I’ll be the first to admit that any fashion piece can be pulled off with the right degree of confidence, a strong point of view, and a sense of personal style. That being said, there is a constant life cycle to trends with some that feel very of the moment and others that feel like they’ve already had their moment to shine. Looking to fashion in the year ahead, I’ve been thinking about the big trends from last year that still deserve a space in my closet and the ones that aren’t worth investing in right now.
Ahead, I’m offering my POV on where fashion is headed in the coming year with my recommendations for some of the key buys, as well as the pieces to press pause on. These take into consideration some of the biggest trends spotted on the S/S 22 runways as well the styles that are already being adopted by the fashion set. Scroll on for the outdated spring fashion trends I’m phasing out and the ones sitting in my cart for 2022.
Shackets absolutely took over in the last couple years and have proven to be one of the cool new takes on outerwear that fashion people couldn’t get enough of. I wouldn’t donate yours quite yet, but if you’re making a new buy, I’d recommend a leather jacket. They were on the decline for years, but this season, we’re seeing so many cool takes that rethink the staple. Biker jackets are oversize and distressed, as spotted on the Prada runway, and bombers are officially back, this time around in leather form.
As someone whose closet is 90% neutrals, I would never suggest skipping them altogether. That being said, I’m pressing pause on ordering many new neutral items in favor of bold brights. Shades like electric green and hot pink are just the dose of optimism I could use in my wardrobe right now.
Cottagecore was one of the biggest trends to rise up during the pandemic as everyone spent more time at home. Because it was so big, it only makes sense that it’s fading out now. On the other hand, preppy fashion is in full swing with S/S 22 collections, including Miu Miu and Lacoste, putting a new spin on classic school-uniform staples.
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I still live in some of my sweatpant sets and loungewear on the regular. That being said, I’m not investing in any new lounge sets. Instead, I’m leaning into some skin-baring pieces, with super-micro miniskirts leading the pack. There are so many styles on the market right now, which only proves how huge this trend will be for spring.
Can you tell that I’m ready to move on from some of the fashion trends that have risen up during the pandemic? House shoes are another one on the list. Platforms are the shoes I’m thinking about instead, with everything from lower, more practical styles to sky-high silhouettes on my radar. These are really a party in a shoe.
I never thought I would see the day, but I’m actually excited about the resurgence of low-rise pants. The key is to buy slouchier styles and steer clear of the fitted silhouettes that originally put them on the map in the early 2000s. I’m already seeing them styled in so many fresh ways, which is giving me the inspiration I need to test-drive them myself.
Next up: 17 new things I test-drove that I’m recommending to everyone right now.