Fashion is the main reason I started this publication and I simply cannot be a pop culture and fashion commentator without talking about my favourite trends of 2022 thus far. I, too, would like to be a fashion soothsayer eventually but for now I’ll just be following what has been predicted by experienced trend forecasters. This review is basically very biased because it’s based on my preferences and the aesthetics I envision for myself if I were a trust fund baby. I do not know the exact origin of most of these trends so as a layman, I'll just be saying the vibe they’re giving me.
Let’s get into it!
Statement shoes
Shoes that have eccentric shapes, look unconventional, patterns, bright colours, THE WORKS. This trend started really booming in early 2020 which makes sense because no one was actually really outside (ie. Miss Corona) and life was based solely on social media, so creativity and the need for fashion content creation started snowballing. Unique shoes like these were never normalised until it was common on social media and then having at least one oddly shaped, uncomfortable looking shoe appeared to be a wardrobe staple. When I first saw these trending, it was giving Lady Gaga or Nicki Minaj because they were pioneers for odd fashion in the early 2010s. The colours and shapes, especially the boots and chunky heels, also reminded me of style in the 70s, which makes sense since we are having a 70s revival currently. Vintage fashion will be sticking around for a very long time but will transform in many different ways. 70s fashion is in my top 2 aesthetics so I definitely need one of these.
2. Midriff/Low rise (controversial)
I hear people already sharpening their pitch forks. I was once very against it because it was commonly seen on slim women in the early 2000s; a body type I do not have. However, since I adopted body acceptance (not positivity), having my belly out does not bother me too much and I genuinely believe it looks great on all body types. I have hip dips, so having something drop waist really accentuates my figure, instead of highwaist which makes no sense for my body since my hips are way larger than my waist and I end up with too much room in my pants. This style gives me Britney Spears 2002 and is truly a y2k essential, my other favourite aesthetic.
3. Tiny bags
I'm an avid hater of handbags. I do not like toating things around, I love having my hands free, and I hate having to dig for hours looking for small change or my lipgloss. As someone who doesn't even like having a wallet, it’s perfect. Inspired by the early 2000s Louis Vuitton minibag, it’s adorable. These run alongside mini box bags which have more dimension and can be used more as statement pieces. These give “I never pay the bill” vibes. I love it. Need I say more?
4. Extreme Layering
In the West, Maximalism (beauty in excess) has taken the crown away from Minimalism (less is more) and we see that especially in recent years were extreme consumerism has been on the rise in order to keep up with constantly overturning trends, so it’s no surprise that we got here. We all do layering to some extent so it’s not a far fetched idea it is made out to be. Instead of the regular inside-out layering, this is more outside-in where articles that are usually worn underneath, like corsets, are worn outside and outside articles, like long sleeved sweaters, are worn in. I’m personally obsessed with editorial photoshoots and runway culture so I love the extreme layering; but not on me. It’s not practical for me to wear here in the Caribbean, however, if I was living in a fashion capital such as France or New York, I definitely would wear something like this during colder months. For now, I like seeing it on other people. In my opinion, it’s an art and a look cannot be achieved just by throwing things together.
Alright these were my top 4 trends for 2022. I feel like this year there were more that I really don’t like than ones I do since we are getting a slight “Roaring 20s” revival because of the 20 year cycle for fashion and I truly did not like that era, unfortunately.
Anyways, that’s all from me for now. Tell me your favourite trends so far. I would really love to know! Go forth and make your STATEMENT.
