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As we recline on our sofas, embracing this 24/7 pandemic-induced sweatpant life, the designers take an optimistic approach for the future of fashion. Stepping out of our cozy routine, this year’s wardrobe refresh is a mix of nostalgic looks and uplifted basics.

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To help you revive your wardrobe, we asked a few style experts for their top fashion trends for 2022. You can expect pleated long skirts, cheerful color blasts, clean collegiate styles and iridescent pearls that remind you of the world is your oyster, even though your track continues to be the hallway between your home office and the kitchen.

1. Preppy sweater vests

When prep clothes – the clothes you’d imagine on Ivy League college girls – strutted the runways in spring 2022, the most nerdy fashionista cheered golf with delight. The star pupil of this chic, button-down style? The sweater vest.

A favorite in the 90s of Distraught Cher and Dionne icons, these sleeveless knit tops are ready to have a big year. And according to stylist Lauren Rae Levy Vigneron, founder of the New York City-Malibu LRL Group styling and consulting firm, the cutest nerd.

“Cable knits and dorky prints are all the rage,” she says, praising trend designer Harry Styles and his wardrobe full of cardigans. “My favorite way to wear this look is with a comfortable fabric, like cashmere, in a solid or fun printed neutral shade, and a white or ivory button-down shirt underneath.” If your gilet is oversized, pair it with straight or wide pants, a mini skirt, leather pants or, another 2022 trend, a pleated skirt.

“I love vests, and there are so many options for them right now,” says Emma Trask, Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist Scarlett Johansson, Beyonce and Carrie Underwood, and founder of The Chrysalis Lab, a lifestyle brand that re-values ​​vintage. pieces into new ones. “Take a masculine / feminine approach to style by wearing a pullover over a maxi dress or an oversized suit waistcoat over a slip dress. “

2. Denim on jeans

As Britney and Justin rocked the red carpet at the 2001 American Music Awards with their infamous all-denim pairing moment, today’s monochromatic vibe will change the way you think about denim. The designers are taking a more subtle approach to this daring trend without diminishing its wow effect.

“[Modern] the shades of denim are softer, less washed out, ”explains Vigneron. “The patchwork that we see is sharper than in previous trends, which is why some [designers] call it “paneled,” she explains, noting that the seams are hidden on the inside of the garment for a seamless transition from one color of denim to another on the outside.

To approach the denim-on-denim look conservatively, she suggests keeping it clean. “Do not wear jeans that almost the same shade, ”she says. Instead, be intentional – match them perfectly or not.

3. Knitted and crocheted textures

Apologies to your favorite Athleta hoodie and joggers, but it’s time to switch from loungewear to items that combine comfort and style. Knitwear has become the top-ranked fabric of commerce amid the pandemic, according to Denise Caldwell, a Brooklyn-based fashion designer and television expert. “You can wear it to relax around the house or, if you need a quick run, you have knits that make you feel great and feel like you get dressed with minimal effort. “

2022 tends to go beyond basic sweaters in favor of crochet ensembles and styles, like ankle-length dresses, and crop tops work with wide leg pants. “A knitwear ensemble is something that has become a fashionable approach to glamorous leisure,” she says of the alternative to the traditional jogging suit. “Imagine a well-fitting top and bottom that match. “

Knits immediately make clothes more comfortable and luxurious, says Trask. “Knit sweater dresses are so versatile. Pair them with a boot and a matching belt for an elevated street style look, or a glamorous night out with heels, a long blazer and jewelry.

4. Pleated skirts

This famous fold is back. Rather than making it look like a school uniform, the playful fold takes on a more grown-up look in 2022, with iterations ranging from feminine Dior mini skirts to sleek ones à la Proenza Schouler.

“This style exudes femininity,” says Vigneron. “I like the tight midi-length pleats as much as I like the wider pleats on the shorter pieces.” Pair your pleats with a blouse or sweater and sneakers or flat boots for the day, and heels for a dressy evening look. “I’m also a huge fan of vintage concert t-shirts with pleated skirts for a feminine edge with a touch of edge.” You can also complement them with a denim or leather jacket, paired with a sneaker, for rock star status.

“I love a pleated leather, preferably faux, skirt with a sweater, which can be snug or slightly oversized and tucked in,” says Trask. “Add a trendy belt and a coordinating heel or boot.” For an upscale yet airy look, she suggests going soft with a pleated knit skirt and a matching sweater.

5. Pearlcore

Iridescent accents in the form of real and faux pearls are everywhere on the catwalks, from the head, as with pearl-encrusted headbands, to the toes, like a pair of pearly ankle boots. Lately, even pearl skin and nail accents have graced the red carpet.

While this trend is not new – Caldwell traces it back to the 16th century – the delicacy of pearling is more daring this year. “Pearls have a glamorous and assertive effect,” she says. “They have been modernized with oversized and inlaid details.” Styles range from college wear over cardigans to bustiers made of pearly accessories.

“Pearls subtly embellish and enhance a room,” adds Trask. “They transform all kinds of fabrics. Designers have beaded everything from chiffon to silk, cashmere to wool. “Mixing pearls, rhinestones and fringes can create an ultra glamorous rock look, while pearl embellishments on sheer or mesh fabric can enhance a sexy look. The creatively placed beads on the knit pieces offer a new take on classic readiness, and the beads mixed with denim or leather and metal bring edgy urban flair.

6. Declaration cutouts

Whether strategically placed along the waist of a blazer or along the arms of a bodysuit, the little touches of skin draw attention beyond the cutout dresses you’ve seen recently. It’s up to you what you want to display, making each outfit truly individual.

“Cutouts are a great way to make an outfit unique and unexpected,” says Trask. Obviously, this style appeals to your sexy side, but to tone things down, she suggests pairing an item with more concealed pieces – a cutout dress with a feather duster and boots, or loose, low-rise pants with a cutout top.

7. Dopamine dressing

As we struggle to come to terms with the past two years, you might consider “escaping” into our closets both literally and figuratively. Enter the dopamine plaster or wearing cheerful, often colorful outfits that boost your mood. Named after the “happiness hormones” released by your brain that help you feel good, this tendency is exactly what the doctor ordered.

“The dopamine dressing took on a new meaning after the blockages,” explains Vigneron. Pinterest’s 2022 trend report shows a 16-fold increase in searches for “vibrant outfits,” proving that now is the time to head somewhere above the rainbow.

“Bright, cheerful colors make people happy, and who doesn’t want to do anything that brightens their mood, as well as those around them? ” she says. As it started in the DIY world of tie-dye sportswear in the spring and summer of 2021, the trend evolved into bold color blocks. “If this makes you happy and confident, go for it,” says Vigneron. “I like to mix textures and layers with this trend, but I also like to see people experience it and make it their own.”

The dopamine dressing isn’t always about the color. It could be textures, patterns, or whatever makes you feel good.

“The joy of dressing in bright colors is a trend in wellness and wellness outfits that you can wear over and over,” says Caldwell, who also looks for floral designs, rainbow. sky and abstract for a touch of personality. “This year, it’s about dressing comfortably, but also about wearing clothes that improve your mood. Adding color can rejuvenate your everyday attitude and update your style in an instant.

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