I'm a Fashion Editor—Here Are the 2022 Fashion Trends I'm Already Shopping

The S/S 22 runway shows were inspiring to take in. Designers had an optimistic take on the future of fashion, ushering in a slew of cool new trends that span very wearable items to directional pieces that only the most daring fashion enthusiasts will put to the test. Ready for a wardrobe refresh, I’ve been thinking ahead to the items I want to add to my closet first. Lately, I’ve been in a bit of a rut with the same standby basics in rotation, so I’m excited about the idea of some sartorial newness for 2022.

So what are the editor-approved fashion trends I’ll be buying first for 2022? They range from elevated basics like maxi skirts that feel fresh for the year ahead to the bold color I can’t wait to start wearing to the trend updating the uniform I wore in high school. Here, the eight fashion trends for 2022 I’m already shopping.

Slouchy Trousers

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Sportmax)

When it comes to tailoring, you'll want to get a pair of relaxed trousers in your closet. We've seen this trend picking up steam for some time now, but this time around, pants are getting even slouchier.

Shop the trend:

Orange

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Proenza Schouler)

While I tend to mostly wear neutrals, orange is the color I can't get enough of. If you're bold, you can wear it head-to-toe, but I'm planning on adding it into my looks with some strategic accessories.

Shop the trend:

Maxi Skirts

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Peter Do)

One of my favorite trend from the S/S 22 runway shows? Polished maxi skirts. The length is eye-catching, sleek, and just what I want in my closet for spring.

Shop the trend:

Skin-Baring Pieces

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Ludovic de Saint Sernin)

We've been talking about "naked" fashion for some time now, but there's no sign of it slowing down. I'm gravitating to skin-baring pieces in all forms from cutouts to cool sheer tops.

Shop the trend:

Bra Tops

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh)

Another "naked" trend to have on your radar this spring? Bra tops. Think of them as a key layering piece to swap in when you might normally add in a T-shirt.

Shop the trend:

Preppy

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Miu Miu)

Yep, preppy fashion is getting a makeover for spring with cropped hemlines and reimagined prints. Miu Miu's S/S 22 was one of the most talked-about collections of the season and really put this trend on the map for 2022.

Shop the trend:

Vacationwear

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Rejina Pyo)

I don't have anything travel plans coming up, but I'm mentally planning a vacation and mapping out all of the pieces I'll be adding to my suitcase. Turns out designers are too because there are so many chic pieces coming up for spring that are destined for a getaway.

Shop the trend:

Miniskirts

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Prada)

Hemlines are staying raised, that is if designers have anything to do about it. Miniskirts are the key items to own, according to Prada. So that is reason enough for me to add them to my cart.

Shop the trend:

Next: Seven Things I Always Wear (and Seven I Skip) After Living in NYC, Paris, and L.A.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.