It’s officially summer, and with the season comes a chance to try something new. Whether it’s a pair of sandals or a whole new look, summer has a tradition of offering the opportunity to slip into a new, more carefree identity.
This year, there are a handful of clear trends that point not only to singular products or silhouettes, but to whole characters that offer the idea of a new summer identity with a healthy dose of fantasy. Are you dreaming of more romance this season? Try a corset or a puff sleeve from the regencycore trend. Nostalgic for the early years (whether you lived through them or not)? The Y2K movement is moving forward. Want to quickly transition into a more mature, beach-adjacent wardrobe there Diane Keaton in “As Good As It Gets”? Try the coastal grandma craze.
Here’s a look at seven summer 22 fashion personalities we’re sure to see this season.
1. Coastal Grandma
Everyone’s favorite buzz phrase, the coastal granny look is far less important than all the talk it’s generated. Keep things neutral, monochromatic, slightly loose in silhouette and with a heavy emphasis on linen. Add a summer turtleneck (very Keaton – both in the movies and IRL), and it’s easy to see that the coastal granny is a look for all genders. Footwear should convey a similar ease, whether it’s an easy slip-on sandal (Birkenstock’s Arizonas apply again here), a chic gardener’s clog, or a classic year-round leather loafer.
Street style at Milan Fashion Week, September 2021. CREDIT: WWD
Street style at Milan Men’s Fashion Week Spring 23. CREDIT: Vanni Bassetti for WWD
Street Style at Milan Fashion Week Spring 2022. CREDIT: Vanni Bassetti for WWD
2. Regency Core
“Bridgerton” may have started this trend, but dressing regencycore doesn’t have to mean wearing full period costume. In real life, the trend plays out through specific pieces that convey a kind of ancient romance, whether it’s a puff sleeve, a corset or jeweled headband or a ornamental handbag. Elsewhere, “Bridgerton’s” Regency-era empire waist makes a comeback in embellished jacquard or brocade dresses, often worn over shirts and with socks and Mary Janes that make the look more modern (and a bit mod).
Front Row at Tory Burch RTW Spring 2022. CREDIT: Masato Onoda for WWD
Street-style at Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring 22. CREDIT: Kuba Dabrowski for WWD
3. Cottagecore
Yes, that means the “Nap” dress, but the Millennial-friendly trend goes even further than the now ubiquitous sundress. Think ditzy floral prairie skirts and dresses, and the ever-expanding crochet trend to convey a simple back-to-life vibe that populates places like upstate New York, Vermont — or any rural town anywhere. You would think the western boot trend fits here; on the contrary, the boot seems firmly rooted in an urban setting this time around, while cottagecore is filled with ballerina flats, versatile work boots and bare feet.
Front Row at Tory Burch RTW Spring 2022. CREDIT: Masato Onoda for WWD
Street style at Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring 22. CREDIT: Kuba Dabrowski for WWD
Street Style at London Fashion Week Spring 2022. CREDIT: Yu Fujiwara for WWD
4. Dresser Revenge
The Summer 21 pandemic trend flop is destined to get another try this summer as more people take a back-to-normal approach this year. Yes, that means showing skin, but only if it showcases real showmanship. The revenge dresser will also use bright colors and alluring shapes to grab attention. And nothing spells revenge more than a party shoe with a very high heel – platform or pump.
Milan Fashion Week spring ’22. CREDIT: WWD
Milan Fashion Week spring ’22. CREDIT: WWD
Street Style at London Fashion Week Spring 2022. CREDIT: Yu Fujiwara for WWD
5. Y2K all the way
A mega-trend reflecting the 20-year trend cycle, the nostalgic year 2000 trend continues this summer in key silhouettes, such as the halter top, low-rise pants, keychain top and accessories keys such as handbags and strappy sandals. .
Street Style at London Fashion Week Spring 2022. CREDIT: Yu Fujiwara for WWD
Street Style at London Fashion Week Spring 2022. CREDIT: Yu Fujiwara for WWD
Street Style at London Fashion Week Spring 2022. CREDIT: Yu Fujiwara for WWD
6. This guy from the 70s
Undoubtedly influenced by the Adidas x Gucci collaboration – and the wardrobe that Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele designed for Harry Styles on and off stage, the 70s once again ruled fashion. From crochet flared pants to oversized cuffs and denim, expect this trend to resonate next year for both men and women.
Street style at Pitti Uomo 102. CREDIT: Kuba Dabrowski for WWD
Street Style at London Fashion Week Spring 2022. CREDIT: Yu Fujiwara for WWD
Adidas x Gucci shoes. CREDIT: Courtesy of Gucci
7. Summer Gothic
Blame it on Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s bizarre nuptials, with the reality TV star wearing a Dolce & Gabbana black tulle dress that was truly a one-of-a-kind wedding dress — or the couple’s style in general. Cutouts, studs, flowing skirts and combat boots bring a different kind of warmth for summer.
Milan Men’s Fashion Week Spring ’23. CREDIT: Vanni Bassetti for WWD
Milan Men’s Fashion Week Spring ’23. CREDIT: Vanni Bassetti for WWD