Nostalgia is the name of the game.
With Y2K fashion peaking higher than ever, this new year has plenty of fun trends in store for the next reemergence wave. Spotlight-stealing attire with a joyous mood is taking over, from vivid colors and prints to bold silhouettes like bubble dresses, volume tops, cutouts galore, and ultra-low rises on pants and skirts. Accessories are in on the fun, too. Think: chunky-AF platforms, rainbow-bright bags, and a more-is-more jewelry aesthetic combining beads, pearls, and rhinestone-decked baubles. Oh, and if your New Year’s resolution is to adopt a new signature color, you better make it purple — it’s the 2022 hue in all tints, from Pantone’s Very Peri color of the year to saturated violet and lavender shades.
Ahead, a deeper dive into the fashion trends we’re predicting will be big in 2022. Naturally, with an edit to shop.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
2022 Fashion Trend: Sweats 2.0
Whether an oversize, fleece-lined jogger is your jam or you’re more the elevated soft-pants type, preferring knitted flares and flowy culottes, we’re predicting leisurely bottoms as an early 2022 constant, mostly thanks to Omicron’s unwelcome emergence.
Victor Glemaud Chain Link Wide-Leg Cropped Pants, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Donni Eco-Fleece Roll Pant, $, available at Donni
Skims Cozy Knit Pant, $, available at Skims
The Great The Pointelle Lounge Crop Pants, $, available at Shopbop
2022 Fashion Trend: Voluminous Silhouettes
From oversize shirting to ballooned silhouettes and a continuation of the puff sleeve trend, dresses and tops retain their volume in 2022. If anything, the latter will spice up all the soft pants you’ll probably still be rocking on the bottom.
Good American Tabbed Poplin Shirt, $, available at Good American
Ulla Johnson Emmy Alpaca-Blend Cardigan, $, available at mytheresa
Dôen Frances Top, $, available at Dôen
Rebecca Taylor Bubble-Hem Dress, $, available at Rebecca Taylor
2022 Fashion Trend:
Platform Shoes
From sky-high heels to flatform silhouettes, loafers, ankle-strap heels, boots, even clogs are amped up for a throwback-inspired lift. So, go ahead and give your micro-heels a break — 2022 is all about chunky soles.
Larroudé Miso Platform Sandal In Pink Gingham Knit, $, available at Larroudé
2022 Fashion Trend: Platform Shoes
From sky-high heels to flatform silhouettes, loafers, ankle-strap heels, boots, even clogs are amped up for a throwback-inspired lift. So, go ahead and give your micro-heels a break — 2022 is all about chunky soles.
Simon Miller Vegan Platform Bubble Clog, $, available at Simon Miller
Brother Vellies Empire Platform Boot, $, available at Brother Vellies
Ganni Suede Creepers T-Strap, $, available at Ganni
2022 Fashion Trend:
Low-Rise Pants
Dipping wayyyy below the belly button, the low-slung pant and micro-mini skirt are back in full force. If you're not the snug ‘n’ stretchy thong-revealing style type, embrace the look via low-slung denim, leather pants, or cargos á la Jennifer Aniston in the ’90s.
With Jean Tommy Cargo Pant, $, available at With Jean
GRLFRND Hailey Low-Rise Straight Jeans with Splits, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman
Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Vintage Flare Pants, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Urban Outfitters Amanda Low-Rise Denim Mini Skirt, $, available at Urban Outfitters
2022 Fashion Trend:
The Color Purple
From Pantone’s calming Very Peri to more saturated tones with a regal air, pieces tinged with purple will soon be everywhere — lock in your signature hue sooner rather than later.
Hanifa Miya Knit Cardigan Dress, $, available at Hanifa
2022 Fashion Trend: The Color Purple
From Pantone’s calming Very Peri to more saturated tones with a regal air, pieces tinged with purple will soon be everywhere — lock in your signature hue sooner rather than later.
Aritzia Lula Long-Sleeve Shirt, $, available at Aritzia
ALOHAS South Bicolor Lilac Boot, $, available at alohas
Helmut Lang Wrap Skirt, $, available at Helmut Lang
2022 Fashion Trend:
Regencycore, Continued
Corsets, pearls, lady cardigans, and prim florals show no signs of a slow-down in 2022. Embrace this form of head-to-toe elegance for polished occasions like work or a party. Or, flirt with the trend with a single frilled piece combined with leggings and sneakers.
Maje Cotton Shirt with Small Flower Print, $, available at Maje
2022 Fashion Trend: Regencycore, Continued
Corsets, pearls, lady cardigans, and prim florals show no signs of a slow-down in 2022. Embrace this form of head-to-toe elegance for polished occasions like work or a party. Or, flirt with the trend with a single frilled piece combined with leggings and sneakers.
Eloquii Puff Sleeve Velvet Corset Top, $, available at Eloquii
Love Shack Fancy Daughter Tweed Cropped Cardigan, $, available at Moda Operandi
Wald Pas De Deux Necklace, $, available at Wald
2022 Fashion Trend:
Cutouts
No shame in the cutout game. If 2022 will prove one thing, it’s that skin is still in, and cleverly-placed cutouts on dresses, tops, even the occasional low-rise bottom will stick around as part of the Aughts 2.0 fashion movement.
I.Am.Gia. Amina Pant, $, available at I.Am.Gia.
Zara Cut Out Blazer Dress, $, available at Zara
Autumn Adeigbo Solid Keiko Blouse, $, available at Autumn Adeigbo
A.L.C. Clara Rib Knit Dress In Bluestone, $, available at The Yes
2022 Fashion Trend:
Bra Tops
Pshh to real shirts, right? Whether dressing comfy at home or making a bolder statement for a night out, the bra has officially reached “real top” status. Layer yours under a shacket or oversize blazer for balance.
Jonathan Simkhai Aeris Bra Top, $, available at FWRD
Everlane The Cotton Bralette, $, available at Everlane
Ozma Sophie Crop, Silk Noil, $, available at Ozma
Out From Under Sorelle Wrap Bra Top, $, available at Urban Outfitters
2022 Fashion Trend:
Bright Bags
Orange, pink, yellow, green, and bright blue are just a few ways to get in on the rainbow-bright bag trend. If not a single color to accent an outfit, go for a two-tone design or one swirling in several shades.
JW PEI Gabbi Bag in Pink, $, available at JW PEI
Brandon Blackwood The Syl Bag, $, available at Shopbop
Coperni Swipe Mini Tote Bag, $, available at Cettire
By Far Baby Amber Ultraviolet Semi Patent Leather Bag, $, available at By Far
2022 Fashion Trend:
Mod Print
From A-line mini skirts to near-dizzying motifs — butterflies included — designers nodded to the ’60s on the runways while adding a dash of Y2K nostalgia to the pot. So, embrace your inner print mixer by combining bold with bolder — we’re thinking of a jacquard knit sweater and swervy skirt to start.
Emma Mulholland Kokomo Skirt - Check - Camel, $, available at Emma Mulholland
Miaou Preston Skirt, $, available at Miaou
Collina Strada Black Loopy Gina Tee, $, available at Collina Strada
The Elder Statesman Jacquard-Knit Cashmere Sweater, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?