Today I’m going to be talking about the upcoming and current trends of 2022, talk about what I’ll be following, what I like and what I’m not so hot on.
You can definitely find more qualified takes on fashion on the internet, but I think my uneducated, cheap and authentic opinion is valuable because that’s what makes up the masses. There are very few NYU fashion school grads walking around Vancouver judging your fashion choices, however, I am, so you should not take my opinion with a grain of salt.
2022 Trend Watch
What I’ve been loving!
Headphones/wired earbuds
Who would’ve thought something so practical could become trendy. I think they’re a really cool way to break up an outfit and make it more fun. It sounds silly to describe headphones as a fashion accessory, but they really do add something to an outfit. You definitely use headphones that you probably already own, like Beats by Dre, Bose, or even the new Apple ones. However, if you want to feel a bit more fashion-forward and a little less Beca from Pitch Perfect, you can swap out your Sony Soundlinks for some Retro Koss headphones, the same great quality but way cuter.
https://www.tiktok.com/@thedigifairy/video/7013825873627352326?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&q=headphones&t=1643590116436
I’m not fully behind the whole y2k renaissance, but I’m really enjoying this extension of it, especially because I’m a broadcast student so headphones never “out: for me and my Airpods are on their last leg.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSKvNUQFKg_/
I’m going to include the ear muff trend along with these because they’re serving the same idea. However, personally, I’m not going to go out and buy ear muffs, since Vancouver winters are so mild that I’ll save my cash.
Plaid
I love plaid. You know that pattern that you’re just drawn to when you see it on the rack like there’s this romantic tension between me and plaid. When I say plaid I’m talking about classic, red, black, green and navy. Very English school girl classic style.
This
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVdx5vCFM7w/
I would literally kill for that dress.
Not this
Pexels/Pixabay
This man on the other hand can leave and I hope the door hits him on his way out.
Balaclavas
This trend gets people a little more divided, but I’m personally on board with the balaclava trend. And it’s funny I say on board because prior to this trend really popping off I was searching for a cute balaclava for snowboarding. Unfortunately, the trendy ones aren’t very winter sport friendly in my opinion. The pretty knitted colourful balaclavas I can’t see holding up very well on the mountain, nevertheless, I think they’re super cute and a fun way to dress up a boring winter outfit. Because let’s be real, it’s really hard to look cute when it’s below 0 degrees.
Can I say the word ‘cute’ one more time?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWMSPEovS55/
Mary Janes
My mom forced me to wear mary janes in Elementary school and I hated her for it. I thought they were girly and boring, but I don’t know my attitude has changed and now I really want a pair. I’m sure a lot of it is nostalgia and comfort but I think they’re so feminine and classic (aka girly and boring.)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXlVLbgs9Uo/
I’m not a fan of the Dolls Kill chunky platform mary janes, I prefer a classic single strap over the foot OR around the ankle, with a block heel and rounded toe. The foot strap falls under the Twee trend and the ankle strap is more Ballerina-core. I think both are very elegant and a wardrobe staple, especially for a closed-toe formal winter shoe.
Trends I’m not so in love with
Holes and cut-outs
The I.AM.GIA random cut-out attire gets a no from me. Alexa Demie’s character Maddy, in HBO’s Euphoria, walked so this trend could run. I just think it looks costumey and kind of cheap? It can definitely be a sexy party girl moment, but it’s just not practical and I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing it anywhere outside the club.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWyfl9TPr8z/
My fashion taste leans on the more modest end of things, so this trend just isn’t my thing and I think you can achieve a far more elegant and classic but still sexy look without having random holes in your pants and top.
Micro-MICRO skirt
I love a good mini skirt. However, the micro skirt is on a whole nother level and I don’t think I’m into it. I’m treading lightly on this one because I could be swayed, especially in warmer (skimpier) weather. The micro skirt walks a thin line on being a belt, more than a skirt. They’re so short, that you have to basically accept the fact that something’s going to fall out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CY8j-6TLnQG/
Again, I just think it’s costumey and more sexy than actually flattering. A good mini or midi does your body so much more justice than a large belt covering your bum.
Crocs
I don’t know if this is technically a ‘2022 trend,’ but I’m including it because these dumb shoes refuse to leave my Instagram feed. I’m not going to try to be nice or beat around the bush for this one, crocs are gross. I’ve not once seen these shoes styled nicely. Designer brands like Balenciaga have released high fashion versions of the croc and they’re still butt ugly. Platformed, bejewelled, or colourful they still are unflattering and ugly. The only acceptable time to wear crocs is slipping on your mom’s to take out the trash. If you’re looking for a fugly shoe, Birkenstocks and Uggs are great alternatives that’re actually presentable.
This
@ryankuechler styling: Birkenstock Boston’s 🙂 #birkenstock #birkenstockboston #style #outfit #mensstyle
♬ Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Remastered – Elton John & Kiki Dee
Not this
https://www.tiktok.com/@jordsmfk/video/7015801853397028098?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id6924475655456376325
Birkenstock Boston Clogs >>>>> Crocs.