Nine Trends That Define 2022 (So Far!)

Going into 2024, we were in an interesting moment in fashion: Collectively existing somewhere between at-home loungewear and full-on party mode. That intersection calls for both high-shine and raver looks, as well as comfort-minded oversized silhouettes and athleisure finding its way into the evening. 2024 also called for a little color—found in bold bright bags that indicate a dose of optimism—and little skirts and micro jackets that signal we are officially out of hiding. See the top trends that are defining the year—and shop them all, of course.

  1. Catsuits

The catsuit is one of the year’s most unexpected trends to emerge. But lest you relegate it to the runway only (as seen multiple times on Saint Laurent’s and at Burberry)—know that everyone from Hailey Bieber to Lizzo has already worn it out in the wild. It’s like your favorite yoga one-piece got a sudden after-dark update.

  1. Chain belts

If you’re picking up on a ’90s/early aughts vibe overall, you’re not wrong. Go all in with a chain belt or belly chain worn around a knit dress or directly above your navel. Designers are all about having a good time in 2022 if you are. Chanel is leading the look.

  1. High Neck Dresses

The seemingly simple long fitted turtleneck dress actually contains multitudes. It’s sleek and sexy, and can be dressed up with heeled boots, or dressed down with easy flats. It calls to mind almost all of Yves Saint Laurent’s ladies and is the ideal backdrop for all of the best accessories—from chain belts to bangle bracelets.

  1. Microblazers

Jackets are becoming about the size of our collective patience for this endless pandemic. Read: very small. Lean into a leaner, more tailored silhouette, as at Proenza Schouler, Miu Miu, and Jacquemus. Paired with everything from slim pants to miniskirts, the micro blazer opens up a whole host of new styling opportunities.

  1. Big Jackets

Tiny blazers, not your vibe? Big, boxy jackets aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Executed best in black, they work well in tan and white too. Pair with denim, easy skirts, knit dresses, or coordinating pants—in other words, almost anything.

  1. Shiny Things

Don’t hide your light under a barrel, ladies. Labels from Celine to Carolina Herrera and Coperni are embracing high shine. From maxi skirts to minidresses, these looks call for a dance floor moment—or five.

  1. Bright Bags

Bottega Veneta’s bags retained up to 90 percent of their value in 2021, according to resale site Rebag’s annual report. That includes babies in Bottega Veneta green and bolder and brighter iterations. The conclusion: Your handbag doesn’t need to come in only black, brown, or tan. Embrace the rainbow from labels like The Row and Loewe, and indie brands like By Far.

  1. Miniskirts

While the economy doesn’t currently support that whole hemline index idea, why not put on a Miu Miu, Prada, Dior, or The Attico mini anyway? Showing a little leg can make anyone feel lighter, more playful, and rich.

  1. Oversized Shirts

A new silhouette seems to have emerged, and it’s as light and carefree as we want it to be. The equation: a flowing oversized button-down, paired with flowing oversized trousers, buttoned insouciantly in the middle (as seen at Fendi and Peter Do and on Gigi Hadid).