Well, friends. It’s here! The much-anticipated spring 2022 fashion trends post! This is probably my most requested post every year. Everyone wants to know what styles will be trending this season, and which ones are on their way out.
It remains to be seen how those spring 2022 fashion trends will trickle down into the styles we see on the streets where we live. There will be more modified versions of these trends as they become more mainstream, and we won’t be seeing them all right away. How quickly new trends take hold in your area depends on how fashion-forward it is where you are, but this is the direction things are going.
And of course, just because it’s trending doesn’t mean you have to wear it. Be selective with trends, and incorporate them into your wardrobe only if they align with your personal style, body type, lifestyle, etc.
Trends come and go, and some stick around longer than others. If it’s not your style, just skip it. Not sure? Test it with something less expensive before you commit to a higher priced item.
Spring 2022 Fashion Trends: What’s In For 2022
I like to share all the spring trends in this post, not just my favorites or the more wearable ones. I think it’s good to know what’s coming down the pike, but I’ll share my thoughts on each.
#1. bold & bright
Nation Ltd Hillary Romance Tee ($92)
This year we’re going to see a big shift from the neutral-heavy wardrobes that have been so predominant in recent years. From pops of color to head-to-toe color block looks, spring 2022 fashion is bold and bright.
I’m especially seeing a lot of these bold colors in bags and footwear, specifically sandals and ballet flats. Purple and green are going to be especially big this season. I love a good neutral, but I also really enjoy wearing bold colors, so I’m excited about this trend.
#2. mini skirts
LOFT Faux Leather Tie Waist Pocket Skirt ($69.50)
This isn’t the most wearable of the 2022 spring trends, at least for those of us of a certain age, but it’s too big to leave out of this post. I’m seeing a lot of leather minis, and also quite a few pleated styles in addition to the straight micro minis that are on all the 2022 spring trends lists.
I searched for a while to find an example that I felt was relatable to my audience, and the one I featured here is from LOFT. I like how they styled it with a more demure blouse.
#3. full length jeans
The Kick It Jeans in Scenic Route ($228)
Straighter denim and pant styles have become more mainstream over the past couple of years, but they were predominantly crop and ankle lengths. This year we’re going to start to see more full-length styles in straight and bootcut cuts.
I’ve even heard rumblings that low rises are coming back with these longer relaxed styles, but not the fitted silhouettes of the early oughts. Think low-slung, relaxed, even slouchy. I’ll have more on this in tomorrow’s post on denim trends for spring 2022.
#4. platforms
COACH Women’s Talina Linked Strap Espadrille High Heel Platform Sandals ($185)
It stands to reason, if longer jeans are in vogue, platform shoes are soon to follow. I love this combo because it gives you legs for days. I’ve had my eye on the shoes above for weeks, just waiting to see if I think they will make sense in my spring wardrobe. I’m pretty sure I need them!
#5. head to toe color
1. STATE Tie Blouse ($89) // 1. STATE Ruffle Mini Skirt ($79)
Whether it’s neutral, pastel, or a bold color, wearing a head-to-toe look in a single color is what all the cool kids are doing this year. You can put pieces of a similar color together or purchase a matching set.
Along these lines, “white out looks” (white on white on white) is supposed to be especially big this season. I think this can be a wearable trend if it works for your personal style — maybe not the look above, but I do like the idea of a white on white look, and I plan to play around with it.
#6. crochet and knitted bags
Poolside Small Crochet Shoulder Bag ($245)
Crochet and raffia basket bags have such a great summery vibe, and they’re going to be hot again this season. They can be big and slouchy or small and compact. The baguette bag is also back again this season, and the crochet shoulder bag above combines both trends.
I love a good leather bag, but crochet and raffia bags are a nice change of pace for spring/summer, and they’re a good way to add texture to an outfit. I might need to add one to my wardrobe this season. I’m planning a whole post on spring handbags, so stay tuned for that!
#7. column dresses
Z Supply Blakely Henley Dress ($79)
Column dresses are going to be big this season, and supposedly more maxis than midi lengths, although I’m still seeing mostly midi lengths in the stores I frequent. I’m not sure how I feel about this trend. Column dresses tend to be body-con or more of a straight cut like the one above.
Either way, they can be tricky with the middle aged middle. I don’t care for super form fitting styles, but if they’re too straight, they can look shapeless. So yeah, while I like the clean lines and the minimalism, this is a tough one to pull off… at least for those of us who look better in structured pieces.
