2022’s Fashion Forecast
Photo from Instyle.
Kenzie Friedrich
The growth and exposure of fashion trends online have increased tremendously during lockdowns and quarantines, which is reflected in the generation-wide micro-trends of 2020 and 2021. Now the trends of 2022 hope to reflect a more personalized way of dressing.
The overall trend of fashion in 2022 seems to be the expression of the wearer and flipping the trends in 2021 on its head. This includes the resurgence of positive, bold colors that reflect the hope that we bring into the new year. The bold colors also mirror the rising popularity of Mod-style. Mod-style is most popularly defined by the main staples of the 1960s. This includes bold colors and patterns (Dictionary.com, 2012).
In turn with the Mod-style that is suspected to define 2022, bright and bold colors are predicted. Periwinkle blue (the color of the year), olive oil and butter, mango sorbet, and Atlantic blue are on the forecast. The colors, posted by Pantone and WGHN, are meant to reflect growth and hope for a more positive future with the bright colors (Ilchl, 2021). Vivid colors are also a part of what USA Today predicts to be ‘dopamine-dressing.’ It combines both self-expression and intense colors that will make the wearer feel good (Fenton, 2022). Other colors to look out for, as seen on the runway, are tangy orange, emerald green, and kelly green (Fenton, 2022).
Miniskirts
Photo of miniskirt outfit from YourClassyLook.
The miniskirt, popular at least once in every decade, is scheduled to make its appearance this year. Influenced mostly by its use in the 60s, it is very versatile and is not bound by seasons. Whether on their own or paired with tights, miniskirts can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Mini skirts are mostly associated with Mod-style, defined by the 60s fashion of bell-bottoms and brightly colored patterns. The Mod patterns will also be in revival as predicted by Nylon Fashion (Bengel, 2021). From denim and corduroy two years ago to flowy floral last year, micro-mini skirts will be all the rage in 2022.
Bags
In contrast to the micro and baguette bags that got their time in 2021, New York Times correspondent predicts that bigger, bulkier bags will resurge. In an attempt to merge style and convenience, bigger bags will do just that. With people going out more, larger bags will allow them to carry enough to last the whole night (Kambhampaty, 2021). Among bigger bags, many also predicted brighter colors on bags and even fun shapes such as cylindrical (Bengel, 2021).
Head-to-toe denim
Photo of Bella Hadid from Glamour Magazine.
Worn by fashion influencer and YouTuber Emma Chamberlain and model Bella Hadid is a new look in 2022: full denim fits. This trend is long-awaited with the reappearance of jeans in daily wear to denim accessories and evolved to denim head-to-toe (Bengel, 2021). Along the lines of self-expression, this can be seen in many variations: a Canadian-tux, denim vest, or a jean jacket, all paired with a wider cut, un-distressed jean or denim skirt (Bengel, 2021).
High Waisted Pants for Men
As seen as a staple for fashion icon and musician, Harry Styles, high-waisted pants for men are becoming more and more popular and will see their peak in 2022. They can easily dress up a look while also being able to be paired with anything. In the blurring between lines of the gendered dress, incorporating an article of clothing mostly seen for women in the past 100 years allows men to take the stage for this look. Changing the waistline of pants largely changes the silhouette of an outfit that can add an interesting aspect to an overall look. This also follows the transition out of athleisure into streetwear that has been occurring for the past three years.
Fisherman Beanies
From the rise of the fur-puff-ball beanie to the Carhartt hat, 2022 is predicted to be the rise of fisherman beanies. Also known as fitted beanies, this accessory is predicted to be a new staple in men’s daily wear. It has gained popularity in its appearance on teen tv and social media and even made an appearance on the runway as daily wear is becoming more casual. Although it is now mostly seen in men’s streetwear, it will continue to grow beyond those borders.
While taking on the new year take a look at your own closet to see what best reflects you and makes you happy. Keep an eye out for bold colors and patterns to include in your everyday outfit. When shopping or thrifting, look for pieces that remind you of the 60s and mod-style to add to your closet. However, as trends come and go, remember that style is simply confident self-expression.
References
Bengel, C. (2021, December). The 11 fashion trends that will be big in 2022. Nylon Fashion. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from https://www.nylon.com/fashion/fashion-trend-predictions-for-2022
Cherelus, G. (2021, January 7). Put on a tiny hat. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/07/style/lifestyle-trends-predictions-2022.html
Fenton, C. (2022, January 12). These 7 fashion trends are set to take 2022 by storm. USA Today. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/reviewed/2022/01/12/2022-fashion-trends-pearlcore-dopamine-dressing-and-more/9187555002/
Ilchi, L. (2021, December 8). A look at the biggest colors trends of 2022 — so far. Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/2022-biggest-color-trends-breakdown-photos-details-1235014065/
Kambhampaty, A. P. (2022, January 7). Grab a big bag. New York Times. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/07/style/lifestyle-trends-predictions-2022.html
Mod definition. (n.d.). Dictionary.com. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/mod
