take you, there’s something to be said about throwing on some confidence-boosting lingerie underneath a date-night ensemble, and this lacy little number is it. However, the pearl-beaded halter straps are pretty enough to be shown off — style it as a top underneath an oversized blazer if you’re feeling more daring.
Why we love this product: A day spent relaxing by the pool may be peak summer bliss, but a mix of chlorine and sweat is the perfect storm for a dry, itchy scalp. This hair oil’s nourishing blend of Jamaican black castor oil, tea tree, and lavender essential oil work hard to soothe and hydrate the scalp, helping to tamp down itchiness and flaking. Also nice? The formula helps promote healthy hair growth, meaning you’ll have strong, lustrous strands by fall.
My Mommy Wisdom Crown Care Hair Growth Oil, $, available at Macy's
Carryall Tote
The Hot Plan: Park picnicking
Why we love this product: A good picnic calls for proper snack packing, requiring a roomy tote that will fit it all. Crafted from sturdy recycled canvas and printed using eco-friendly inks, this oversized bag is not only a chic choice for summer, but a sustainable one to boot. More importantly, it features a waterproof lining that makes any accidental spills a breeze to clean up.
Why we love this product: Nothing can ruin a day of exploring more than not-so-comfy undies, especially when temperatures are well above sweltering levels. These 100% natural silk briefs are not only supremely soft, but their moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool and dry all day long, regardless of the humidity index.
Uwila Warrior Soft Silk Brief with Scalloped Lace Trim, $, available at Macy's
Pure Moringa Facial Oil
The Hot Plan: Rooftop dance party
Why we love this product: When it comes to summer’s skin-baring going-out ensembles (hello, Y2K revival), a glow-boosting oil that can be applied all over is key. Formulated with nothing but 100% pure moringa oil, this multi-use moisturizer imbues skin and hair with fast-absorbing hydration, leaving you silky — not sticky — from head to toe.
True Moringa Pure Moringa Facial Oil, $, available at Macy's
Why we love this product: When your party plans call for dressing up, consider something fluttery and light to ensure you keep cool. This hi-lo tunic dress is breezy enough for warmer weather, while the statement sleeves steer it away from feeling too casual. The button-down front also allows for plenty of styling versatility; try wearing it open over a cami and tailored trousers.
Terese Sydonna Fan Sleeve Dress, $, available at Macy's
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