It may only be about two weeks into the New Year, but we're already making our fashion predictions for the long haul. Every season, we predict which trends are going to stand out, but why not dream bigger? As editors, we've been tracking trends for as long as we can remember. Since it's our job, you could say we have a certain eye when it comes to figuring out what has staying power in the sartorial world. We decided to put our trend-forecasting senses to the test and predict the seven top trends we think are going to be big in 2022. Of course, you can never predict anything 100%, but we have a good feeling about a lot of these. (If you don't trust us, feel free to take a look at our past trend predictions. We have a pretty strong track record.)
If you want to know what Team WWW thinks is going to stand the test of time, you should take a look below. You'll find plenty to your liking—from ballet flats to vibrant hues—and shoppable options for them all.
Ballet Flats
"Ballet flats are mad that they were deemed basic, and we're all sorry because they are actually super cool and feel fresh in an insouciant Alexa Chung sort of way. You can always count on what was uncool to come right back around again! I'm particularly enamored with the glove-like look of this Everlane pair, and it doesn't hurt that Yara Shahidi was recently snapped looking amazing in them."
Vibrant Hues
"I'm someone who mostly sticks to neutrals, so you know the tide is shifting when all of the pieces I'm eyeing for spring revolve about vibrant hues. We saw big splashes of colors on the runways—sky blue at Loewe, kelly green at Valentino, tangerine at Saint Laurent—with more of a commitment to bright clothes and accessories than any specific shade."
Maxi Skirts
"We all know and love the midi skirt, but the good ol' maxi skirt will be entering the spotlight in an even greater way this year. Whether in the form of an actual skirt or a dress, designers from Peter Do to Tory Burch presented gorgeous silhouettes that hit closer to the ankles."
Miniskirts
"I think that this will be the year the miniskirt goes mainstream (again). It's not surprising, since skin-baring trends are more popular than ever. Micro-minis, in particular, were all over the spring runways, and for a short person such as myself who doesn't vibe with maxi skirts, this is good news."
Bomber Jackets
"It's about time for a bomber-jacket comeback, don't you think? After being spotted on Kim Kardashian West, Hailey Bieber, and Bella Hadid in recent months, the retro silhouette has officially solidified a spot in our 2022 wardrobes—well, mine at least. Thankfully, recent iterations of the style span various price points, from more affordable options at Other Stories and The Frankie Shop to designer takes by Balenciaga, making it easier than ever to hop on board the bomber trend this year."
Nautical Elements
"This trend has been kind of flying under the radar, but I've started to notice designers tapping into sailor and seaside-inspired elements—even in their year-round collections. Think striped shirts, allover fishnet, rope detailing, and maybe we will even catch a glimpse of those pointy sailor hats. If you're not sure where to begin, perhaps a flowy dress that is reminiscent of literal sails will get you started on a high note."
Platforms
"Mark my words: 2022 will be the year of platforms. Lifted soles were a big theme on the spring runways, and if the celebrity endorsement of Versace's sky-high pumps is any indication, this is a shoe trend that's about to really take off. Plenty of iterations are popping up, but my favorite among them are the satin styles in candy-colored hues that are proliferating everywhere from Zara to Farfetch."
Next, Prediction: These 8 Runway Moments Will Define 2022 Style
