Thursday, August 4, 2022

11 Summer Fashion Trends That Are The Definition Of Dopamine Dressing

Before you bring out your fall jackets, take one last shot at a Hot Plans Summer, at least fashion-wise. The biggest — and the most can't-miss — summer 2022 fashion trends like mini skirts and platform shoes, as well as mood-boosting styles like fringe, will ensure you're ready for a dopamine dressing takeover.

Bold colors had their fair share of moments on the spring/summer 2022 runways in September and will trickle down to street style and red carpets well into fall. As many in the industry predicted, cut-outs will also resume their reign as the most popular style to come out since pandemic restrictions have been lifted, as we continue to shed lockdown layers. From weddings to vacations and rooftop parties, there's a style for any occasion, whether it be a fully perforated catsuit or a midi dress with subtle slit detailing.

From hot pink, the hottest color of the year to summer's most playful (and trippy) print, welcome — and shop — the 11 biggest warm-weather fashion trends of 2022.

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.

Summer 2022 Trend: Platform Shoes


The higher, the better is the motto for shoes this summer. From chunky sandals to bubble clogs and double-stacked, ankle-strap platforms, sky-high shoes are the dance floor-ready accessory of the season.Photo: Courtesy of Moschino.

Summer 2022 Trend: Platform Shoes



Loeffler Randall Natalia Emerald Platform Bow Heel, $, available at Loeffler Randall

Summer 2022 Trend: Platform Shoes





Larroudé Miso Sandals, $, available at Shopbop

Summer 2022 Trend: Platform Shoes



Aldo Bambola, $, available at Aldo

Summer 2022 Trend: Platform Shoes



Naked Wolfe Spice Boots, $, available at Naked Wolfe

Summer 2022 Trend: Hot Pink


While summer will gave rise to many bold color trends — see: orange, neon green, and purple — hot pink is the color of the year. For proof, see the Valentino Fall 2022 show that featured monochrome fuchsia looks, as well as the Grammys 2022 red carpet, where celebrities like Saweetie, Billy Porter, and even Travis Barker wore various shades of the bold hue.Photo: Jonas Gustavsson

Summer 2022 Trend: Hot Pink



Reformation Seaside Linen Dress, $, available at Reformation

Summer 2022 Trend: Hot Pink



Frances Valentine Canvas Fringe Hat Pink, $, available at Frances Valentine

Summer 2022 Trend: Hot Pink





Good American Always Fits Hot One-Shoulder One-Piece, $, available at Good American

Summer 2022 Trend: Hot Pink



COS Oversized Mock Neck T-Shirt, $, available at COS

Summer 2022 Trend: Poolside Fashion


Even if you have no plans to be by the water this month,you can stilldress the part. At least that's the memo coming from Miami Swim Week and the runways of designers like Isabel Marant, Rejina Pyo (who showed the spring collection at an aquatics center!), and Jacquemus who presented poolside-perfect fashion in the form of bikinis worn over shirts and pants, fancy slides, and "coverups" that looked more fit for the nightclub than the beach club. Photo: Courtesy of Isabel Marant

Summer 2022 Trend: Poolside Fashion





PatBo Protea Ruffle String Bikini Top, $, available at Revolve

PatBo Protea Beach Skirt, $, available at Revolve

Summer 2022 Trend: Poolside Fashion



Tibi Leather Shorts, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Summer 2022 Trend: Poolside Fashion



Sarah Flint Arabesque Slide, $, available at Sarah Flint

Summer 2022 Trend: Poolside Fashion



With Jean Betsy Bikini Bottom | Cream, $, available at With Jean

With Jean Dylan Mini Skirt | Cream, $, available at With Jean

Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines


Bring out the party dresses and mini skirts to celebrate the final weeks of rooftop/patio/backyard season. Don't be afraid to be the center of attention at any outing with ultra-short hemlines, bodycon silhouettes, and printed designs. Photo: Greg Kessler

Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines



ASOS DESIGN Curve Asymmetric Drape Front Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS

Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines




Sézane Jelena Skirt, $, available at Sézane

Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines



Mikoh Magnolia Mini Dress, $, available at Mikoh

Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines





Sunday Best Rocco Skirt, $, available at Aritzia

Summer 2022 Trend: Colored Suits


While workwear might have been obliterated as a category as a result of the pandemic and the new hybrid-office models, it's no reason to give up the power suit. For summer, trade your black or tan pant style for something brighter. Or, even better, opt for a skirt suit with a NSFW hemline.Photo: Dan Lecca

Summer 2022 Trend: Colored Suits



Mango Double-breasted Suit Blazer, $, available at Mango

Mango Straight Suit Pants, $, available at Mango


LBV. Double Breasted Linen Blazer in Chartreuse, $, available at LBV.

LBV. Linen Short in Chartreuse, $, available at LBV.


& Other Stories Collarless Single Button Blazer, $, available at & Other Stories

& Other Stories Linen Mini Skirt, $, available at & Other Stories

Summer 2022 Trend: Colored Suits



Rebecca Taylor Wool Satin Blazer, $, available at Rebecca Taylor

Rebecca Taylor Wool Satin Pleated Trousers, $, available at Rebecca Taylor

Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print


Following spring and fall runway shows like Alexander McQueen, Rodarte, and Brandon Maxwell, the question on fashion insiders' minds is: Why are designers high on mushrooms right now? For some, the trend manifested in whimsy mushroom-print fashion. For others, it arrived in the form of conversations about the role of mushroom leather and sustainability. Either way, we are tripping for the look.Photo: Greg Kessler

Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print



Fleur du Mal Pajama Short, $, available at Fleur Du Mal

Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print



Tombolo Disco Fungi Cabana, $, available at Tombolo

Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print



Frasier Sterling Magic Mushroom Necklace, $, available at Frasier Sterling

Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print





Farm Rio Lime Mushrooms Midi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio

Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School


It's time to hit the books because preppy back-to-school styles were all over the runways ranging from Miu Miu to Lacoste and Coach. This summer, lean into the more athletic-inspired styles like tennis skirts and skorts, as well as playful varsity sweaters and chunky loafers. Bonus: This trend will be just as popular in the fall.Photo: Yanis Vlamos

Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School



Tory Burch Tech Pique Logo Patch Polo, $, available at Tory Burch

Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School





Lacoste Lettered Waist Mid-Length Pleated Skirt, $, available at Lacoste

Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School



Gyles & George Libra Sweater, $, available at Gyles & George

Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School



Gap High-Waisted Never-Fade Pixie Ankle Pants, $, available at Gap

Summer 2022 Trend: Fringe


No trend exudes more joy than fringe. Which would explain this season's obsession with one very good Proenza Schouler fringe dress. If a full-on fringe dress or skirt seems like a lot for an outdoor happy hour, a swishy bag or an earring offer a more subdued way to get in on the trend.Photo: Courtesy of Chloé

Summer 2022 Trend: Fringe





Eloquii Asymmetric Fringe Slipdress, $, available at Nordstrom

Summer 2022 Trend: Fringe



Petit Kouraj Daye Fringe Tote, $, available at Nordstrom


Proenza Schouler Textured Knit Fringe Bike Shorts, $, available at Shopbop

Summer 2022 Trend: Fringe





Mignonne Gavigan Mini Madeline Earrings, $, available at Nordstrom

Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs


Yes, cut-outs continue to dominate the trend cycle a year later. This season, you can find them on everything from bodycon dresses and micro-mini skirts to thong pants and tops. The look also offers the perfect reprieve from the summer heat, no AC needed.Photo: Courtesy of Christian Siriano.

Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs



Cuyana Stretch Long Sleeve Tee, $, available at Cuyana

Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs





Maisie Wilen Blue Perforated Leggings, $, available at SSENSE

Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs



Anthropologie Cutout Printed-Slip Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs



The Range Layered Turtleneck Top, $, available at FWRD

Summer 2022 Trend: '80s Glamour


While many brands are looking to Y2K trends for inspiration, others are going back to an entirely different era of sartorial flashiness: the '80s. Saint Laurent sent out models in skin-tight catsuits and oversized jewelry, while Chanel was a showcase of sequins. Bring on the opera gloves and drama!Photo: Courtesy of Saint Laurent.

