New Year, New Style: Trends You Should Try in 2022
As we step into 2022, it’s a good idea to go through our wardrobes and refresh. This may be an easy task for some, but for others, cleaning out your closets and finding new pieces to replace the old ones might be harder than expected. To make things a bit easier, I have put together a compilation of some different trends to try out for 2022.
source: Pinterest @ashantythefairy
Trend #1 - subversive fashion
Source: Pinterest @AshantyThefairy
According to trend forecaster Agus Panzoni, subversive fashion is when traditional staples are rebelled against to the point of losing their utility. The pieces are artistic and anti-utilitarian, meaning that they are fashion purely for the sake of fashion. She points to how designers are using cutouts, sheer materials, keyholes, and elements of deconstruction to render the initial function of the garment irrelevant. This is one trend definitely worth trying out for the new year, especially if you are constantly looking for new ways to experiment with fashion.
Source: Instagram @Koleendz & @slowwwwwfia
Trend #2 - Heavily distressed clothing
Source: Pinterest @ashantythefairy & Instagram @Jadedldn
Distressed clothing is nothing new to the fashion world, so many of us are already used to rocking this style. This year, the trend has started to take a much “heavier” turn. As we go into 2022, heavily distressed shirts, pants, dresses, etc., are going to be a huge trend. Adding a couple of these pieces to your wardrobe, whether purchased or DIY’ed, can help elevate your style as well as add a touch of edge. There are many tutorials all over TikTok on how to distress your clothing, just in case you need some inspiration before you start cutting up your pieces!
Trend #3 - SILVER + Gray EVERYTHING
Source: Instagram @90monka & @I.ENE.Sophi.e
Metallics are already a huge trend for winter, but silver and grays are absolutely “It” colors for 2022. This may not be considered a trend for some, since gray is a fan favorite, and silver has obviously been hip for a hot minute. However, with the rise of “Space Age” fashion, silver and gray should be at the top of everyone’s must-have list. Silver bags, jewelry, pants, and coats are perfect for the futuristic, “space-girl” aesthetic! If you do not already own any silver or gray items in your wardrobe, you should definitely invest in some for 2022.
Source: Instagram @i.ene.sophi.e & Pinterest @ashantythefairy
Trend #4 - UNCONVENTIonal Tops
Unconventional tops are undoubtedly adorable and are an interesting way to play with your style. These can be cut-out shirts, wearing bras as tops, asymmetrical tops, belts as tops, and basically anything that you would not consider “normal” to wear. This is a very fun trend to get into for 2022 since many of us have been isolated and felt as though we could not really show our entire selves to the world. Even though our faces are still covered, experimenting with clothing that is a bit risky might interest some of you.
Source: Pinterest @Ashantythefairy & Instagram @Imane.faresss
Trend #5 - Skirts + dresses over pants
source: the daily beast
Ok, now I know I might get some hate for this one, but I honestly think skirts and dresses over pants is definitely a trend to hop on for 2022—if you haven’t already. We have been seeing a resurrection of the trend on and off the runway since 2019, after making tremendous waves in the early 2000s’. Wearing this trend does not have to be as tacky as you might think. Simplifying the look with neutrals and baggier pants might be a better option than low-rise flares and a sequin-embellished midi skirt. I am definitely a big skirt and dress over pant’s girl, since I love to layer, and living in a colder environment does not allow me to wear dresses and skirts freely in the fall and winter. For me, wearing pants underneath skirts and dresses was definitely worth trying out, and I personally recommend it for 2022!
Trend #6 - Micro Mini skirts
source: Instagram @Slowwwwwfia & @Dolcedusei
Micro mini skirts are to die for. They are risky in all the best ways and can easily be dressed up or down— like any good trend. I was definitely wary about trying out this trend myself since I am a little bit on the curvier side, but if I learned anything in my 19 years of taking risks and not asking questions, it’s to wear clothes with pride! Micro mini skirts are the perfect way to add a daring factor to your wardrobe while keeping things still slightly covered. Miu Miu debuted a micro mini skirt on the runway for their S/S 2022 collection, and it was a success, even sparking consumers to create their own. The micro mini skirt is so easy to style and DIY and is definitely worth trying out for 2022.
Trend #7 - Leather
source: Instagram @dolcedusei & pinterest @Ashantythefairy
Leather is an all-time classic, so it is definitely not classified as a trend per se, but if you have not dug into wearing leather on a regular basis, then you should look into it as soon as possible. Whether it is fall or spring, a good ‘ole pair of leather pants or a jacket can elevate your entire look with minimal effort. Vests have become a bigger trend in 2021, so as we go into 2022, I feel like leather vests might find their way into everyone’s wardrobe, sooner or later. I also think investing in a pair of leather knee-high boots and a staple leather bag might be one of the easier ways to try out the trend in 2022.
Trend #8 - Netted Shirts + Sweaters
source: pinterest @ashantythefairy
Last but certainly not least, we have netted shirts and sweaters. Now, obviously the classic black fishnet top is still super popular as it was back in all of our emo phases, but netted tops and netted sweaters are already trending for AW22. So, you might as well get on board going into this new year! I will admit, wearing these types of shirts is not the most comfortable, especially when working with hangers (if you work retail you get it), but they are extremely stylish, and a super cute way to layer in a non-basic way.
I know following trends is not everyone’s cup of tea, so I will close this out by saying that you should only buy and wear what you truly like. Trends always come and go, but what you decide to invest can stick with you forever. If you look at this list and do not find anything you might be remotely interested in trying out for the new year, that is totally fine. If we all had the same taste and same style, then fashion would be boring. Going into this new year, change your style, or don’t, either way, remember to have fun and buy pieces that will make you happy in the long-run!