The Biggest Fashion Trends of Spring ‘22

Now that the biannual cycle of international fashion weeks has wrapped, editors and buyers alike pause to synthesize everything they’ve witnessed in order to predict the trends for spring ’22. After over a year of being reduced to computer screens, the fashion-obsessed were able to see the clothes in real life—a concept whose importance we recently rediscovered—to watch as fringe danced around the body or to be transfixed by the reflection of light on patent leather. With the better sense of immersion, the process becomes more tactile, even ephemeral, especially since the season bore witness to clothing that thoroughly engaged the senses.

In the inevitable pendulum swing of trends, the glamorous, body-clinging looks made evident the notion that designers are also itching for life as we once knew it. The clothes were defiant and bold, oftentimes revealing and flashy. Hemlines were short, slits high, and necklines plunging. Pandemic-induced minimalism is out, and in its place we find maximalism in all its various interpretations. Whether you prefer sartorial exuberance in the form of psychedelic prints at Dries Van Noten and Loewe or glittering opulence à la sparkly sets at Versace, we’ve rounded up the season’s biggest, flashiest trends for the spring ahead.

Dries Van Noten;

Photo: Rafael Pavarotti / Courtesy of Dries Van Noten

Brandon Maxwell;

Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com

Seventies-era prints bewitched the mind everywhere from Dries Van Noten to Brandon Maxwell to Loewe. Not only were the prints graphically inclined, but they took advantage of nearly every hue of the rainbow.

Prada;

Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com

Valentino;

Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com

CHANEL;

Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com

Hemlines rose nearly everywhere but designers seemed to favor one silhouette in particular this season: the shift dress. Many opted for this ’60s mod silhouette but upped the ante by chopping the hemlines at the top of the thigh.

Burberry;

Photo: Courtesy of Burberry

Saint Laurent;

Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com

Yohji Yamamoto;

Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com

Both Yohji Yamamoto and Burberry showed leggings under their dresses, a controversial trend whose resurgence we’ve been following for a while now. If you’re feeling daring, opt for a cropped jacket like at Saint Laurent to really show off your legs.

Courrèges;

Photo: Thomas de Cruz Media / Courtesy of Courrèges

Balmain;

Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com

Eckhaus Latta;

Photo: Michael D. Subrizi / Gorunway.com

Unexpected flashes of skin decorated most runways this season from the tantalizingly low hip cutouts at Balmain to the flashes of midriff at Courrèges to the subtler reveals at Eckhaus Latta.

Versace;

Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com

Emporio Armani;

Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com

Khaite;

Photo: Hanna Tveite / Courtesy of Khaite

Designers have obviously sensed that the world is ready to party and churned out glittering sequined ensembles, often in the form of a mini dress or skirt. As the sparkles make the statement, keep your accessories to a minimum.

Stella McCartney;

Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com

Maryam Nassir;

Photo: Madison Voelkel / Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Miu Miu;

Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com

This early 2000’s pant rise was reimagined for spring ’22 as designers swapped clingy silhouettes for oversized, hang-off-the-hips styles. Bare all with a crop top like they did at Miu Miu and Maryam Nassir Zadeh, or tuck in a slinky top similar to Stella McCartney.

Hermès;

Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com

Coperni;

Photo: Courtesy of Coperni

Michael Kors;

Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com

The year 2021 has seen the deconstruction of the top as we know it and this season Hermès, Coperni, Michael Kors, and more decided that bras would suffice in lieu of shirting. Still hesitant? Drape a jacket over your shoulders for a peek-a-boo effect.

Christian Dior;

Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com

Theophilio;

Photo: Alessandro Viero / Gorunway.com

Marine Serre;

Photo: Courtesy of Marine Serre

From suit separates to coordinating knitwear, we suggest matching your skirt to your top regardless of form this spring season. If you need to break up the monotony, leave your jacket open and add a contrasting t-shirt or top.