Summer 2022 Trend: '80s Glamour



Machete Interchangeable Link Necklace In 14k Gold, $, available at Machete

Summer 2022 Trend: '80s Glamour



Girlfriend Collective Plum Cami Unitard, $, available at Girlfriend Collective

Summer 2022 Trend: '80s Glamour



Lapointe Faux Leather Gloves, $, available at LaPointe

Summer 2022 Trend: '80s Glamour





Banana Republic Halter Sweater Dress, $, available at Banana Republic

Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets


The cheeky alternative to a full pantsuit, matching sets are an easy way to have fun with your look without thinking too hard about it. Trade the cozy knit two-pieces and hooded sweatsuits for lighter fabrics and mood-boosting prints. The bolder, the better.Photo: Courtesy of Sandy Liang.

Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets





Sir The Label Graphic-print shirt, $, available at Farfetch

Sir The Label Straight-leg trousers, $, available at Farfetch

Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets



Lisa Says Gah Laney Mini Skirt, $, available at Lisa Says Gah

Lisa Says Gah Elenor Crop Top, $, available at Lisa Says Gah

Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets



H&M Rib-knit Crop Top, $, available at H&M

H&M Ribbed Pants, $, available at H&M

Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets





Marimekko Adea Architecture Lunaire 1 Cotton Poplin Blouse, $, available at Marimekko

Marimekko Adley La Terre Et La Lune Cotton Poplin Skirt, $, available at Marimekko

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So, How Is It Really? Wearing A Scarf Top In 2022

When I was growing up, scarf tops were a defining trend for cool kids. It was the early 2000s, an era when celebrities like Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera often sported bandanas and scarves as tops, baring a lot of skin and inspiring teens and young adults to do the same. I can still remember the first time I asked my mom if I could wear one when I saw a girl sporting a royal blue scarf top at the supermarket, to which she replied: “You’re too young for that.”

So, when the trend came back around this summer — now thanks to celebrities like Bella Hadid and Rihanna, as well as designers like Versace and Blumarine — I was excited to finally get to live out my Y2K fashion dream. But, while wearing a makeshift top badly tied around your chest seems like a great idea to a 9-year-old kid, putting it to practice as a 27-year-old professional is an entirely different game. Still, in the name of Britney, Christina, and Beyoncé — the holy trinity of my childhood — I was determined to try it.

I had a few big-enough scarves at my disposal to test the trend without having to actually invest in it. For the first look, I went for a scarf featuring a boob print from one of my favorite Puerto Rican designers Amanda Forastieri. I paired it with a classic black blazer, denim shorts, and low-heeled sandals for a work day (my current office is a coworking space, so dress codes are not an issue). While the outfit was comfortable at first, I quickly found myself pulling up the top throughout the day to avoid a mishap in public, and wondered many times why I hadn’t thought about using some body tape to make up for the slippery nature of the silky scarf. This made me realize that this trend has no place in my office-ready closet. 

The next look involved a Marimekko silk scarf in earth tones for a casual dinner. I went for a coastal grandmother vibe by pairing it with white linen pants from Onia, a straw handbag, and gold hoop earrings. While I may have worn this one only for a few hours, I once again kicked myself for not investing in body tape as I continued to tug and pull on the top, this time in fear of a slip in the restaurant.

For my final look, I channeled Versace’s baroque-style prints, which have been highly popular over the past few years as the brand has tapped into its signature house code. I chose a black chiffon scarf with a floral print that I was gifted years ago, and paired it with wide-leg trousers and black sandals for a night out at a bar. To make the all-black outfit more summer-appropriate, I added a straw clutch. This one made me second guess my initial reservations about the scarf top. Not only did it feel like a grown-up version of the ’00s look, but the chiffon fabric stayed on much better, making it a lot more comfortable to wear.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway I got from this experiment is that adopting old trends isn’t about going back in time, but rather modernizing them for your current lifestyle. Even though I know silk scarf tops may not be my cup of tea — they’re too uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time — I’m now a pro in the art of styling one as an adult.

I did my holy trinity — and my inner child — proud.

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.

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