#8. ballet flats
Vince Camuto Elanndo Square Toe Ballet Flat ($88.95)
I don’t want to give away all my intel here because I’m working on a dedicated post on spring 2022 shoe trends, but I hear ballet flats are coming back this season. I’ve always loved a ballet flat, so I’m happy for this one, and I especially like the square toe on the one above. Also, notice the bright green hue!
#9. oversized blazers & leather jackets
Blank NYC Faux Leather Long Double Breasted Blazer in Carbon ($117.95)
This was #1 on last year’s Spring Trends Report, and it’s big again this season. This includes typical blazers as well as leather moto jackets, but they’re longer and straighter than the ones we’ve been wearing for the past few years.
And yes, I’m seeing a lot of leather for spring. I know that seems like an oxymoron, but I guess it depends on where you live. It stays chilly here will into April sometimes.
I appreciate how this look is more polished than some some of the other trends, but I prefer a fitted jacket and a more feminine silhouette, so I’ll probably be sitting this one out.
#10. statement necklaces
Karine Sultan Short Imitation Pearl Collar Necklace (98)
Ya think the 90s might be back? LOL!!! Yes, statement necklaces are back, but like everything else, the styles are tweaked just a bit to make them feel fresh. In other words, don’t pull that bubble necklace out of the back of your jewelry armoire just yet.
I’m seeing a lot of chunky chain necklaces at various lengths, and pearls are also having a moment for spring 2022. Bonus points if you combine the two styles, as shown above. I often forego a necklace because I have a short chest area, but we’ll see about this one. It might be fun for a change.
Spring 2022 Fashion Trends: What’s Out For 2022
Remember that trends exist on a spectrum. They will gradually increase in popularity until they peak and then slowly decrease in popularity as they phase out, and where you live has a lot to do with when these trends rise and fall. It’s totally okay to wear a variety of styles and phase them in and out of your closet over time, as your budget allows and your eyes adjust to new silhouettes.
In other words, I’m not saying you should necessarily stop wearing the trends on this list, or that you won’t see them around. I’m just saying that I wouldn’t recommend investing in more of these this season, unless it is something that uniquely defines your personal style.
Summersalt The Coziest Cashmere Blend Hoodie & Jogger
#1. neutrals // Neutrals will never really be out, but bright and bold hues are very much on trend for the spring 2022 season, and neutrals will be taking a backseat for a time. Of course, we will always need neutrals in our wardrobes, but the all-neutral looks and neutral-heavy wardrobes are starting to feel tired. That said, I have a lot of neutrals in my closet and I’m not dumping them all, but I plan to incorporate color thoughtfully into my wardrobe this spring.
#2. lounge sets // As with all of these recommendations, take this one with a grain of salt. I’m sure there will be plenty of loungewear to be had, but with the worst of the pandemic (hopefully) behind us, people are ready to get back to normal and have fun with fashion.
#3. skinny jeans // Yes, I said it. While they’re still plentiful in many stores, skinny jeans — at least the painted-on legging skinny jeans — are on their way out. You can definitely find slim cut jeans that look current, though. If you’re a big skinny jean fan, I suggest playing around with cigarette leg styles and slim straight cuts.
#4. dad sneakers // I don’t expect many of us were wearing these anyway, but the chunky “dad sneakers” were a short-lived trend that is on it’s way out.
#5. fitted silhouettes // This season is more about the slouchy, relaxed styles, and tailored more than structured silhouettes. I’m not so much a fan of this, so I’ll be trying to figure out how to walk that fine line between looking current but dressing to suit my body type and personal style aesthetic.
#6. leopard print // Leopard print is a classic and it has its place, but it was so hot for a time that it’s beginning to look tired. I’ve passed on most of mine, although I still have and love that ATM cheetah print tee from the 2020 #NSale that I plan to wear again this summer. All that to say, chose your animal prints wisely this season.
#7. fanny packs // I never cared for these and didn’t purchase any during their moment on the fashion scene last year, but supposedly that trend is on its way out. We shall see; I think we will continue to spot them out and about for a while.
#8. distressed jeans // Some of you will be very happy to hear that destructed denim is on its way out out. What’s in are vintage washes that look lived in, so you will definitely see distressed fabrications, light whiskering, and some carefully-placed slashes here and there. But it won’t be like the destroyed styles we’ve seen so much of in recent years.
