There are certain trends that can always be relied upon to roll back around every summer, think: floral prints, thigh-skimming hemlines and strappy dresses. But when it comes to nailing a stylish vibe when the sun is shining, it’s the micro trends of the season that always help to inspire my outfits. When navigating what to wear at everything from picnics to BBQs, weddings to vacations, I find it’s those small but mighty details and seen-at-the-coolest-shows colours that really make a big impact. Fashion Editors and your favourite It Girl Instagrammers (the type whose outfit you always want to steal) know that working the trends woven amongst the season’s key runway looks means you always look ahead of the style curve.
Allow the following micros of the moment to elevate your look this season. For SS22, the devil is very much in the details...
Print clash
The best way to style trending bold prints this season is to wear them all within one outfit. Fashion fortune favours the brave for SS22, so consider layering a leopard corset over your floral midi dress or updating a co-ord by switching out matching pieces for mixed. More is more, and the louder the print, the better.
At Missoni, white floral print trousers were paired with swirled motif tops — clashing gone chic, if you will. MSGM decided one floral print per outfit wasn’t enough, so showed top and trousers separates in opposing coloured prints. The Double Clash was also seen at Dries Van Noten, Shiaparelli and Ulla Johnson– think polka dots paired with stripes, paisley with animal print, gingham with houndstooth. The fashion Houses' message? Go bold or go home.
I’ll be heading to weekend drinks in Miaou’s newspaper print top (V Carrie Bradshaw) set off against Wray’s yellow zebra trousers. The iconic logo of Dior’s book tote provides the finishing motif, and keeping shoes neutral ensures the prints are the focus of the look. Sunnies and gold hoops are a must, ofc.
Everything's All White
All-white is having a moment. Yes, I know avoiding spillages requires more effort, but the payoff gives the air of European-chic I want to emulate this summer. Take the lead from runway looks at Jil Sander, Erdem, Bottega Veneta, and Acne and rock every garment in head to toe white, from trousers to shorts, shoes to hair accessories. The colour evokes a fresh, put-together feeling — whether you’re jetting out of the country or staying put.
If you haven’t rented a Sleeper dress yet, get on that immediately — the perfectly oversized ruffle sleeves make you want to skip and twirl down the street. I’m renting it with Acne’s studios dreamy Musubi bag to update last season’s white sandals and ruffled headband. Rather than trying to match items, wearing one colour head to toe can make a big impact.
Tangerine Dream
It’s official: zingy orange is the colour of 2022. Not only does the shade look great on everyone, it just screams sunshine. Every fashion girl in the know seems to be rocking the punchy shade RN, so it’s worth adding an orange item to your outfit repertoire ASAP. At Prada, orange dresses with pulled in waists made me crave a holiday, Proenza Schouler made me want a suit in the shade, and designers Emilia Wickstead, Dior, Saint Laurent and Molly Goddard all made the case that Aperol Orange is the new Millennial Pink.
I will personally be eluding Main Character Energy in my current rental crush, JACQUEMUS’ Bahia shirt dress — the styling options are endless, whether you want to dress it down with chunky Birkenstocks and a basket bag or style it up with heels. The warmth of gold accessories beautifully set off this fruity tone, IMO. A bronzed glow is optional, but encouraged.
Tube Dresses
Sleek and easy to wear, these are my go-to throw on and go summer staple that work for every occasion - from weekend coffee dates and beer garden hangs to al fresco dinners. Insta’s slickest dressers have been spotted in these figure-hugging one pieces, as have celebs like Simone Ashley and Hailey Bieber. As soon as I spotted Ganni’s mesh dress on the catwalk, I knew we were destined for one another. I’m wearing mine with orange-toned lippy to pick out the dresses logo print, pairing with my favourite cream sandals and gold earrings to complete the look.
Hyper Femininity
This season, fashion has embraced fun with a capital F. After a summer hiatus thanks to lockdown(s) modern-day style mavens are heading out in billowing pastel dresses, ultra-ruffled tops, corsets, and all things pink. Hyper Femininity is trending on TikTok, with stylish women wearing their most princess-like ‘fits at the weekend — saving nothing for best. Giambattista Valli, No. 21, Simone Rocha and Erdem all sent models down the catwalk in ultra-feminine, romance-led looks. The celebs are embracing the trend too, with Lizzo, Kim K and Winnie Harlow all showing off pink outfits worthy of Elle Woods. So if it’s floral, flamboyant and fun — rent it now.
For my next wedding guest ensemble, I’ll be giving Barbie in Selkie’s pink puff dress, L'ALINGI’s diamante-adorned clutch bag and Giambattista Valli’s heart glitter sandals, because life’s too short not to have fun with your outfit.
