Our editor slack channels are always deep in conversation about the best new pieces on the market and the trends we can’t get enough of at the moment. Those convos only get more in-depth when a new season is upon us and that is exactly what is happening right now with the onset of summer. Our shopping minds are turning to all things fashion for the new season and we have some thoughts about the coolest pieces to buy and the outdated summer trends to skip—or at least press pause on investing in right now.
Ahead, our team of fashion editors is weighing in to share the 8 coolest trends on the horizon for summer 2022 that we plan on personally adding to our wardrobes. From the silhouette that is about to take over to the color trend we know will be big to the unexpected shoes that will be in every fashion person’s wardrobe, here is what made the cut.
Rubber boots took the fashion set by storm in the last few years. I don’t think they’re going away but there is a new key summer boot to own: pointed knee-high boots. While pointed knee-high boots might seem like an unexpected shoe trend for summer at first, once you see them paired with micro hemlines, you can see how far they’ll take you for cool looks in the months ahead.
“I may be a little early on calling this one out as a trend to ditch, but I feel like smocked dresses have been hanging around the block for long enough that they just don’t feel as fresh or exciting anymore. I’ll call it a trend to not invest in heavily at this point, rather than one to ditch. Are they still a wearable and generally appealing trend? Absolutely! Just not necessarily ahead of the curve, if you will. For a similarly pretty look, I’m all about a swishy maxi skirt this season.” — Kat Collings, creative director and editor in chief
“I personally don’t love flip-flops because flat slide sandals are just as comfortable and easy to slide on and off, but are a touch more stylish. Not that there’s anything wrong with flip-flops, but I don’t personally spend money on them when there are cooler alternatives that can work for a wider variety of occasions, not just the beach.” —Erin Fitzpatrick, senior news editor
“Last year, we saw checkerboard literally everywhere. Clothes, accessories, and even home decor were all decked out in the festive print. While I love the nostalgia that comes along with it, this summer I’ll be bringing the fun to my wardrobe by adopting saturated colorways. I specifically have my eye on bright pinks, oranges, and greens but no color is too bold for me to try.” — Sierra Mayhew, associate editor
“While I love the playful and breezy nature of tiered babydoll dresses, I’m setting them aside this summer in favor of sleek maxi-length crochet and open-knit dresses which exude a free-spirited Jane Birkin vibe and are perfect for a beachy vacation.” — Judith Jones, senior market editor
“My vast bucket hat collection tells you just how deep I went on the trend the past few summers. I still plan on keeping a few in rotation (they’re great for beach days), but I’m leaning into classic baseball hats as my new everyday accessory since they lend a cool sporty feel to casual outfits.” — Anna LaPlaca, editor
“I’m personally over my flat-front shorts. I think a pair of tailored pleated shorts feel even more elevated and of the moment. I’ll be wearing mine with relaxed button-down shirts and either slides or retro sneakers.” — Bobby Schuessler, market director
“While I’d still wear flat espadrilles sandals (Gucci has some cute ones this season), espadrille wedges are just not for me. The summer shoe trend I’m really into this year is fisherman sandals. The Prada and the The Row ones are the goal, but Zara and Mango also make excellent options.” — Allyson Payer, senior editor