#9. tie dye // This was on last year’s “What’s Out” list, and I saw it everywhere, but this year I’m not noticing it as much so maybe the buyers finally got the memo, lol. As always, if you love tie dye, wear it, but I don’t think we’ll be seeing as much of it this season.
#10. graphic tees? // I saw this on one list, but I’m not so sure. Those Anine Bing tees are the hottest thing going, judging by the influencers I follow.
And that’s a wrap!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the spring 2022 fashion trends. Just remember, none of this is a personal affront to your wardrobe choices. This is just what “they say” is going to be happening in the world of fashion this year.
Feel free to take it, or leave it; and as always, wear what makes you happy!
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49 Responses
I’m ready for a change and it sounds like 2022 could be a great fashion year! Thank you for the update and I can’t wait to se what you style for all of us this year.
Jo-Lynne,
Do you still wear Tarte creamy concealer? Do you still love it like you did at one time? What color do you wear?
Thank you for your thoughts.
Barbara
I’ve been wearing this Lancome one lately, as it’s not quite as heavy: https://shopstyle.it/l/bGeC8
I love slouchy relaxed jeans….on someone else 😏. I am very excited to see your upcoming post on jean trends. What about platform tennis shoes? Is that a returning trend too?
I can’t give up my leopard print! 😆 I have a leather swing coat from the 80s…I think it’s coming back! I live in Ohio and sometimes it snows in May, so I can wear leather in spring. And, I wore a white on white outfit last summer and got a lot of compliments.
I can’t get behind ballet flats. I don’t like the look or the lack of structure–my foot goes crooked in them. I would rather wear a modern loafer. Great post, Jo-Lynne! I appreciate your effort!
I agree regarding ballet shoes. They are not for me, never have been. Recently I purchased a pair of jeans, wide leg opening, medium denim color til 6″ above hemline where the color changes to dark indigo. I remember this style from late 80s to early 90s. Wish I had kept them bc I had a pretty red, dark navy and black in them. I wear a nice heeled pump, block heel sandals, spiked heel booties and the look is very fashionable. Wore them last Saturday to my youngest grandson’s birthday party with a fitted white waffle knit, long sleeve slit opening above breast area, top. No necklace but large drop gun metal trimmed in yellow gold tear drop earrings and bangles upon bangles, my wedding ring set on 1 hand and large yellow gold statement ring that has a gigantic yellow Brazilian opal stone in center surrounded by lil scattered diamonds on other hand. I love balance, everywhere, even my home. If there’s not balance, not sure my psyche can handle it!!!! Lolol
Haha, here at work (early to work on grades), and I thought I’d click just to see what your post was. As soon as I saw the topic, put the grading to the side. 😀
So interesting! I love the look of slouchy, relaxed jeans, but usually think they look better on someone else. I hope I can find some styles that suit my short self. I’m also a neutral girl through and through, so not sure how much of the bright and bold looks I’ll be sporting, but I actually love the fuschia you showed at the beginning, so I’m sure there will be some things I buy. On the other hand, I instantly loved the “out” neutral cashmere lounge set!
LOL. Me too! I almost ordered it. 😂
Gawwwddd: I SOOOO HOPE “cold shoulder” tops as well as open-toed wedge shoes GO AWAY(!). I can remember wearing in high school (early ’90s) something like ochre and black houndstooth print skinny leg STIRRUP PANTS…and that was *still* not as fugly as those other two trends.
Thanks for this insight into spring 2022. As Larry says, the fashion industry does a great job at changing trends from year to year so that most women will spend money trying to stay current. When you do your shoes post, I hope that you will be able to share a few options for those of us that can’t easily wear ballet flats. My heels are super super thin, so most shoes with an enclosed heel just flop up and down on my feet, so I don’t buy them. Good luck staying warm during the photo shoot today!
I’m so excited about the brighter hues! My go-to is black because it always looks good on me, summer or winter. On days when I don’t know what to put on, casual to dressy, I go with black. But I’m ready for some color! I still intend to stay with my best colors– blues and greens mostly, but I’m hoping to pick up a few spring tops in pretty colors. I sometimes struggle with the correct shade of jeans to go with certain shades, though. Like, what color jeans go with a sapphire/jewel blue top? How about greens that are very dark? Or limey greens? That might be a great idea for a couple of posts, Jo-Lynne. Show us — let’s say– a couple of different shades of blue and what color jeans, or even pants you’d wear with them and maybe what you wouldn’t. Happy Monday!
