9 Summer Microtrends That Are Going to Last—I Promise

There are some microtrends that are so clickbaity, so purposefully created for the internet and social media feeds, that they die out before they've even had much of a chance to reach a wider audience. It's probably for the best, as many of Instagram or TikTok's most "liked" items can be hugely unrealistic for day-to-day wear. These contributing factors explain why the term microtrend has become something of a dirty one among fashion lovers who like to consume more consciously, and so we use it carefully.

The way we think of microtrends is more about the subtler pieces, prints, colours, outfit combinations and accessories that are on the rise, destined for fashion fame but with the chance to actually work both IRL and for the long run. This is all about mini trends with staying power, and there are many I've spotted since the start of 2022.

This year's microtrends have their showy moments, but there are also signs of classics returning from the depths of wardrobes—a comeback for moto jackets has seen me rifling through a bag of old vintage pieces under my bed to rediscover a biker style I bought back in 2000. Twenty-two years later, it's unsurprisingly far too small, of course, but you get the idea. There are practical items: Enter stage left banana bags. And there are fun ones: Ever felt floral prints left you cold and you'd rather pull out something fruity for summer? Keep scrolling to see and shop the microtrends I've got bets on for 2022 and beyond.

1. ON THE TUBE

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(Image credit: @aprillockhart)

Style Notes: Printed tube dresses have been a mainstay in many a designer collection for some time now, but suddenly, they seem more present than ever, arriving in many colours, patterns, lengths and cuts to suit your personal style.

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(Image credit: @nayelizabethh)

Style Notes: Vibrant mesh options have been particularly popular, as have more abstract prints.

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2. CLOGS UP!

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(Image credit: @hannahlewisstylist)

Style Notes: Birkenstock's Boston clogs are the kind of style that will trend hard for a moment but soon become a staple style many stylish people fall back on time and again.

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(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

Style Notes: Wooden-sole clogs are making a resurgence. This is one of the shoe trends that boomerang quite often, so it's never as wild an investment as you might think.

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3. MOTO JACKET 

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(Image credit: @lifeofboheme)

Style Notes: The spring and autumn runways are full of oversized biker jackets, so it's no wonder they've returned to the streets again.

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(Image credit: @by.rejiina)

Style Notes: According to Depop, searches for motorcycle racing jackets are up by 56% over the last three months. It's happening. Pair it with a simple tube skirt for a sleek look.

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4. STRAWBERRIES AND…

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(Image credit: @hannamw)

Style Notes: Show me a print that screams summer louder than anything covered in strawberries. I'll wait.

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(Image credit: @monamali_)

Style Notes: We've even seen them cropping up on jewellery, which is adorable.

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5. BANANA BAGS

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(Image credit: @_marismartins_)

Style Notes: COS's crossbody bag has been super popular for over a year now. It looks expensive and just works hard for that hands-free life.

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: This kind of slouchy banana style can be found everywhere, from The Row to the high street.

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6. PATTERNED HATS

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Style Notes: If there's one item that will instantly add zing to your holiday packing plans, it's a bold fabric hat.

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(Image credit: @fiahamelijnck)

Style Notes: Yes, they're a statement, but find one that you love, and you'll wear it for many, many summers to come.

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7. PIXELATED PRINTS

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(Image credit: @annasarlvit)

Style Notes: There's a subtle undercurrent in the world of prints for blurry, photographic, pixelated prints. Last year's swirls and psychedelics are still going strong, but this is good if you want something quieter.

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(Image credit: @noore)

Style Notes: They have an artistic quality but also feel timeless rather than tied to a specific season, so you'll get more wear out of them.

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8. SCARF STYLING

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(Image credit: @alexisbadiyi)

Style Notes: Whether sarong, crop top, hair accessory or belt, I've seen a lot of creative scarf styling recently.

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(Image credit: @threadsstyling)

Style Notes: And naturally, Hermès's new scarf-tied sandals have been living in my mind rent-free.

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9. PLEATED SKIRTS

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Style Notes: It started with Miu Miu's now-infamous micro, but pleated skirts have entered the chat in other forms—longer and more wearable ones. Phew.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Style Notes: The idea of a crop top and pleated skirt remains. Here's a more demure way to do it.

Shop the trend:

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.