12 Trends that Define 2022 So Far (2024)

Going into 2022, we were in an interesting moment in fashion: Collectively existing somewhere between at-home loungewear and full-on party mode. That intersection calls for both high-shine and raver looks, as well as comfort-minded oversized silhouettes and athleisure finding its way into evening (hi, catsuits). 2022 also called for a little color—found in bold bright bags that indicate a dose of optimism—and little skirts and micro jackets that signal we are officially out of hiding. See 12 trends that are defining the year—and shop them all, of course.

Catsuits

The catsuit is one of the year's most unexpected trends to emerge. But lest you relegate it to runway only (as seen multiple times on Saint Laurent's and at Burberry)—know that everyone from Hailey Bieber to Lizzo has already worn it out in the wild. It's like your favorite yoga one-piece got a sudden after-dark update.

Chain Belts

If you're picking up on a '90s/early aughts vibe overall, you're not wrong. Go all in with a chain belt or belly chain worn around a knit dress or directly above your navel. Designers are all about having a good time in 2022 if you are. Chanel is leading the look.

High Neck Dresses

The seemingly simple long fitted turtleneck dress actually contains multitudes. It's sleek and sexy, can be dressed up with heeled boots, or dressed down with easy flats. It calls to mind almost all of Yves Saint Laurent's ladies, and is the ideal backdrop for all of the best accessories—from chain belts to bangle bracelets.

Micro Blazers

Jackets are becoming about the size of our collective patience for this endless pandemic. Read: very small. Lean into a leaner, more tailored silhouette, as at Proenza Schouler, Miu Miu, and Jacquemus. Paired with everything from slim pants to miniskirts, the micro blazer opens up a whole host of new styling opportunities.

Big Jackets

Tiny blazers not your vibe? Big, boxy jackets aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Executed best in black, they work well in tan and white too. Pair with denim, easy skirts, knit dresses, or coordinating pants—in other words, almost anything.

Shiny Things

Don't hide your light under a barrel, ladies. Labels from Celine to Carolina Herrera and Coperni are embracing high shine. From maxi skirts to minidresses, these looks call for a dance floor moment—or five.

Bright Bags

Bottega Veneta's bags retained up to 90 percent of their value in 2021, according to resale site Rebag's annual report. That includes babies in Bottega Veneta green and bolder and brighter iterations. The conclusion: Your handbag doesn't need to come in only black, brown, or tan. Embrace the rainbow from labels like The Row and Loewe, and indie brands like By Far.

Miniskirts

While the economy doesn't currently support that whole hemline index idea, why not put on a Miu Miu, Prada, Dior, or The Attico mini anyway? Showing a little leg can make anyone feel lighter, more playful, and rich.

Oversized Shirts

A new silhouette seems to have emerged, and it's as light and carefree as we want to be. The equation: a flowing oversized button-down, paired with flowing oversized trousers, buttoned insouciantly in the middle (as seen at Fendi and Peter Do and on Gigi Hadid).

Raver Style

Put on some EDM and a bucket hat (but maybe keep your glow sticks at home), because life is a rave and everyone is invited. Pieces that speak volumes (from color to graphic elements) add up to every day looking a lot more fun.

Low-Rise Pants

Don't let the term low rise trigger you. These are not your Britney Spears thong-revealing jeans (not that our Britney love doesn't run deep). In the current hands of Bottega Veneta, Vetements, and Balenciaga, trousers and denim are loose and sit coolly at the hips, revealing a banded logo underneath or just a hint of midriff.

Bra Tops

Whether office casual is getting very liberal at your current workplace, or you're ready to turn up your suit look for an evening out, a bra top is the best way to infuse a little modernity into your tailored separates. Try it with oversized suiting like Emily Ratajkowski, with a sleek pencil skirt as seen at Michael Kors, or paired with a somber shade à la Jil Sander.

"Work" Shoes

All the current oversized silhouettes, from baggy trousers to raver styles, call for a shoe with a little heft. The chunky loafer or lace-up lends a classic shape with just the right volume to balance the visual weight of your new low-rise trousers or ground your chic new mini.