It may not be summer, but we can certainly dress like it. Ok, it might not exactly be bikini weather here in the UK, but we can look to next year’s biggest trends and start investing in pieces that will work hard in our wardrobe in the coming months and slot right into our spring/summer looks next year, too.
Now, there are a lot of really fun trends for spring/summer 2022. To break it down, there is a divide between extreme minimalism (just think of the many monochromatic grids you will have seen whilst scrolling through your Instagram feed) versus the maximalism we also so very often see on some of our favourite influencers (especially in their Instagram Reels). From oversized suits to holiday dressing, I have handpicked my top 10 buys that tap into these key trends and that you can start wearing now. Yes, now.
Style Notes: Stripes are synonymous with summer but there is something fresh and modern about thin stripes, the sort often seen on men’s shirting, paired with the soft ice-cream shades of pistachio and pink. Wear now with jeans, then over a bikini when you hit the beach in the warmer months.
Style Notes: A classic trench is a forever staple you will never tire of, but for SS22, trenches are anything but basic. Think cut-outs, leather detail, embroidery. In fact this one I spied in All Saints is 3-in-1 converting from a traditional trench to a sleeveless trench, and a jacket so more bang for your buck.
Style Notes: The modern version of this trend forgoes all the prim connotations. Think clean lines and contrasting hemlines such as this Ganni dress I spotted in Liberty. This is one of those fab dresses you can wear no matter the season nor the occasion. Simply dress it up or down.
Style Notes: ‘Be extra’ was one of my main takeaways from the spring/summer 2022 runways, and after over a year and a half of lockdowns and restrictions, if I have an opportunity to leave the house, you can bet yourself I’m dressing up and wearing fringing, sequins—the lot. I was super impressed with the fit of this dress and the weight of the fringing, which gave it a high-end feel.
Style Notes: The traditional office job has changed shape over the past 18 months, so for me this is what the power suit of 2022 looks like. Hinting to the sporty details so many designers showcased for spring/summer 2022, this jumpsuit, together with the super soft scuba jersey, structured shape and stirrups, made me feel I could take on the world.
Style Notes: If you can’t get to the sun, then bring the sunshine to you! Tie-dye prints, pastel shades, and colourful denim all appeared on the catwalks, bringing hints of holiday lifestyle to the city. If this cardigan with detachable cuffs wasn’t cute enough then check out these jeans that are pastel perfection—complete with ocean waves and sunsets on the knees.
Style Notes: An oversized blazer is a key pillar of a stylish wardrobe this winter and as we move into next year this trend is sticking around. Get ahead of the curve with this amazing suit from Whistles. The detailing is subtle but the jumbo cord and puff shoulders hint at the many seventies influences we saw in next season’s collections. I was blown away by the cut of this suit.
Style Notes: If you were excited by the brights you saw coming through this season get ready for SS22! Saturated colours are in the spotlight so think the brightest and most eye-catching shades you could want in your wardrobe. This knit is a no-brainer as I can pair it with my existing winter tailoring and then contrast with some of my other favourite brights come spring.
Style Notes: Lingerie-inspired dresses were a hit for spring/summer 2022, but this doesn’t have to mean baring all. This slip dress from Zara has delicate ruching on the sides if you were to wear it alone, but teaming this unbuttoned cardigan means I can wear it all year round.
Style Notes: ’90s skirt suits were a key focus on the Chanel catwalk for spring/summer 2022. And for many other designers for that matter. This knitted set from Sandro is incredibly versatile, as both the jacket and skirt can be worn separately. Together, however, they create a standout look to wear now with tights.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About