Can you smell the faint aroma of sizzling barbeque, sunscreen and salty air? This can only mean one thing: summer is here, and our closets need a refresh. The future of fashion is bright this season, both literally and figuratively. While serene pastels and dependable neutrals are here to stay, boisterous hues are the blueprint to this season’s optimistic outlook. Picture the striking reds of blooming poppies and vibrant greens of lush meadows. With that being said, summer 2022 fashion trends are a hodgepodge of elevated classics and revivals of past decades. Reach for romantic ruffles for your next sunset picnic or dabble in denim for a cross-country road trip. Ladies, there’s something for everyone, and we’re here to help you uncover which warm-weather trends speak to your inner fashionista.
Standout Colors And Prints Defining the Summer of 2022 Fashion Trends
Shades of purple are the defining hues of the summer of 2022 fashion trends. In fact, they even inspired Pantone’s color of the year for 2022. Veri Peri is best described as red-violet with blue highlights. Dare we say a twist on periwinkle? Pantone says this color displays “carefree confidence and a daring curiosity.” Are you more of a pastel enthusiast? Lavender is a front-runner this year for its optimistic and calming nature. Wear either a purple shade in a head-to-toe tonal look or pair it with warm neutrals and muted greens.
What’s the 411 on this season’s prints? Here’s the motto—go big or go small. Large-scale patterns are translating from the runways to the streets in a significant way. Seek out sweeping brushstroke prints, bold artistic patterns and oversized watercolor florals. Incorporating these daring designs in your everyday life will have you feeling like you’re on vacation all summer long. If you prefer a more minimal approach, not to worry. Distinct ditsy prints are continuing to trickle over from spring.
4 Major Summer 2022 Fashion Trend Themes
The sun is out and the days are getting longer, which can only mean one thing. We have places to be, people to see and fabulous outfits to wear. Let’s dive into the top four summer 2022 fashion themes we’re expecting to make a splash.
Cottagecore: The Summer 2022 Fashion Trend For Homebodies
Escaping to a summer cottage for a long weekend? Don’t forget to pack all things crochet, eyelet and lace. The cottagecore trend has quickly transformed from a niche aesthetic to a way of life. With a new wave of homesteaders and back-to-the-landers, it’s no surprise that cottagecore tops the summer 2022 fashion trend charts. Join this movement that’s rooted in femininity by seeking out garden florals like teensy daisy and hand-painted dandelion prints. Draw your color inspiration from Mother Nature with earthy shades like sage, sunset peach and calming lavender. Planning to pick wildflowers and tend to your summer harvest? Shade your face with a woven sun hat and protect your feet with wooden clogs or leather sandals.
Y2K Fashion: This Summer 2022 Fashion Trend Is Full Of Nostalgia
Are you having déjà vu? Fashion’s latest runway shows look like a recreation of past decades, but we’re not complaining. If we could bottle the sentimental feeling of nostalgia, we would. Instead, we’re keeping it alive in our closets. 70s-inspired threads, as well as 90s fashion for women, are already making strides in the current day. Now it’s time to let Y2K fashion shine. That’s right—butterfly tops and baby tees paired with miniskirts and low-rise jeans rank high for summer 2022 fashion trends. Look like you stepped out of the scene of an early-aughts rom-com in bubblegum hues. After all, you can wear pink any day of the week (not just on Wednesdays).
Americana Aesthetic: The Ultimate Summer 2022 Fashion Trend
Close your eyes and picture those classic 4th of July outfits. What comes to mind? The Americana aesthetic draws from the quintessential stripe, gingham and check prints that we know and love. Want to incorporate this 2022 summer trend into your wardrobe? Focus on shades of salsa red, midnight blue and bright white. Breathable materials like linen, chambray and cotton will give you the breezy feel needed for porch swing hangouts.
Business Comfort: The Office-Ready Summer 2022 Fashion Trend
The time has finally come. Some of us are transitioning away from the work-from-home life and toward in-office workdays. We’re needing to level up our workwear outfits while staying comfortable, of course. Not to worry. This summer 2022 fashion trend has our backs. The concept of workleisure is evolving into a business comfort dress code. We’re trading in our WFH joggers for easy sheath dresses and wide-leg trousers. Maintain a polished look with structured blazers and pointed pumps. If you’ve been cooped up inside for far too long, take this as your opportunity to make a statement. Lean into those expressive prints and daring shades to let your true self shine through.
Summer 2022 Fashion Trends For The Season’s Hottest Activities
Among the list of summer 2022 fashion trends, we’re reworking the recipe for athleisure. Instead of equal parts athletic and leisurewear, the focus is on active properties and functional fabrics. Our clothes need to keep up with our busy lives, hobbies and newfound wanderlust. Take a peek at activities we’re loving below and how to dress the part.
What to Wear Hiking
The thrill of the trail is calling our names, and we can’t get out the door quick enough. Are you feeling the same? If you’re not sure what to wear hiking, we’ve got you covered. When creating your must-have list of summer 2022 fashion trends, don’t forget quick-drying tanks, tees and cargo shorts. Lightweight layers will do wonders as the day transitions from dewy mornings to balmy afternoons. Pack your trail mix, lace up those hiking shoes and you’ll be on track to tackle those peaks and valleys.
