Trend Forecasting for 2022

Last year I predicted the some of the biggest trends we were going to see in 2021, and I have to say I wasn’t that far off. This past year we saw trends that were all over the place, from y2k to the “it girl” trends, which were heavily influenced through social platforms such as TikTok. In fact, for my generation, almost all trends began or rose to popularity through TikTok, as the micro-trends played a large role in our wardrobes. In 2022, we expect that to change a little bit.

As we know, in fashion, what goes round comes around, and that is what we are seeing again this year. Last year, y2K was all the rage, but I predict in 2022 it will be the 70’s. Trends from this era such as large sunglasses and fringe are emerging back into our lives, and are just brining the whole decade along with them. Other areas of fashion where we are getting out inspiration from is 2000’s runway shows, prep reinvented and moto-inspired outerwear. From these areas, there are many trends that I see rising to popularity throughout the next twelve months.

*** I do not have much education on this subject, just a high interest. There is never a need to follow trends, always wear what you feel comfortable and confident in (:

Deconstructed Prep

Starting off strong, the prep style is back, but reinvented. When the SS22 shows were first released in Milan, deconstructed prep was one of the large styles that caught my eye. Brands such as Prada and Miu Miu displayed a fabulous execution of this, and has now set the tone for the upcoming warmer months. Some brands to look out for are Danielle Guizio, Djerf Avenue, Sporty & Rich, Orseund Iris, and more. You can also find some great finds for this style through thrifting for more affordable options.

High Fashion SS 2000 Looks

If you were to go look at any runway show from the 2000’s you will see pieces that are all over the internet, and I predict them to stick around for the spring and summer this year. There are certain trends from this era that are going to dominate our wardrobes, and I have listed some of them below when I talk about certain items that I believe will be popular in 2022. Low rise pants, hair clips, bra tops, big bags; you name it. And while this is still technically y2K, this is different than the y2K that we saw in 2021. This is slightly more matured, as inspiration will be drawn from designer shows versus Polly Pockets. Brands that will have plenty of these pieces include Miaou, With Jean, Realisation Par, By Far, Stand, and more.

70’s Inspiration

Another trend, another decade. As we move into the new year the emergence of the 70’s has been prevalent in many new collections released by designers. Where a lot of this 70’s look is coming from is through accessories and shoes. Shoes such as clogs we will see more and more of, and we have already started to see that this winter with the Birkenstock Boston clog. As for accessories, I cannot go on social media without seeing 70’s sunglasses. And for the influence of 70’s fashion, the boldness of colors worn will make a comeback these upcoming seasons, and a way for me to step out of my comfort zone. Brands to shop at that are heavily influenced by 70’s fashion include Simon Miller, Lexxola, Y/Project, Victoria Beckham, and more.

Moto-Chic

From the fashion week shows in Milan and France, we have seen leather making a large resurgence on the runway. While yes, leather pants were all the rage this year, leather is bring worn in more traditional “Kate Moss” ways. Prada displayed a classic way to wear leather, and Balenciaga has taken a more artistic spin on the upcoming trend. Last year, Von Dutch was super popular among teens and young adults, but this year I see it to be replaced by Harley Davidson. Oh and as for your traditional leather jackets? Don’t get rid of those just yet, you’ll be subbing that for your leather blazer.


I believe most of our fashion will be influenced by the categories above. BUT, there are certain items that will define fashion for 2022. Here is what I see…

Ballet Flats

While technically ballet flats have never really been out of style, I see them rising to popularity again this year among all people. From age 6 to 86, these will be a wardrobe staple to go along with that preppy look that seems to be back. Get these ballet flats here:

Micro Skirts

As a tall person, this trend hurts a little. But these look so stylist on, and are so flattering with a matching top. You can find these here:

Low Rise Pants

I know this is not what everyone wants to see, but this is the future of jeans, trousers, and cargos everywhere.

Big Bags

Finally, a bag that can hold my giant phone! And a water bottle, and a lip gloss, and sunglasses, and wallet, and so on.