Thanks Jolene! It does look like the 90″s are coming back! I wasn’t a fan of some of the trends then. I am looking forward to your post on denim. I am petite, 5’2″ and I struggle so with denim. Even the petite size cropped and ankle length jeans still tend to be too long and most of the time they don’t look right hemmed. Funny story…I was wearing a pair of straight leg Levi’s the other day and my fiancee was like, “what kind of jeans are you wearing??? ..I haven’t seen you wear that style”. Needless to say, he was not a fan. He likes the skinny jeans on me better. He was not being critical of me. I see his point. I felt like I had mom jeans on even though they were straight leg jeans and not baggy. I so hate shopping for denim…. (sigh…..) It took me forever to get on the skinny jeans trend and now that I have embraced it. it’s going out. I’m always behind on picking up the trends.. Anyway, looking forward to your post and your post on handbags. My weakness! I love your blog and appreciate you!!
Lorrie……I hear you. I think its harder to pull off the new jeans styles with being shorter. It just makes trying to find the right length and shoe a lot more difficult than with skinny jeans.
I am also 5’2 and my husband never says anything negative about my clothes, but last week when I had on a full-length pair of straight jeans, he said I just don’t think those are very flattering on you. He says the relaxed skinnies I normally wear look so much better.
I haven’t found a cropped pair of straight jeans in the stores that work for me. Has anyone other petite lady cut off a full-length pair of straight jeans and been happy with the look? I am so frustrated with denim right now.
I am 5’3 and feel the same about the jeans. I have a pair of Frame jeans with the raw hem that want to love but I don’t feel comfortable cutting them to length. I am afraid I am not going to do it right.
I am also in the 5’3” category. Petite jeans are so hard to find, and baggy or straight leg styles just make me look shorter and frumpy. I’d rather go swimsuit shopping than jean shopping. I find a slim leg jean looks better on my frame than anything straight. There are quite a few slim leg styles out there. Petite sizes are so hard to find, but they do exist. In response to hemming/cutting off jeans, I would not. It sometimes throws the leg proportions off balance. Why couldn’t I have been just 2” taller?
Yes, I get that. I’m kind of picky about mixing greens and blues with denim. It’s one reason I usually opt for pink, purple, burgundy, and reds for color. 🙂
Yes i second the idea for matching jean colors! I really love wearing blue but tend to not buy too many blue tops because i usually wear jeans (when leaving the house anyway). Maybe white, black, or gray denim? And on the thread on straight leg for petite women.. i hear you! I find that ankle length can look good, but I get worried about the longer hems returning since it just bags up and has a way of adding bulk in the legs. Since i already carry a lot of weight in my thighs and hips that’s definitely not what I’m looking for. Also, if there are any tips for other baggier styles? Back in college i thought i looked great in baggy jeans and now i wonder what i was thinking! Love the post, thank you!!
Looking forward to ideas of how to wear slouchy when I look best in fitted styles & ideas of how to make what we have more updated to match new trends.
Happy Valentine’s Day. Well, as for the In and Out, I’m not liking the In. I’m not in for the slouchy look with jeans for sure. I think I’ll be one who is going to be playing around with the cigarette or slim straight like you recommended. I think once sandal weather comes, it will be easier for me with the cropped look. I don’t like the longer lengths coming back, as they are always too long for my 5’3″ frame. I remember the days of hemming pants myself and I’m not going there again and don’t want to have to have them altered by someone else. 🙂 Going to be hard to not wear skinnies but I find I grab my less skinny ones to wear anyways. But, I’ve learned to never say never. 90’s was not a great fashion year. LOL I don’t like the ballet flats, even with the square toe. They seem soooo dated and not comfortable, as no support. I’m anxious to see how you style the more relaxed fits coming up as you are more of a fitted gal. Its fun to see the trends to come and the ones going but, yes, we need to wear what we feel good in and what fits our life style and area we live in for sure. Have a great day.
Fun post! I’m looking forward to some happy, bright colors to add to my wardrobe, but someone will have to pry my neutrals out of my cold, dead hands, lol! That and my lounge sets and graphic tees. Those Coach platform sandals are calling my name!
