There are some microtrends that have are so clickbait-y, so purposefully created for the internet and social media feeds, that they die out before they’ve even had much of a chance to reach a wider audience. It’s probably for the best, as many of Instagram or TikTok’s most “liked” items can be hugely unrealistic for day-to-day wear. These contributing factors explain why the term microtrend has become a dirty one among fashion lovers who like to consume more consciously, and so we use it carefully. The way we think of microtrends is more about the subtler pieces, prints, colours, outfit combinations and accessories that are on the rise, destined for fashion fame but with the chance to actually work both IRL and for the long run. This is all about mini trends with staying power, and there are many I’ve spotted since the start of 2022.
This year’s microtrends have their showy moments, but there are also signs of classics returning from the depths of wardrobes—a comeback for moto jackets has seen me rifling through a bag of old vintage pieces under my bed to rediscover a biker style I bought back in 2000. Twenty-two years later, it’s unsurprisingly far too small, of course, but you get the idea. There are practical items: Enter stage left banana bags. And there are fun ones: Ever felt floral prints left you cold and you’d rather pull out something fruity for summer? Keep scrolling to see and shop the microtrends I’ve got bets on for 2022 and beyond.
Style Notes: Printed tube dresses have been a mainstay in many a designer collection for some time now, but suddenly they seem more present than ever and arriving in many colours, patterns and lengths and cuts to suit your personal style.
Style Notes: Vibrant mesh options have been particularly popular, as have more abstract prints.
I have a strong feeling this dress is going to be crazy-popular.
Louisa’s mesh dresses are the very best.
Style Notes: Birkenstock’s Boston clogs are the kind of style that will trend hard for a moment but soon become a staple style many a stylish person falls back upon time and again.
Style Notes: Wooden-sole clogs are making a resurgence. This is one of the shoe trends that boomerangs back around quite often, so it’s never as wild an investment as you might think.
A classic.
Part dad sandals, part clog—I’m into them.
Style Notes: The spring and autumn runways are full of oversized biker jackets, so it’s no wonder they’ve returned to the streets again.
Style Notes: According to Depop, searches for “motorcycle racing jackets” are up by +56% over the last three months. It’s happening. Pair with a simple tube skirt for a sleek look.
This will stay in your wardrobe for decades.
The ratings on Etsy for this are strong.
Style Notes: Show me a print that screams summer louder than anything covered in strawberries. I’ll wait.
Style Notes: We’ve even seen them cropping up on jewellery, which is adorable.
It’s very adorable.
Perfect way to have your five a day.
Style Notes: COS’s cross-body bag has been crazy popular for over a year now. It looks expensive and just works hard for that hands-free life.
An heirloom piece to treasure forever.
Style Notes: This kind of slouchy banana style can be found everywhere, from The Row through to the high street.
It comes in hot orange now too!
The one. The only.
Style Notes: If there’s one item that will instantly add zing to your holiday packing plans, it’s a bold fabric hat.
Style Notes: Yes, they’re a statement, but find one that you love and you’ll wear it for many, many summers to come.
Such a joyful outfit topper.
This is going to be a cult fave this summer—mark my words.
Style Notes: There’s a subtle undercurrent in the world of prints for blurry, photographic, pixelated prints. Last year’s swirls and psychedelics are still going strong but this is good if you want something quieter.
Style Notes: They have an artistic quality but also feel timeless rather than tied to a specific season—so you’ll get more wear out of them.
Warehouse always do interesting prints.
Magical!
Style Notes: Whether sarong, crop top, hair accessory or belt, I’ve seen a lot of creative scarf styling recently.
Style Notes: And naturally, Hermès’s new scarf-tied sandals have been living in my mind rent free.
Going straight into my suitcase.
Style Notes: It started with Miu Miu’s now infamous micro, but pleated skirts have entered the chat in other forms—longer and more wearable ones. Phew.
Style Notes: The idea of a crop top and pleated skirt remains though—here’s a more demure way to do it.
Short skirts tend to work best with low heels or flats.
Miu Miu’s versions do come in longer lengths too. Next up, the best brands for wedding guest outfits.
