Finally–the grass is turning green, the leaves have sprouted, and warmer weather seems to be sticking around. I think it’s safe to say summer is almost here! And since this is my favorite season, I’ve been obsessively consuming everything fashion related to pump myself up even more.
While I was looking through runway photos and watching YouTube videos of all of my favorite fashion vloggers, I noticed a lot of carryover trends from spring. Some of these repeats were short skirts, Y2K fashion, bright, bold colors, white on white, feminine/romanic pieces, and fringe.
In order to spare you from experiencing a major sense of déjà vu, I focused my attention this season on trends that are new for summer. If you are curious about some of those spring carryovers, however, make sure to check out my Spring 2022 Fashion Trends post.
So without further ado, here are 5 of my favorite trends for summer, 5 that don’t really jive with my personal style, and a few additional interesting mentions.
PSA: Please remember, no matter what my opinion may be, or what’s considered “trendy” right now, always wear what YOU want to wear. Staying true to your own personal style is the most important and beautifully unique thing about fashion.
5 Trends I Need In My Life This Summer
Femiline/Mascunine
Something that I’ve always been a fan of is mixing different styles together—wearing a frilly dress with a leather jacket, or a lacy, feminine blouse with a pair of spiked loafers. Following suit, a trend that seems to be making an appearance this summer is building an outfit with both feminine and masculine pieces–some of the most prevalent pieces being waistcoats and men’s business wear. Poll time!—are we loving waistcoats more, less, or just as much as their cousin, the sweater vest? I’ll get back to you with my thoughts…
Style Tip: Try wearing a boxy blazer with a satin slip dress, or try pairing a ruffled chiffon blouse underneath a more masculine waistcoat.
Poolside Fashion & Underwear as Outerwear
We’ve seen lingerie being worn as streetwear for awhile now, and I’m super pumped that the trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. FYI, if you’re on the hunt for a cute slip dress, I highly recommend checking out the intimate section instead of the dresses. One difference that I’m seeing for summer 2022, however, is wearing a bikini top over a basic t-shirt or mesh top. You can even take this trend a step further by wearing your beach coverup as regular wear, or even carrying your oversized beach tote as your day-to-day bag.
Style Tip: Do you have a super cute outfit you’ve been dying to wear, but it makes you feel a little too exposed? Try pairing it with a swimsuit coverup. You’ll feel a little more secure, but you won’t overheat in the dead of summer.
Funky Leg Wear
One thing that I love about fall and winter is being able to wear knee high or over the knee boots, and also fun, patterned tights. When the warmer weather hits, however, we tend to ditch these heavier items. Designers have decided to keep these accessories alive this season by making them more summer friendly. The runways are showing items such as lacy leggings, feather trimmed stockings, and embroidered hosiery. You can really never go wrong with a fun, bold accessory!
Style Tip: When wearing something heavier on your lower half, try keeping your top light and minimum. That way you won’t get too warm, and you’ll allow your funky leg wear to be the star of the show.
Capes and High-Low Silhouettes
“Ring ring,” 2010 is calling, and they want their trend back. In all seriousness, the high-low silhouette seems to be quite controversial—people either love it or wish it would have stayed in the past. Personally, I don’t have a vendetta against the style, but the other trend in this category, capes, I absolutely adore! It’s simply impossible to wear a cape and feel like you’re anything less than a goddess. You can’t convince me otherwise.
Style Tip: If you haven’t done so already, buy a caped romper. NOW. You won’t regret it. You will look phenominal with the most minimal effort possible.
Sparkling Embellishments & Liquid Metals
If you know me, you know that I rarely wear bright colors. Instead, I tend to gravitate more toward muted or neutral shades that have interesting elements, such as cool cuts, unique fabrics and textures, or shiny embellishments. Embellishments, specifically those that are considered “over the top,” are actually a huge trend for summer 2022, and they’re making their appearance in the forms of sequins, beading, and crystals.
If this isn’t your thing, designers have also started implementing metallics and chainmail into their garments as well. The great thing about this trend is it’s inclusivity–everyone looks good in metallics and metals, so whether you favor silver, gold, bronze, or everything in between, there’s something for you.
Style Tip: If your sparkly, metallic outfit comes off a little too “New Years Eve,” try dressing it down with a pair of platform sneakers or an oversized blazer.
