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With the restrictions of the pandemic easing, design in 2022 is all about embracing getting ‘all dressed up,’ whether that’s to hit the town for a big night out or a cozy few drinks at a friend’s house. Use the guide below to stay on trend with exuberant styling and evening-ready ensembles that fuse with an urban, relaxed vibe for the ultimate in feel-good fashion.
Short and Sheer
Now that staying in needn’t be the new going out, designers have been curating collections of sexy, short, sheer numbers, with hemlines going higher than ever before. Cut-out panels, luxe embellished details, and body contouring have been huge on the catwalks and are likely to be the pre-eminent trend of this year.
With the sloughing away of the limitations of lockdown, fashion commentators have spoken of the ‘barely-there’ nature of many designers’ collections that reflect the sense of liberation from the lockdowns – of stepping out of our old skins and into a more hopeful future. And, seemingly, one in which we need less clothing.
Easy Elegance
As part of the trend of embodying the ‘out out’ look every day, elegant pieces of jewelry will be huge this year and should be worn to the office, for a casual drink, or to a glamorous party. Choose carefully to make sure the item can be worn with a multitude of different outfits and can be easily matched with the other jewelry you own.
Have a look here for an initial necklace that fits the bill perfectly. These simple, classic, personalized designs are perfect for everyday wear and will add a touch of sophistication to the most laid-back of looks. Pearls are also set to dominate the fashion world in 2022, so a simple chain, bracelet, or pair of earrings comprised of freshwater pearls is another great choice.
This year it’s about indulging in luxury, and precious metals and gemstones will be on-trend. Select from delicate rose gold, sterling silver, and opulent jewels such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds to set the tone and add the perfect finishing touch to your ensemble. Adding a few extra pieces is an easy way to help take your outfit from day to night.
Smarter Working
With many of us heading back to the office after an extended pandemic-induced break, we’ll be wanting to put our best foot forward when it comes to getting dressed for work. With the prospect of heading in for the nine to five now seeming like an exciting daytime jaunt, expect your colleagues to be looking, as well as working, smarter.
Shirts will be crisper, jackets will be tailored, hair will be styled, and suits will be powerful. Whether we can sustain this for the entire year remains to be seen, but it’ll be a strong start for sure.
Beach Ready
The ‘about to hit the sands’ look is back for this year, but in a more grown-up incarnation that mixes seventies vintage styling and subtly ‘done’ hair and make-up with easy-wearing board shorts and shades.
To get the look, opt for retro-look bikini tops, a classic pair of Wayfarer sunglasses, and add an oversized sun hat and rattan beach bag. Wear it with beaded or simple silver jewelry; give freshly washed hair a spritz of salt spray and then tousle dry to get beach perfect hair before you set foot on the sand. Be sure to use plenty of suncream on exposed skin, and add a slick of nude or light pink gloss to lips, a sweep of mascara, and a delicate dusting of bronzer across the cheekbones and on the chin and tip of the nose to complete this relaxed yet grown-up look.
Perfect Pleating
It’s not just pearls but pleats that will be the big fashion news in 2022. By the end of the year, if you can find a skirt or a dress on a high-street rail that doesn’t have pleats, you’ll be doing very well indeed, my friend.
For the urban-elegant look that’s so on-trend right now, pair a pleated skirt or dress with a plain turtleneck sweater or an oversize blazer for a look of edgy sophistication. As well as creating a different type of silhouette, pleats also serve to add movement and flow to a garment, making for a sense of lightness and free movement.
Sequins on Sequins
This year is all about embellishments and the little details that can make a big difference. Sequins and sparkle will be seen on everything from patterned tights to shoes to hair accessories, and expect clothing to come with them as standard.
Embrace this trend as much or as little as you prefer: go subtle with sparkly jewelry and a clutch, or go all-in with a shimmery dress, dazzling shoes, and all the trimmings.
Tights on Trend
…And talking about tights, it’s all about making a statement this Spring. Think bold colors, patterns, and decorative details. Tights don’t have to match the rest of your outfit – in fact, it’s all the better if they’re part of an ensemble made up of contrasting tones and textures.
So, be as brave as you dare: from stripes to neon to sequinned and worn beneath skirts, dresses, or hotpants, eye-catching hosiery will be the staple accessory of 2022.
Sustainable Styling
And finally – one of the biggest trends for this year, and one that’s likely to stick around for the foreseeable future, is planet-friendly fashion. With more and more manufacturers realizing that it’s good for their brand’s image, as well as for the environment, to incorporate sustainable practices into their business models, it’s easier than ever before to choose your garments in line with the things you care about. Look for labels that use recycled (and recyclable) materials, and choose natural fibers where you can. Many brands now feature their eco-credentials on their websites, so check there, too, to satisfy yourself that their sustainable practices stand up to scrutiny.
The mixed-up urban-glam trend also feeds into issues of sustainability in fashion as it endorses the wearing of vintage and second-hand clothes and the repurposing of old items rather than the buying of new ones. Embracing this style will make your wallet and the planet happy!
Urban Fashion Unwrapped
What all of the trends for 2022 have in common is the feel-good factor; now more than ever before, we’re ready to dress up, feel good, and spend time doing the things we love – and the fashions of the year reflect this. From bright and joyous colors to sparkle and shine, these trends will bring a smile to your style!