What to Wear Running
On your mark, get set, go to your closet and grab your trusty workout clothes for a run. More specifically, when deciding what to wear running, opt for shorts or capris made from performance materials to keep cool in the summer heat. Partner your bottoms with a loose T-shirt and a high-impact sports bra to stay comfortable and supported. Proper running shoes are a must, and never skimp on that SPF. Now you’re ready to jog seaside on the sand or along a paved colorspark trail. Getting in a dose of beautiful scenery and exercise—a dynamic duo, if you ask us.
What to Wear to Play Tennis
Channel your inner Sporty Spice because court sports are all the rage and go hand-in-hand with summer 2022 fashion trends. Wondering what to wear to play tennis? If punchy colors aren’t your thing, stick to tennis whites. In fact, some clubs adhere to an old-time tradition of requiring members to wear all white while on the court. Now’s your chance to put that trendy skort to use by styling it with a longline sports bra. Finally, slip on your sneakers with a grippy sole and you’ll ace that backhand in no time.
Add These Summer 2022 Fashion Trends To Your Road Trip Packing List
There’s something so freeing and stress-relieving about road trips, isn’t there? They offer an escape from the mundane and an opportunity to see the world from a new lens. This summer, road trip in style with this season’s top fashion trends. Think easy, breezy and boho-inspired. Here’s our list of the top three trends to include on your road trip packing list:
- 60s and 70s-inspired prints.
Joy ride in a drop-top convertible while rocking a paisley or batik hair scarf to keep your strands in place. - Denim everything.
There’s nothing like taking a cruise on Route 66 in a pair of classic Levi’s. Go for an unconventional twist with patchwork or embroidered pockets. - Crochet tops and dresses.
Whether it’s a crop top, mini dress or lightweight cardigan, crocheted items are perfect for warm journeys across the states. They offer maximum airflow, and best of all, you can learn to crochet your own pieces (thank you, cottagecore).
Summer 2022 Fashion Trends To Celebrate Your Special Events
If your summer event calendar is booking up fast, your closet may be trying to keep up. From barbecues and weddings to graduations and more, you can only repeat an outfit so many times. That’s where we come in. We’re here to offer inspiration on how to draw from our top 2022 summer fashion trends and freshen up your soiree-ready ensembles. Keep scrolling to boost your fashion credentials while attending highly awaited social gatherings.
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
Love birds are singing, and wedding season is in full swing. Need to decide what to wear to a summer wedding or two? Or three? You’re not alone. Warm-weather nuptials are the perfect opportunity at which to try your favorite summer trend of 2022. A beloved midi dress from your wardrobe is a safe bet, especially at alfresco venues. Lean into the trends by choosing a flirty off-the-shoulder, ruffled neckline. We all know white is for the happy couple, so have fun with a little color play. Our top picks? Leaf green, burnt coral, purple rose and iced aqua reign supreme.
What to Wear to Graduation With Summer 2022 Fashion Trends in Mind
Congratulations are in order. It’s time to celebrate those late-night study sessions and early-morning classes. Not sure what to wear to graduation? Let’s start with silhouette selection. A midi slip dress is elegant and fresh and should hit right at the hem of your graduation gown. This will prevent excess fabric from peeking through at the bottom. Next, have fun with color choice. A little white dress is timeless for your big day and signifies a clean slate and new beginning. Prefer a splash of color instead? Commemorate the day by wearing your school colors so you can look back on photos with alumni pride.
What to Wear to Graduation as a Guest
Stumped on what to wear to graduation as a guest? Similar to attending a wedding, you never want to upstage the grad of honor on their big day. Rather than reach for those bright hues highlighted in our guide to summer 2022 fashion trends, stick to subdued neutrals. Think black, navy, khaki and olive. Turn to the business casual outfits you have in your closet. Look for classic combos like a pencil skirt and blouse or that perfect little black dress that always comes through.
What to Wear to a Picnic To Incorporate Summer 2022 Fashion Trends
Has your partner planned a day date with a view and delicious finger foods? Swoon. You’re a lucky lady. Now all that’s left is to choose what to wear for this picnic affair. Rely on summer 2022 fashion trends to guide your way. Dresses are a standout this season, but don’t forget their just-as-fashionable cousin, the jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are ideal for outings that require you to sit on the ground. You can be carefree and not worry about your hem flying up in the wind. Keep an eye out for smocked detailing around the bust and waist that gives a flattering fit and flirty feel.
What to Wear to a BBQ
Barbecues are arguably the most sought-after hangouts of the summer season. Curious about what to wear to a BBQ? They’re notoriously casual, especially when there’s a pool involved, so don’t overthink it. Pulled from our list of summer 2022 fashion trends are the laid-back vibes of the Americana aesthetic. You can’t go wrong with a pair of denim cut-offs and a cotton tee or tank. If it’s a patriotic affair, opt for those classic red, white and blue hues, but don’t feel limited to those shades. Cannonball into the world of color with an electric yellow or neon orange. These sherbet hues have summer written all over them.
Now that you know which summer trends you want to add to your closet, don’t wait to try them out. Take your style quiz and enlist the help of a style expert to do the work for you. Simply share which trends speak to you, and they’ll send five items straight to your doorstep. While you wait, head over to Stitch Fix Freestyle™ to instantly buy pieces curated for your style and size. Remember, shipping and returns are always free — and you’re never required to schedule more than one Fix at a time.
