My Top 10 Trends for Summer 2022
“What’s trending, Pickle?”
My Granny would ask me this as she took a long drag off her cigarette. She loved to talk fashion, and she wanted to know what my take was. Unfortunately, I always had the same response, “Uhhh, I’m not really sure.” I loved expressing myself through fashion, but I was never into following the current trends. As an Enneagram 4, I always had to be different- an individual. Trends were what everyone else was wearing, but NOT ME!
Fast forward about 20 years and here I am wishing my Granny was still around so we could just talk summer trends while she rocked in her porch swing clutching her chihuahua in her bathrobe. I would share about Dopamine Dressing and how it’s the trend we’ve all been waiting for after the repression of the pandemic. And I would share about the latest trend- “Coastal Grandma” as she let out a cackle. Then she would tell me to go through her jewelry for the perfect accessories for the Regency Core trend. She was sure she had just what I needed.
Something is shifting this year in me, maybe it’s the longing to have my Granny back again, or maybe it’s the hunger for inspiration, but whatever it is, I am feeling more excited to take a look at what everyone is wearing this summer. I’ll be the first to admit I am not into every trend- take the Y2K trend for instance. Great for other people, but not for me. Feels like it was just yesterday that I was an insecure Freshman waiting for the computers to crash so we could all go live underground. I just cannot relive those times again!
But there are so many more fun trends to partake in, even if Y2K isn’t your thing. (And if it is- go for it!) I’m about to share all my favorites for summer 2022. Take a hint from my Granny and remember to shop your closet for the trends first!
My Top 10 Favorite Fashion Trends for Summer 2022
1. Straw Hats & Purses
Remember Coastal Grandma? Straw hats and purses are her staple! And since my best friend told me once that I dressed like a grandma, I think I can definitely attempt this trend! For me, Straw hats and bags have always been staples in my wardrobe!
Here is a maternity outfit from 2020 that I would still wear, although it’s more Cottage-core than Coastal Grandma! Both the straw hat and the picnic basket bag were thrifted.
Shop the trend:
Straw Bucket Hat - Straw Cossbody - Packable Hat
2. Flowy Silhouettes
Speaking of Coastal Grandma, this trend can definitely be worn by her! I think the grandmas had it right wearing loose pieces for summer, it just makes sense in this heat! I’m all about flowy dresses and breathable fabrics. Natural fibers like linen and cotton are a bonus! Flowy dresses are my go-to no matter the season!
I had fun styling these flowy pants during red week of my #ROYGBIV series!
Shop the Trend
Reformation Vista Pant - Farm Rio Dresses
3. Colorful Suits & Blazers
We’ve seen so many tailored pieces trending in 2022 and this summer will be no different! This season we are adding a lot of color to the blazer game and pairing these tailored pieces in sets! I personally love it, especially when it’s in my favorite print- Gingham!
Here’s a fun combo with my fav gingham blazer by Desigual. Shop a Similar Blazer
Shop the trend:
4. Cut Outs
This one is supposed to be HUGE. Remember the shoulder cut-out trend circa 2010? Well this is NOT the same. Think less “cold-shoulder” and more “I’m vacationing in Bora Bora.”
Although it’s not technically a cut out, I think the straps on this Everlane dress give the illusion of a cut out. Again, work with what you’ve already got! The gingham hat is also from Everlane.
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5. Poolside Party
I am very excited about lounging by the pool this summer! I live in Bakersfield, CA and it is not unusual to be 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more! This Summer we are embracing the heat and doing something practical: Wearing our swimwear with our outfits! This is mostly applicable to swim tops being worn in combo with those flowy shirts and blazers we talked about earlier. It’s a pool party, everyday! Accessorize your outfits with sunglasses, headscarfs, sun hats, and big beach bags!
Here I’m wearing my fav swimsuit from YouSwim. It’s designed to stretch to multiple sizes which is great for fluctuations in weight as commonly happens as we go about life! Mine was flattering postpartum and still fits great even after losing some of that baby weight a few years later.
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6. Mellow Yellow
I love seeing which colors will be “Trendy” in different seasons. I had so much fun in a recent series I did called #ROYGBIVoutfits where each week I focused on styling one color of the rainbow and got to chat all things color combos! (Read my blog: Color Combos That Will Make You Fall In Love) I already love dressing colorfully, as you know, but I found new appreciation for each color as I went through the series. Green was all the rage for Spring, and I’m still loving it since its my all time favorite color! “Mellow Yellow” is bringing some dramatic attention to monochrome dressing this summer and I don’t mind it! We will also being seeing a lot of Pink and Lavender this season!
This monochrome yellow outfit was one of my favorites that I styled up for my color series. Everything is secondhand except the shoes and glasses.
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7. Cottage-Core
Ah yes, the urge to sell your city property, log off of social media, and runaway to a simpler life! Well it’s not just a trend for lifestyle- it’s also made it’s way into the fashion world! As a vintage lover I often wear this style - so many beautiful dresses that I could twirl around in the grassy hills - Sound of Music anyone? I love that this Summer there will be a focus on taking these beautiful vintage or vintage- inspired dresses and styling them with a modern flare!
Here I am wearing a secondhand Free People dress and a handmade plaid jacket that I thrifted. Socks and clogs, and of course, straw bag and wide brim hat to complete the look.
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8. Matching Sets
Matching sets are so fun and make getting ready effortless and chic. Another great thing about sets is that they can be worn as separates too! Watch how I style my thrifted olive green set a few different ways here!
This checkerboard print short set from Vetta Capsule is so cute! Plus its reversible so it’s even more versatile!
Shop the trend:
Similar Reformation Set - Everlane Blue Set - & Other Stories Set
9. Crochet
“Crochet Isn’t Just A Hobby, It’s Summer’s Defining Trend!”- TheZoeReport
This groovy style comes and goes and I think it’s the perfect retro flare for Summer weather you are making your own crochet pieces or not!
“During the pandemic, whether to pass time, disconnect from a screen, or cope with anxiety, I know many people who have for the first time picked up one of these crafts like knitting and crocheting over the past year,” Ella Wiznia, founder of The Series
I love styling up my new Farm Rio Crochet Slides with this outfit. I’m also wearing a vintage raw silk skirt with my thrifted tee and vintage cardigan.
Shop the trend:
Crochet Sleeve Blouse - Crochet Flowers Dress - Crochet Slides - Crochet set
10. Polka Dots
Spotted: The classic polka dot pattern returning once again! I guess that’s why it’s a classic. I’ve rocked some polka dots through the years but my most favorite is the single polka dot!
Wearing my All Roads Polka Dot Tee while showing off my new kitchen island - a total DIY project!
Shop the trend:
To Recap…My 10 Favorite Trends for Summer 2022
Straw Hats and Purses
Flowy Sillohettes
Colorful Suits & Blazers
Cut -outs
Poolside Party Looks
Mellow Yellow (monochrome yellow looks)
Cottage-core
Matching Sets
Crochet
Polka Dots
So get into your wardrobes, pull out some pieces you already own & start playing dress up! Or grab some inspiration from the above items to use on your next shopping spree - you won’t regret it! And above all, make it fun. Fashion should always be about you expressing yourself in your own way. :)
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