5 Trends That Are Getting A Pass From Me
Ultra Sheer Outfits
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a stronger “free the nip” campaign on the runways than I did for Summer 2022. Now, I’m not claiming to be offended by a little nipple here and there, we all have them after all. For me personally, however, that level of…exposure… is a hard pass. I love the mesh and sheer fabric trend, and I’ll definitely continue wearing these items– but I think I’ll keep using them as layering pieces.
Style Tip: If you’re into the illusion of wearing a completely sheer outfit, but you’re not quite at the “free the nip” level, try wearing your nude pasties to add a little more modesty to your outfit.
Low Rise Jeans
Dear God, why?! I spent far too many years in my teens and early 20’s being incapable of sitting or bending over without exposing my butt crack. I can’t imagine why anyone would want low rise jeans to make a comeback. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t try a pair on when I saw them trending again, but as soon as that 7 inch rise refused to stretch any higher than my hip bones, I knew it was a no for me.
Style Tip: Go all in and pair a fitted crop top with your low rise jeans. If this is too much out of your comfort zone, try adding a longline cardigan to balance out the look.
Hot Pink and Highlighter Yellow
As I mentioned, I don’t really wear color. In fact, bright colors were a no for me last season too. The top colors for this summer, however, seem to be hot pink and highlighter yellow. I don’t necessarily have anything against hot pink– in fact, during the colored hair craze of 2007, I donned a magenta look . Highlighter yellow, however, I do have a problem with— it makes me look like I’m in desperate need of some Dramamine. If you’re fortunate enough to look great in this color, please wear the heck out of it for those of us less fortunate.
Style Tip: If you’re feeling bold, try creating a monochromatic outfit with these neon shades. Also, try adding accessories in complimentary colors–pair bright purple with highlighter yellow and lime green with hot pink.
Biker Jackets
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good biker jacket. I just don’t know how I feel about this trend for summer fashion. Here in the midwest, we do have the occasional chilly summer evening, but no matter what the temperature is, our humidity knows no limits. When I tell you the level of uncomfies I’d experience peeling that jacket off of my *moist* (gag!) skin…big ol’ pass for me.
Style Tip: To prevent too much sticking, try wearing a long sleeve mesh top underneath the jacket. You won’t be adding too much warmth to the outfit, but you’ll be creating a much needed barrier between your skin and the leather. For a lighter outfit, you could always opt for a biker vest instead!
80’s glamour
Every season, fashion seems to fixate on a decade or two. We’ve been stuck in the Y2K era for some time now, but it seems like the 80’s are starting to make their entrance. It might seem a little contradictory that I have this trend in my list of “no’s,” because this decade is all about sequins, metallics, catsuits, gloves, and form fitting outfits. More acutely stated, this trend is dramatic. Though I love most of these elements on their own, I’m not a huge fan of layering these bold pieces together to build that iconic 80’s look.
Style Tip: If you want to play around with 80’s fashion, and you love taking inspo from tv and movies, check out this article by Harper’s Bazaar!
Interesting Trends & Other Mentions
Mushrooms
Yes, mushrooms. Several designers have graced the runways with mushroom print for summer 2022. So if you’re into Mushroomcore or Goblincore, you’re in luck. Even though mushroom print was a unique thing to see on the runways, it wasn’t quite as interesting as seeing designers use actual mushrooms in their fabric. I might be incredibly late to the game, but apparently mushroom leather is a great way to create sustainable, vegan clothing… who knew!
Skirts
Just like Spring 2022, mini and micro skirts are still everywhere. Literally. You can’t read a fashion blog or browse through your favorite stores without seeing them. I noticed, however, that pleated and pencil skirts were mentioned as upcoming trends for summer as well. Seeing several different styles of skirts mentioned makes me assume that it’s safe to say skirts in ANY form are trending this summer
Studs & Spikes
Maybe I’m nuts, but I could have sworn that I was going to see studs and spikes flooding the summer runways—however, I didn’t see a single one. I’m not saying they’re not out there, I just didn’t come across any mention of them. The last few months, however, I have seen a lot of studded and spiked items coming back into stores. I, for one, could not be more thrilled–is it too much to ask for the Steve Madden studded combat boots of 2012 to come back? Whether or not studs and spikes are going to be a hot trend for summer, you best believe they’ll be making a home in my wardrobe again.