There’s something for everyone in the spring shopping line-up this year—from elevated denim separates to gravity-defying platforms—but I have to say that after minimalism’s dominance over the last few years, it’s been refreshing to see an abundance of colour and prints take over both the designer runways and high-street rails for spring/summer 2022. Perhaps it’s the fashion world’s attempt to manifest joy after a long lockdown or simply a craving to shake up the sartorial agenda, but whatever it is, we are here for it.
As always, it’s our job to compile the ultimate shopping list for the new season—handpicking the key themes from the runways and condensing them into an edit that works for our busy and multifaceted lives. And, as per usual, we’ve found a high-street, designer and vintage item for each trend, as we believe that some of the most successful wardrobes comprise these three elements. Plus, it helps that many of this season’s biggest trends lend themselves perfectly to buying second-hand. Just look at the leather-coat trend, an item that is available in abundance on pre-loved platforms such as Etsy, often with very reasonable price points. And honestly, we think leather looks way better when a little worn-in. So whether you’re looking for a new item to fill a gap in your spring capsule or simply in need of some new-season inspo to give new life to old items already sitting in your wardrobe, we’ve got you covered. Scroll down to see and shop our spring 2022 shopping guide, complete with everything from artistic stripes to miniskirts.
From Givenchy to Saint Laurent, hemlines are headed south this season, with ankle-skimming lengths taking over from the midis that have proliferated in recent years. I have a particular soft spot for the ’90s undertones of Raey’s navy maxi skirt, which will look very Gwyneth circa 1995 when styled with platform mules and a tank top. Or for a softer silhouette, make like Maximilian with a dramatic satin style in a neutral shade, such as white or cream—just layer it over a matching silken blouse and longline leather coat.
Oversized silhouettes have been floating around for a few seasons now, and the oversized blazer certainly shows no sign of disappearing. However, one particular style has taken charge this spring: slouchy trousers. Whether it’s with a low-rise waistline or a puddling hemline, this trend is not immediately obvious, but you’ll soon start to notice it in all the new collections. This season, I’ll be incorporating some slouch into my wardrobe with a pair of low-slung wide-leg trousers balanced out with a slim-fit tank top.
While maxi skirts were certainly a key feature of the S/S 22 collections, the mini also got plenty of airtime. Who can forget *that* Miu Miu micro-miniskirt moment, which has been featured in countless editorial spreads? It even has its own Instagram page. Prada, meanwhile, served up some slightly more accessible options, rendered in luxe, heavyweight silk and styled with boxy leather jackets. I found a great pre-loved black mini on Vestiaire Collective, and I’ve been styling it with knee-high boots and close-fitting roll-necks.
Love it or hate it, the noughties are back for 2022, and their low-rise waistlines and butterfly prints wove their way through countless designer collections. If the idea of going full throwback is a little too scary for you, then may I recommend adding the odd nod to the decade? Think a baguette bag here or a cowl neck there. I also love how Nanushka has injected a little noughties styling into its S/S 22 collection with a chic skirt-over-trousers pairing.
Nineties and noughties nostalgia is very much present in this season’s accessory trends (chain belts, anyone?), and this has, unsurprisingly, ushered in the return of the logoed tote. While there will always be a place for the quiet luxury of The Row, we’ve seen big design houses, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Fendi, going to town reviving their historic logo-strewn bags. Some high-street brands have jumped on the bandwagon (with mixed results, we might add), but Mango’s beaded baguettes offer unexpectedly chic throwback vibes.
Diamanté detailing is one of the more unexpected trends to grace the wardrobes of the world’s fashion lovers this season. Spotted at the likes of Bottega and Valentino, it revealed itself in everything from dresses to shoes, and while it is certainly an extroverted trend, you know when Arket brings out a pair of diamanté-studded kitten heels that it is no longer reserved for the Kardashians and Paris Hiltons of the world. Yes, even minimalists might enjoy its shimmering embrace. Just consider adding a diamanté mini bag or heels to your usual clean-lined, tailored looks.
A leather jacket probably won’t be the thing you throw on in high summer, but for the English spring? It’s a verified staple. Thanks to this season’s noughties revival, leather biker jackets have made a comeback, getting airtime on the runways of Prada, Miu Miu and Khaite. I’m also enjoying the ’90s-inspired, single-breasted leather jackets that many high-street brands are championing right now. They will look especially cool with jeans and a white T-shirt.
Fuchsia! Lime! Marigold! Cobalt! Colour lovers will not be short of inspiration thanks to the rainbow-hued collections on offer this year. Bright pink was a particular favourite, spotted at Alexander McQueen in the form of an eye-popping fuchsia suit—it’s also the sort of colour that will look suitably chic against neutrals, such as beige and brown. For those wishing to dip their toe in the trend, there are also plenty of colour-pop accessories. Bottega is particularly adept in this area.
In an apparent reaction to the tyranny of the lockdown shearling slipper, platform shoes have seriously spiked in recent months, manifesting in everything from Mary Janes to loafers. Valentino’s Tan-Go platforms have seen particular success with the fashion crowd. However, there are plenty of less vertigo-inducing options out there, such as Russell & Bromley’s Flawless platforms, which come in four shades, plus Warehouse’s platform boots, which Who What Wear’s Hannah Almassi swears by.
Tailoring has been getting increasingly loose-limbed over the last few seasons, and this spring, it seems we have reached peak oversized in the blazer department. Plenty of influencers have taken to styling their blazers with equally wide-legged trousers. However, I personally like the effect of balancing out a roomier silhouette with a cinching belt and more fitted bottom half, whether it’s via leggings or skinny jeans.
The classic casual fabric has had a thoroughly high-fashion makeover this season, with designer and high-street brands alike bringing a more polished twist to their denim creations. At the top of my list is Rejina Pyo’s lust-worthy denim belted jacket, which features a sculpted silhouette and waist-cinching belt. The Row’s oversized denim trench coat has also caught my eye and is the perfect example of how versatile this fabric can be. Just throw one over your favourite floral dress this spring.
There was something so undeniably joyful about the colourful stripes that pervaded the collections of Jil Sander and Chloé this season. The former opted for a more tailored approach via pinstripe separates, while the latter brought a homespun twist with crocheted fabrics and fringing, but it’s fair to say that both shot to the top of my wish list. I’ll be taking my cues from Estelle Chemouny and pairing a colourful striped blazer with jeans and heeled boots this spring. Simple yet impactful.
