"We have high hopes for 2022. Carrie Bradshaw is back. Espresso martinis are the collective drink of choice. The desire to wear something other than a sweatsuit has taken hold. In other words, we’re feeling all kinds of optimistic.
And while making (er, breaking) our resolutions and dreaming up vision boards, we realized something. Aren’t our outfits their own kind of affirmations? When you need a confidence boost, put on a catsuit. If you want to be more carefree, go cottagecore. Feeling bookish? A tweed blazer it is. Our closets can help us set intentions, and this year, that intention is to dress as chic as ever.
Here are the top 2022 fashion trends you can score on a budget—and the pieces to splurge on instead. Happy manifesting.
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1. Y2K
Yes, early aughts fashion is en vogue again, and yes, low-rise jeans have made their way back into the mainstream. But if you’re team “when they go low we go high,” don’t panic—there are other ways to dress a la Lizzie Mcguire (baguette bags and butterfly clips, anyone?).
2. Mismatched prints
Checkerboard prints, plaids, and other unexpected patterns are must-haves in 2022, and we’re planning to mix and match them all year. Press pause on the neutrals and go bold with geometric shapes, zebra stripes, and flirty florals.
3. Fringe and feathers
Talk about fringe benefits—the modern-day flapper look can be dressed up or down, romantic or edgy. You decide. Catch us wearing fringe from head to toe—we’re that obsessed.
4. Oversized everything
Mini mini skirts are in this year. So are tiny crop tops that at this point we should just call bras. Maybe they deserved a spot on this list, but if we’re being realistic, the oversized button downs and boxy jackets seen on the runways are (in our opinion) more effortless and easier to style.
5. All the hats
You’ve mastered the outfit. Now you need something to top it off—quite literally. The easiest, most on-trend choice should involve some sort of hat. Bucket hats, beanies, and baseball caps will be everywhere this year, so why not get ahead of the curve?
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1. Dark academia
Imagine you’re a student in the 20th century, attending a boarding school in England. You’re wearing a chunky cardigan, tweed skirt, and leather coat. Scholarly and sophisticated, you’re never seen without a book in hand. This is the dark academia aesthetic, and while it’s TikTok-approved, it’s also a look that will stand the test of time.
2. Knee-high boots
The knee-high boot isn’t back—it just never left. Any outfit is complete with a pair, from a date night dress to casual leggings. Versatile and statement-making, this is our definition of a closet staple. BRB, leaving our ankle boots in the corner and splurging on some knee-highs.
3. Pearlcore
As you may already know, pearls are having a moment. They’re on handbags and headbands. They’re on the sleeves of our sweaters. And we can’t get enough. But unlike certain trends, pearls will always be a classic, which is why they’re worth a little more. A made-to-last piece will elevate your look for years to come. Go on—the world’s your oyster.