Would love your input on how to wear the relaxed/slouchy jean trend when you are middle age. I like the look and find it comfortable, but not flattering through the stomach area or from the back view. You know… those places where gravity has not been kind.
I agree, which is why I probably won’t participate. 🙂
Agree. And aren’t women over 40 trying to stay looking fit and shapely? I don’t think men like the slouchy look on a woman. Well not men “of a certain age” anyway. 😄 IDK ….will have to wait and see.
Still getting the “awaiting moderation” when commenting.
Ooohhh I love those Coach shoes! AND that cashmere lounge set! 🙈
Happy Valentines Day! I can’t wear slouchy jeans; I just feel like I look frumpy. Are boot cut going to be wearable in full length? And thank you for the update Jo-Lynne! I’ve been waiting for your spring trend predictions too.
Yay! I’ll be so happy when distressed jeans are gone! (I don’t mind the mild distressing–it’s the busted-out knees and multiple holes that I don’t like. Ask me about the time I tried to try on a pair of distressed jeans with holes in the knees, and managed to step through one of the holes with my foot and lost my balance–let’s just say it was not pretty. Sorry, everyone else in the Nordstrom dressing room.) And yay for the return of ballet flats, which are my longtime faves.
Ha! I hate it when I put my foot through the hole and rip the strings, I like them to stay in tact. I try to be careful, but when I’m in a hurry, I forget.
I have a couple of pairs of distressed/holes in knees jeans and enjoy them more during spring/summer and will probably end up trying to make shorts out of them.
Well …I’m as happy to see some come as I am to see some leave! I will say the bigger fitting jeans do nothing for me but add weight and make me appear shorter than I am🤷♀️I’ll try some straight styles but I make no promises.. and definitely won’t be doing a longer length. Not sure why…but I love a little ankle showing it just seems more flattering.. I mean is there such thing as a universal jean? Nice to know we can all embrace what we like or don’t like and like you said where one lives can really depict what we wear too:)
Thanks for this post as I start to think of adding a few new things to my wardrobe for spring.. I’m loving the summer handbags 🙌🏻
I LOVE slouchy jeans & the longer length…
.Have been wearing my husbands boyhood jeans and other mens styles for years…It’s perfect for me as i have a waistline that goes straight through my hips with absolutely NO bum and skinny legs. To say the least skinny jeans have been a nightmare for me. And ankle jeans / cropped !!!!Yikes to see my skinny ankles is absolutely frightening…
Looking forward to not having to dig through the boys department to find a great pair of jeans
Couldn’t agree with you more about the column dresses. They rarely flatter anyone, unless they’re long and very lean. Great post.
Thank you for all the insight. I enjoy reading your perspective on the ins and outs, ups and downs, and trends. Thank you for keeping me fashionable 🙂
I never fully gave up my 90s fashion sense, so I’m excited for a lot of these trends! My local Target, meanwhile, currently looks like the 70s threw up in the women’s clothing section, mixed in with some Little House on the Prairie dresses. It’s so weird and disappointing.
I, too, have found myself staying away from most of my leopard print, but I’m not tossing it all just yet. It’s too classic of a print.
testing email replies
Hi, you are very smart and look lovely today!
I have a rectangular frame so I am really worried about not being able to find structured tops and more form fitting clothes (not too form fitting though 🙂 ).
I love when you do the seasonal ins and outs! So fun!
Like so many have said here, I too dislike the slouchy jeans. I don’t think they are flattering on many people.
Love the bright colors for spring!!! Those green shoes are gorgeous!
It took me this long to like skinny jeans and now they’re out ,I think the best thing to wear is what flatters your shape and not what’s on trend
I love that fact that many of the trends I hated are out for 2022!
I’m thrilled about the bold colors! I was never a pastel girl, but now that I’m transitioning to grey, can I say that fuchsia is my new fave color? Woohoo!
What style jeans should a 79 year old woman wear ? small frame 140 pounds a little stomach but not bad .
It depends on your personal style, but a straight leg jean is probably the most classic at the moment. That’s what my mom wears, when she wears jeans. There’s no reason you can’t wear flares, though, if you like that look.
Thanks for really good tips
Love your comments
What are Dad sneakers?
The thick, white sneakers that we often associate with older and middle-aged men.
I love your opinions on fashions. I have 2 different coats that I love that are animal print! Can I wear them this year? Thanks!