5 Fashion Trends We’ve Already Retired in 2022...and What to Wear Instead
We may be only three months into the new year, but fashion moves at its own lightning pace, meaning a handful of the trends we adored in 2021 and the beginning of 2022 are already feeling outdated. It’s less that these pieces will make you look totally out of the loop and more a result of exciting new trends popping up on our radar. So if you’re itching for a wardrobe refresh as we head into spring, here are five trends we suggest you shelve for now and the five new styles you should wear instead.
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1. OUT: Nap Dresses
IN: Maxi Slip Dresses
The nap dress will always hold a special place in our hearts—no other fashion item got us through the pandemic more chicly or comfortably than the floaty cottagecore staple—but we’re officially swapping them out for a sexier, though no less comfy, silhouette. Nineties-inspired midi- and maxi-length silk slips are the new dress-up-or-down closet staple we just can’t get enough of. Pair them with minimalist jewelry and simple sandals for weekends, or add some lace-up heels and sparkling jewelry for something fancier like a wedding reception or cocktail party.
Shop the trend: J.Crew Eco Culpro Slip Dress ($128); Silk Masion Sandwashed Silk Dress ($98); Banana Republic Silk Maxi Dress ($220); ASOS Design Bias Cut Satin Slip Dress ($70); Line & Dot Loulou Satin Dress ($88)
2. OUT: Low-Rise Jeans
IN: Cargo Pants
OK, so this one we’re somewhat willing into existence as both trends are still looming large in 2022. But rather than deal with all the emotional baggage and underwear troubles that come with hip-bone baring denim, we’d so much rather embrace our inner Kim Possible and sport a pair of chic cargo pants instead. The best versions have a slightly wider leg with sleekly designed pockets (and not too many—two max) and come in pale or pastel shades like sage green or caramel beige.
Shop the trend: Bershka Straight-Leg Cargo Pants ($46); OneTeaspoon Cargo Motion Jeans ($148); Anthropologie Wide-Leg Cargo Pants ($130); Avec Les Filles Wide-Leg Cargo Pants ($148); I Saw It First Tie-Waist Cargo Pants ($45)
3. OUT: Resin and Enamel Jewelry
IN: Pearls and Gold Links
Chunky, colorful Y2K jewelry enjoyed a brief return in 2021, and while early aughts clothing is still majorly trending, this year we’re pairing our butterfly print tops with more grown-up staples like gold chain link necklaces and baroque pearl earrings. Although these pieces feel much more adult, that doesn’t mean they have to be boring or basic. Look for pearls in unusual shapes or colors instead of a classic matched white string. Or opt for mixed media styles that combine classic stones with funky textured links.
Shop the trend: AUrate Lioness Chain Necklace ($400); Mejuri Bold Pearl Drop Earrings ($65); Missoma Harris Reed In Good Hands Pearl Bracelet ($123); Gorjana Margot Pearl Asymmetrical Bracelet ($70); Mason & Madison Co. Half Chain Pearl Necklace ($95; $76); Bracha Cameron Toggle Lariat Necklace ($79)
4. OUT: Square-Toe Shoes
IN: Pointy-Toe Shoes
You can definitely still get away with wearing square-toe sandals, but boots or heels with the throwback silhouette are best replaced with sharper, pointy styles. And while a timeless pointed pump certainly fits the bill, the trendiest shoes feature a slightly more exaggerated toe box. Try some slingback kitten heels to ease your way back into shoes that aren’t house slippers or chunky sneakers.
Shop the trend: Badgley Mischka Kamilah Pumps ($198); Marc Fisher Hadais Mules ($60); M.Gemi The Mia Heels ($328); ASOS Silent Slingback Heels ($50); Rothy’s The Point Flats ($145)
5. OUT: Polo Collar Sweaters
IN: Country Club V-Necks
Polo collar cashmere knits were a lifesaver on days when we wanted to look professional over Zoom without sacrificing the comforts of working from the couch home. But in 2022 we’re putting them aside in favor of the equally preppy country club V-neck. These sportswear knits feature exaggerated Vs with colorful trim, often in a cable knit or other textured weave. Pair them with everything from tennis skirts to wide-leg jeans, or toss them on over your new favorite maxi slip dresses on chilly summer nights.
Shop the trend: Lacoste Striped Textured Wool Sweater ($175; $87); REISS Miley Cricket Sweater ($240; $180); Faherty Game Set Cricket Sweater ($158); 525 Varsity V-Neck Sweater ($98; $69); Topshop Varsity Cable Sweater ($56)
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