The Womenswear Edit
SS22 Trend Guide
Like a butterfly emerging from cocoon, fashion is shedding its winter tones in favour of a vivacious new palette. Read our guide to ensure you’re ready to fly when the sun shines!
High Hemline
When Mary Quant first popularised the mini skirt in the 60s, she described the girls wearing them as “lively, positive, opinionated.” Nothing has changed then! This season’s mini trend takes all of that 60s energy and wraps it in 21st century sexiness. From punky pattern clashing to chic tailoring, you can wear this season’s minis in a variety of ways. With shiny fabric styles by <brand> and <brand> or minis with graphic patterns and prints by <brand> and <brand>, try pairing them with floral collar shirts, slouchy knitwear, sheer vests or slinky party tops, all of which you can often find in vintage stores. Low-waisted styles were popular on the runways, as were knee-high boots on the one hand, and strappy kitten heels on the other. Wear the trend with Quant’s enduring playful attitude and you can’t go wrong.
Summer Garden
Florals always play a key element in many a designer collection, bringing pattern and colour in abundance. This season, brands such as Erdem, Etro and Lemaire eschewed bold graphic prints in favour of more delicate designs. They referenced English flower meadows, creating an almost geometric pattern upon ruched maxi dresses, svelte strappy dresses and pleated skirts by the likes of <brand>, <brand> and <brand>. To be true to the trend, avoid the really bright tones and instead opt for a more earthy selection of bohemian hues from greens, yellows, reds and cream. Given the boho aesthetic, the look definitely calls for some big bag action, so think bucket bag or an oversized tote to finish the look off with a flourish. Blooming marvelous!
Pretty In Pink
Fuschia, rose, salmon, coral, bubblegum… every shade of pink known to man was spotted on the spring/summer runways as designers got busy with the most feminine of tones. But pink is also powerful, playful, and confident too, which is why we saw it used in a variety of different ways by the likes of Moschino, Giorgio Armani, Carolina Herrera and so many more. Pink on pink tailoring is a breath of fresh, sweet air so look for blazers or skirt suits by <brand> and <brand> to dial up your sharpest looks. Opt for voluminous pink dresses or skirts by <brand> and <brand> if you really want to make an impact, especially those with ruffle details or tulle fabric. Matching pink handbags and heels will have trend fashionistas salivating for the monochrome look, which you can accessorise with delicate feminine details such as pearls or a glittery clutch.
Loosen Up
Say baggy jeans and many will think of 90s grunge vibes, but this season’s trend sees more sophisticated styles blown up to wide-legged proportions. Distressed elements such as rips and patches are still very much to the fore, but these low-waisted jeans have a more feminine shape to them than the boyfriend jeans of past seasons. Look for great options in washed-out denim tones by <brand>, <brand> and <brand>. Super easy to style, we’d recommend channelling a 60s California vibe by exposing a little midriff with colourful crop tops and bralettes and bookending the look with beachy slip-on sandals, or alternatively take a more sustainable approach and go for an oversized shirt from a vintage store for a chic casual aesthetic. Don’t forget the details: contrast the volume of the jeans with a bright yet diminutive handbag and top it all off with a playful bucket hat.
Well Suited
Where much of men’s tailoring has stayed the same for the last century, the female interpretation is constantly on the move, with new cuts and silhouettes every season. The likes of The Row, Rodarte and Chloe have brought graceful fluidity to an oversized silhouette that’s to die for this season. Wide-legged trousers by (brand) and (brand) are non-negotiable icons of the look, while unstructured oversized blazers by the likes of (brand) and (brand) finish off a flowy and dynamic aesthetic in a predominantly neutral palette. It’s smart but not formal, especially when you dress the suit down with a casual white tee or sporty bralette. Make sure the suit fabric is lightweight and the silkier the better to give a sense of movement. Keep your accessories minimal - we’re thinking strappy sandals, a mini leather clutch, and oversize sunglasses.
Top Picks
Read next