Designer Collabs

The largest designer collar that took off this year was the Fendi x Skims collab, and this seemed to set a spark off in the designer industry.

Socks With Sandals

As seen on the ultimate unintentional fashion influencer Emma Chamberlin, socks and sandals will be making a comeback in more than just a casual way.

Tube Tops

No, not just corsets. And no, not too many scarf tops. Tube tops. But please, let’s wear them better than we did in 2017.


Trend Forecasting For 2021

2020 was an unexpected year for fashion. Vogue and Harpers Bazaar predicted trends such as feathers, multi-tiered clothing items, waistcoats and more, but these forecast did not make it out of many people’s homes. With the pandemic hitting at the beginning of the year it forced everyone to stay home and adjust to new fashion norms. Since we were (and are) home longer than expected, working professionals needed to find a daily routine that kept them moving and motivated. And what is the first thing you could do to shift your mood in the morning? Change your outfit.

We said goodbye to many trends forecasted for 2020 and made our own. Clothing items such as matching lounge sets, bike shorts, casual leather and more were closet essentials to fulfill a trendy stay-at-home wardrobe. Seeing this transition shows the power we have to shift fashion norms within society.

As we enter 2021, there are trends that I see carrying on into the new year and beyond. Spring and summer runway shows have shown what will be released this year, and while they are amazing, they don’t always fit with everyone’s lifestyle. This is based on my studies and admiration for the fashion industry , but here are my trend predications you’ll actually wear in 2021.

***Again, I do not have any education on this subject, just a high interest. There is never a need to follow trends, always wear what you feel comfortable and confident in (:

style fashion vest puffer vest clothes 
outfit inspo

Vest

Yes, VEST. My preppy fourteen your old self is screaming. Not your old J.Crew puffer vest, but more of a sporty, boxy look. Oversized is everything and in the colder months it starts with a puffer vest.

knitwear turtleneck skims Kim Kardashian long sleeve

Tight Knitwear

Second-skin tops will be everywhere. I am SUCH a fan of this as tight long sleeves turtlenecks are my favorite. Snug knitwear will give you that warm, second skin layer that you can definitely transition into the spring and summer months.

athleisure outfit work workout outfit sweatshirt sweat set

Acceptance of Athleisure

COVID really changed the game with this one. Now, matching sweat sets are seen as “put together”, which is socially acceptable to wear in many places. Specifically, it is changing in the workplace. I wrote an article for VIM Magazine on this topic that you can read about here.

pink green blue style dress sweater

Powerpuff Girls Color Palette

While this may seem an odd way to describe it, bubblegum pink, french blue and lime green will be all of the rage in the spring and summer months. Slowly incorporating these colors into you basic, neutral wardrobe will be seen everywhere from the runways to Instagram.

flip flops Chucky slides sandals shoes

Chunky Sandals

I will never be mad about a chunky shoe. Chucky sneakers were the first wide-footbed sandal to come back in recent years, and now we are leaning more towards sandals. Chucky thong sandals seem to be leading in this category, but slides will be right up with them.

nail inspo nail polish French manicure

Natural Nails

No, this does not mean giving up your bi-weekly manicure. 2020 was all about the colorful nail art, but has slowly been leading into more natural styles like French tips. And while the French tip trend has incorporated plenty of color, this will continue to trend in a natural direction. Translucent polish will definitely be something you need to pick up on your next grocery store run.

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Monochromatic

Another color scheme trend, and not mad about it. Pairing different shades of the same color together looks chic – whether that is a workout or suit set.

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Sustainability

I have talked about this before on my blog and I have continued to learn more about sustainability and how it takes such a toll on retail. Brands such as Sporty and Rich, Girlfriend Collective, Pangaia, and more will rise against their competitors this year as they take more eco-conscious steps in materials and production.

trousers dad pants jeans oversized

Your Dad’s Pants But Better

This was a trend in 2020 and it is sticking around this upcoming year. From denim to trousers, extra oversized pants are not going anywhere. And trust me, they will be paired with plenty of tiny tops.