10 Ways to Look More Stylish this Year

10 Stylish Trends to Work into Your Wardrobe this Year

Thank the fashion gods: 2022 has been a bumper year for gorgeous fashion trends so far.

Fashion fiends have waited out the last few years with bated breath, hoping and praying for the day when real-life fashion shows would be a thing again, and we could wear our clothes somewhere other than in front of our mirrors again, and the day is finally here.

The trends that have stolen the hearts and captured the imaginations of fashion fans across the world have stayed strong for the last few years; there’s not a lot of “new” on the trend radar at the moment, but there are a lot of new takes on existing looks. Men’s Ted Baker jackets are appearing oversized and paired with slouchy trousers, colour blocking is going strong, and pleats are here to stay…again. Let’s take a look at the top 10 trends you can embrace this year to keep your looks smooth and stylish for the rest of 2022.

Colour Blocking

We see this trend’s longevity as a lengthy response to the dreary few years we’ve recently faced. Staying at home in sweats isn’t exactly many people’s idea of a good time, and their way of kicking back against that discomfort was to opt for bold, brightly coloured garments that catch the eye and make a real statement. You don’t have to go big to start with: try a hat, bag, or pair of shoes if you’re a slow starter.

Fringe Benefits

A taste of the 70s has been gracing the runways again this year: fringe is back. It can be a lot if you take a trend like this to the extreme, but that’s what stars like Lil Nas have been doing to great effect. If a little fringe goes a long way for you, why not try an asymmetrical fringed skirt like the ones that were so popular in the 90s? A wrist-strap bag with a fringe detail could add a lot to a simple outfit or go full flapper for a bigger effect.

Peekaboo

Even though pre-autumn looks are coming out in collections across the world already, we NEVER say no to a little cutout moment. A little skin here or there leaves a lot to the imagination; we know it’s been done before, but it’s a trend that anyone can pull off if they choose just the right piece.

The Naughties

All things early 2000s are back, shifting the recently trending 90s garments out of pole position in the race. Double denim (think Justin and Britney) looks are back on the runways, ultra ultra low rise jeans and minis have made a comeback as well, and silky, slinky satin skirts are all the rage again.

Stripes

Though no one could accuse stripes of being a new trend, we do love them for a number of reasons. This time around, they’ve come back bold: no pinstripes as far as the eye can see. Though many people shy away from horizontal stripes because so many of us have been told our whole lives that they make you look wider, this is a simple trend that even the people who take the fewest fashion risks will be able to embrace it.

Image by Godisable Jacob via Pexels

Over The Top Silhouettes

All of the tiered skirts, puffed sleeves, and ruched blouses from the last few years have been put on a course of steroids, and we LOVE it. This trend towards overblown and outsized silhouettes is a little Alice In Wonderland, and the whimsy absolutely makes our day. The larger-than-life looks that we have seen on the runways are slowly making their way to off the rack, and we simply can’t wait.

Ruffled Up

Ruffles and frills go very well with our previous trend, but they’re making waves all on their own as well. The utilitarian looks we have been seeing for the last few years are giving way to shapes with a little more laughter about them. Though ruffles and frills don’t technically serve a purpose in any garment, they do add layers and interest to a look that may otherwise have been very plain.

Apres Ski

Not just ski, but all sporting looks are leaving the courts and fields and making their way to the runways of the world once more. This is a resurgence of the massive 80s trend towards sportswear as casual wear, and we aren’t mad about it at all. Reflective and waterproof fabrics in sharp and bold shapes, unexpected fabric and silhouette combinations: we love them all.

Sequins

Though it’s hardly an ideal trend to sport when you’re rushing out to the grocery shop at seven in the evening, sparkles and shine are here to stay. Like many other trends on our list, this is something that’s larger than life and all about having fun with what you wear. No colour is left out of this trend: we’ve seen everything from matte black to shimmering neon green.

Crops

There is never, ever a bad time for a crop top! If the weather is warm out, reach for a cropped tee or tank. If the weather is old, layer up underneath and reach for a cropped puffer or bomber jacket. Adding a crop to an outfit creates an exciting set of layers that can be a lot of fun to play around with.