Rating 10 Spring/Summer 2022 Fashion Trends
This year has kicked off some of the most unique trends we’ve seen in a while. Some being rolled over from last fall/winter, some being more new and upcoming. An overarching theme for this year’s fashion is individualism. Rather than religiously following every micro trend, it’s now “in” to follow your own personal style while tweaking and adjusting the latest trends to fit your style. Although historically, trends are born and adopted predominantly from runway, in recent years due to the rise of social media, Gen Z has popularized influencers and their effect they have on fashion and trends. Gen Z and TikTok are definitely responsible for a lot of micro and niche trends such as some of the styles I will touch on in this post. I will be rating some trends with a simple A-D scale while explaining a little bit about them. Scroll on down for the trends and my ratings!
Long Shorts
Long shorts, also known as Bermuda shorts, are coming in full force this summer. After the rise of the long jorts, aka Adam Sandler core, during last years 90’s/2000’s trends, we are seeing a more sophisticated alternative. A recent favorite staple of model Bella Hadid, the Bermuda silhouette is not just for middle school boys and tourists anymore. If you had asked me a few years ago about this trend, I would have given it a -F. However, after seeing multiple variations of them and how influencer/celebrities have styled them, I would give them a solid B+.
Vests
Vests and waistcoats are the perfect addition to summer 2022 trends. They are versatile and can be worn super casually or can be used as a statement piece. They bring a 2000’s flare while being able to be styled multiple different ways. They look great as a set (a vest and trouser set) or being on their own over a cute tee with a skirt. This is probably one of my favorite trends and I love seeing how people style them. I would give this trend a big ole’ A+.
European Sport Style
This trend, most widely known as “Blokecore,” originated from the UK. The name, as funny as it sounds, comes from the European word “bloke;” another word for an average joe. This style is centered around sportswear, particularly, sneakers, tracksuits, and soccer jerseys. “Blokecore” has blown up on TikTok and has been adopted as a real style. Adidas, a brand that is widely used in this style concept, has been the focal point of many Americans who have tried out this look. Celebrity model, Bella Hadid has been seen wearing many pieces such as the Adidas Sambas and other Adidas tracksuit garments. This trend is actually quite cute when people wear it a certain way. I love the Adidas Sambas and the look of them. I would probably give this trend an overall C+, but I would give the Sambas an A+. The soccer jerseys just aren’t for me, but I wouldn’t discount the style just because it’s not for me.
Long Skirts
While mini skirts will always be a fashionable piece, midi and maxi skirts are becoming more accepted as a part of casual wear. Similar to the Bermuda shorts, these long skirts have already been established as teacher/nerd-chic, however as they have been more widely worn, they are starting to grow on everyone. This cargo style seems to be one of the most prominent styles this year, so we’re going to be seeing a lot of cargo/utility style long skirts as a result of that. If styled right, I would give this trend a B.
Plaid
This trend is probably a little controversial as plaid is usually a fall/winter staple pattern. However, we’ve seen plaid across many runways for this spring/summer and they have a color palette that is definitely more suitable for summer time. I think this pattern is kind of following in gingham’s footsteps as it is widely accepted as a spring and summer staple. I’ve seen many people sporting the summer plaid and not even necessarily in a summer color palette. From mini and midi skirts, to long dresses, to jumpsuits, I’ve seen it all this year. This is such a cute trend and it fits perfectly with all the other ones. I give it a solid A.
Balletcore
Another TikTok fashion trend, balletcore, has come to light this season. This trend focuses on some literal ballerina esque pieces like tulle, wrapped sweaters, and ballet flats. This style is a subcategory of cottagecore, a pastel, feminine, romantic style. This trend has been interpreted in many different ways and can be used literally or by simply incorperating ballet flats into your wardrobe. This trend has brought the rise of the Maison Margiela shoes, aka the toe shoes. Margiela has a line of ballerina flats that work perfectly with this trend. Overall I give the trend a C, simply because it’s not my thing, but the Margiela’s are just too cool and I give those an A.
Stiletto Boots
We all know that the sky-high platforms have been the “it” shoe for 2021 and even 2022. They are still the reigning queen B in the shoe world, but we’re starting to see more variations of the sky-high trend. With all things buckles and combat style this spring and summer, the same style has trickled down to the shoes and bags. Stiletto’s were a 90’s staple shoe and now we’re seeing it more than ever because of their height and boldness. Many designers have adopted a new style of stilettos, like Balenciaga, by adding a grungy flare. I think this look is to die for and can be pulled off with basically any outfit. They pair great with a dressed up look or even with a casual day out look. I give this trend an A!
Crossbody Bags / Buckle Bags
Crossbody bags are very in right now. This could be because of their similarities to fanny packs/easily accessible and convenient bags. Last year, we saw a lot of varieties of the micro/shoulder bags and for this season, the straps have gotten longer and the bags are getting a little bigger. Balenciaga is one of the leading brands this season and their bags are go-to’s. Their buckled-up, black bags are the perfect contrast to summer’s usual color scheme. These bags are super cute and I would give this trend a solid A.
Diesel
In the last two years, Y2K styles have come back in full force. Diesel, mostly known for their jeans in the 2000’s, has also been revamped after a 20 year long hibernation. In late 2021, they hired a new creative director and have been on the rise since. Starting with secondhand resales on Depop, the brand has quickly gained popularity in the media. Their theme centering on 2000’s nostalgia, they have made their way into celebrity and influencer culture, much like Ed Hardy and Von Dutch has. They are 100% going to be one of the top brands this season, if not the entire year. I give this trend an A+!
Cargo Pants
As mentioned previously, the cargo/utility style is a trending style this season. The cargo pants, in particular, have become a staple pant. Popular fashion company, Jaded London, recently came out with a new collection called the “Parachute”. This collection features cargo style parachute pants and skirts. This trend has been seen on many celebrities and influencers, so this style is here to stay and continues to influence the rest of fashion. The designs will get more creative and continue to leech out into other styles and categories of clothing. I give this trend an A+ for stylishness and comfortability.
All information and photos have come from https://www.instagram.com/diesel/ , https://www.instagram.com/lucyraemcfadin/ , https://www.instagram.com/devapollon/ , https://www.instagram.com/coach/ , https://www.instagram.com/rubylyn_/ , https://www.instagram.com/amaliestar/ , https://www.instagram.com/madisonxwild/ , Pinterest, https://www.nssmag.com/en/sports/29642/bloke-core-tiktok-trend , https://www.byrdie.com/balletcore-style-5222003 , https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/is-diesel-cool-again .