With social media impacting fashion in unprecedented ways, identifying new fashion trends has become harder than ever before. We are constantly seeing the ‘80s and ‘90s make comebacks in fashion with big jumpers, blazers, and wide legged pants staple pieces in the wardrobes of most Gen Zs like myself. Even last year we saw Y2K fashion come back into style with many opting for colourful tight tops and low-rise jeans (a fashion statement I can’t get behind if I’m honest).
The reason we see these trends coming back quicker than ever before is due to apps like TikTok and Instagram that have made fashion into a new industry. Influencers have huge impacts on the consumer’s fashion habits, instead of the classic way of designers showcasing their new clothes on the runway and high street retailers knocking them off for an affordable price. This causes fashion cycles to come and go faster than ever so it is often hard to pin down what is the current trend. Yet, with all that being said, let’s have a look at what I think will be the new fashion trends for 2022.
Of course, as the climate crisis looms over us, this paper will continue to promote sustainable fashion instead of fast fashion. Many of the items I will mention will be easily available in charity shops and small business everywhere. However, it also needs to be said, if you like any of these items and you seem them other shops, don’t beat yourself up for buying it there. Making people feel guilty about purchasing items that make them happy is not the solution to the climate crisis.
On a lighter note, here are my top five predictions:
- Statement Jewellery Pieces
I think as sustainable fashion is becoming more integrated into fashion culture, we see that a need to show your identity and to be original is a fashion statement in itself. Therefore, I think bold jewellery choices will be a big thing in 2022, with many buying original pieces from charity shops or small businesses. Jazzy rings, long necklaces and big earrings that show your personality are likely to be a staple of people’s everyday lives if it isn’t already.
- Big, Comfortable Shoes
Although many made fun of the girls wearing huge Filas before the pandemic, I think shoes of a similar size and comfort are going to continue to be a huge trend. During the pandemic many of us got comfortable in our slippers and runners. And just because everything is back to normal does not mean we want to slip back into uncomfortable shoes. The runway has also seen models wear huge shoes like clogs with their outfits which are likely to leak into our daily fashion choices. I think we’ll see big runners, likely brands like Balenciaga, make a huge impact on fashion in 2022 along with colourful clog-like heels.
- Lingerie as Evening Wear
Corsets made a huge splash on the fashion scene in 2021 and I think we’ll see a continuance of that trend into 2022. Corset tops make the perfect, elegant night-out top and I’m sure we’ll be seeing people wear them in pubs and nightclubs across the country as popular brands begin to catch up with the trend. However, I don’t think corsets will be the only lingerie wear incorporated into everyday fashion. Tops with silhouettes and lacy detailing are slowly coming on to the scene and I think we’ll see more of this in 2022.
- Bright, Colourful, Fluffy Bags
Colourful bags have entered the fashion scene with Penneys stocking plenty of different colours across their walls in recent days. Across Europe, not only are pastel-coloured bags making a statement on the street, but they also appear to have a fluffy, soft texture. I think we’ll see more of this trend in 2022 especially as High Street retailers are making more efforts to stock them as I write this article.
- The ‘60s are Back
I think fashion trends from 1960s’ USA will make a huge comeback in 2022, with it already making its mark in 2021. Colourful boho prints that were prominent in 1960s’ hippie culture can be seen on tops and jumpers across High Street retail and I think will become a wardrobe staple this year. Not only those type of prints, but tight miniskirts are also becoming popular again and this is likely to be a trend that will last for the rest of 2022.
