The most current fashion trends are those that feel easy to wear but still look as though you made just enough effort to do whatever it is you do during these strange, strange days and nights. Whether that’s daily Zoom meetings and a few essential errands, the occasional (safe!) outdoor dinner, weekend park outings, or in-person work, we all could use clothing that makes us feel a distinct sense of ease and comfort.
While forecasting fashion trends that originate on the runway isn’t a total exercise in futility—it will always hold influence—it seems designers and retailers are more frequently looking to social media, youth culture, nostalgia, street style, and celebrities for inspiration about what’s cool and what’s current.
As we start to wrap up a year that’s been less than ideal for every single one of us, take solace in the fact that the current fashion trends you might have bought into in 2021 will only be more prevalent in 2022. Small victories!
Sweet Cropped Cardigans
This vintage-inspired trend was kicked off among higher-end brands like Alessandra Rich and LoveShackFancy, and it has inevitably trickled down to the Zaras and Forever 21s of the world. Don’t be fooled by the way the women above styled theirs—this trend looks just as cute with lounge-y sweatpants as it does with jeans or a midi skirt. Plus, whether buttoned up on its own or with a matching cami underneath, it’ll impress over Zoom even if you pair it with the flannel PJ bottoms you wore to bed.
Tractor-Inspired Boots
Seemingly every designer and retailer from Balenciaga to Zara is taking cues from the humble tractor boot, which had a massive surge in fall 2021 and will only become more widespread next year. Characterized by an almost comically rounded toe and a thick, rugged sole, it’s among the current fashion trends that look as at home under a long dress or with a super-short skirt as it does paired with slouchy sweatpants or leggings. Consider this one of the current fashion trends worth the investment.
Candy-Colored Sweatpants
Few items can replace your favorite pair of worn-in heather gray sweats, but this year—one that was defined by couch clothing—the demand for sweatpants in a variety of colors, including pastels and juicy bolds, was strong. Blame it on the idea that, once we felt comfortable to go outside again, our commitment to comfort didn’t waver but we still wanted to shop for and wear pieces that felt a little more fun than what typically colored sweatpants telegraph.
Shackets
Brushed plaid “shackets”—a hybrid of shirt and jacket—are among the current fashion trends that can be worn anywhere, any time. Heavier than a flannel shirt but not quite as bulky as a full-on coat, they’re perfect if you need to run out. They also look great with most things you’re already wearing, from sweatpants to turtlenecks.
Puff Sleeves
Among current fashion trends, this one is made to be noticed and therefore might have been a little more fun when you were actually going out and living life, but it’s also one that looks fresh on a grocery store run, the occasional (again, safe!) outdoor dinner, or yes, over Zoom.
Boiler Suits
This one-and-done hero piece has cropped up everywhere this year, from the runway to your favorite affordable stores. It’s easy, it’s cool, and it takes the stress out of picking pants and a shirt—because we all have enough to think about right now. Pro tip: Layer a turtleneck underneath to make it extra seasonal.
Bucket Hats
Swap the baseball cap for a very 2021 bucket hat, one of many current fashion trends beloved by some of the most stylish women on Planet Earth including Rihanna and Bella Hadid.
That Bag Shape We All Had in the Early 2000s
You know the one: kind of like a half-circle, short strap. Perfect for carrying only what you need, which never felt more relevant. Fendi christened the shape the “baguette” and its had a massive resurgence, while Prada recently reissued its iconic 2000 and 2005 nylon version. You don’t have to have a designer budget, though: Almost every affordable retailer has its own version right now. If you really want to take it back to the early aughts, go for the ones made from shiny hard pleather.
Tiger Print
Consider this update on last year’s pervasive leopard print. This year, tiger stripes are showing up on everything from cozy knit sweaters and boxy overcoats to prim blouses and dresses in case you need a break from your sweatshirts and elastic waists.
Hoodies Under Blazers
Take the “cozy” quarantine piece we’re all sick a little of wearing and layer it under a blazer, and you’ve got a legitimately perfect, just-polished-enough outside—or inside—look. Whether you favor boxy oversized blazers or more tailored styles, you can’t mess up this trend.
