My Job Is to Spot Trends Before Anyone Else—These 6 Will 100% Go Viral in 2022

I rarely venture out of Manhattan, but this weekend, I took a trip with some friends upstate to do some apple picking and sale shopping (the perfect fall day). When we arrived at the mall, my heart soared as I saw so many people wearing and shopping the trends that I had predicted just one or two years ago. Since I tend to keep to quieter parts of New York City, I rarely come across such a large crowd, and my analytical fashion brain was doing its scanning. I felt reminded of the power of trend-spotting—it's fun to watch something come down the runway and subsequently catch a glimpse of fashion insiders wearing it, and then finally being submerged in crowds dressed up in seemingly Jacquemus-inspired knits and Celine-level tailoring.

My little weekend trip inspired me to come home to my fashion editor crystal ball and see what else the future holds. After a deep dive through my notes from fashion week and Instagram Saved folder, I've pulled out the best of the best trends that are guaranteed to explode in 2022. My job as an editor at Who What Wear is to make sure I give you all of the tools and knowledge you need to be the first to know about what's next in fashion. These six trends are just that, so read on and let me know if you take any of these for a test drive.

TRUCK YEAH

We have watched a plethora of utility trends blow up, and guess who's next? The trucker jacket, of course. Something about its casual simplicity makes any look that you pair it with feel effortless.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: COURTESY OF ANNA SUI)

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On our Instagram feeds:
(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Shop the trend:

ALL TIED UP

The tie had been looking for its way back into mainstream culture for some time, and a few good runway moments plus the Gossip Girl reboot really sealed the deal. One look at how it upgrades the below looks and you'll be sold too.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: COURTESY OF PREEN BY THORNTON BREGAZZI)

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On our Instagram feeds:
(Image credit: @leximars)

Shop the trend:

ELEVATE YOUR HANDSHAKES

We are no strangers to leather gloves, but it's typically been pegged as a meaningless accessory that doesn't get much thought. Well, get ready for all of that to change by exploring statement gloves that you'll now consider outfit makers. This finishing touch will make any look feel instantly cool.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: COURTESY OF PRADA)

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On our Instagram feeds:
(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska)

Shop the trend:

A NEW WAY TO DRESS

There's no need to toss aside your favoruite dresses come winter (or shy away from sheer styles). Just add pants underneath! This styling hack is much easier to pull off than it seems. This is a new way to wear your wide-leg pants that you won't regret trying.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: COURTESY OF FENDI)

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On our Instagram feeds:
(Image credit: @hodanyousuf)

Shop the trend:

ARMY BRAT

Our fashion editor Slack channels are raving about this trend, and for good reason. It combines our love for relaxed trousers and low waistlines into one piece that gives instant cool. I'm so ready to pair this trend with a good puffer coat.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: CHRISTIAN DIOR; VICTOR VIRGILE/GETTY IMAGES)

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On our Instagram feeds:
(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

Y2K EVERYDAY

I recently bought into this trend and felt my 12-year-old 2000s self do a victory dance. I feel like the ultimate cool girl when I pair my rimless sunglasses with gold jewellery and walk out the door. 

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On the runway:
(Image credit: BLUMARINE; VICTOR VIRGILE/GETTY IMAGES)

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On our Instagram feeds:
(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

Shop the trend:

Next: the key trends for spring summer 2022.

Associate Editor

Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, rollerblading through New York City traffic, or exploring the latest luxury vintage boutique.