Whether you’re planning to spend your summertime in the city partying with your girls, heading for the beach, or anything in between, there’s definitely a summer clothing trend for every occasion you might have.
Summer styling is arguably all about comfort, versatility, and ease. What fashion items will make you feel the most carefree, comfy, and confident while staying true to your style? Preparing your warm-weather wardrobe—from shoes to shorts to accessories—is only half the battle. The other half of the fun is styling your outfits, and summer is all about effortless fashion.
Fun, happy-go-lucky colors, subtle skin flashes, and light fabrics are a few fashion trends we’re gunning for in 2022. Ahead, check out our top picks for 2022 fashion trends that’ll be all the rage this summer season. These summer styles are approved by leading fashion experts, trendsetters, and stylists.
Cute Women’s Shorts
Bold and cute shorts are back in style, baby, and we love them. If you ask us, shorts are the comfiest and most reliable bottoms women can rock in warm weather. So although micro minis and 1990s retro trends have recently had their moment in the limelight, the power of a cute pair of summer women’s shorts remains unbeatable.
Let’s give shorts their due respect and attention, shall we? After all, these bottoms can be so much more reliable and practical than dresses and skirts, particularly during those windy summer days. Better yet, Sanctuary clothing says that shorts for women can be incredibly versatile—you can wear your favorite pair out on a date, to brunch, or even to work.
According to a recent piece by The Wall Street Journal, some office employees and their organizations are starting to embrace shorts, paying homage to the trendy work-from-home fashion. Of course, shorts began their fashionable return in spring, but this summer, they are back with more bang and even cuter.
This year’s summer shorts come in all shapes, sizes, and price tags, which means there’s a style for every woman looking to try the trend. Of course, you must find a shape or style that works for you, from baggy to slim-fit, mini, midi, or Capri lengths.
For instance, if you want to create a work-friendly outfit with a serious dose of glamor, you won’t go wrong with a pair of paper-bag or high-waist shorts. Pair your paper-bag shorts with a tucked-in, tailored button-down top. Layer an open blazer or cardigan over the top and finish off the outfit with a pair of low heels or espadrilles.
On the other hand, if utility is your thing, look no further than khaki shorts. They’re cute yet versatile and super-practical for just about any plans you might have for summer. A pairing of khaki shorts and a white silk long sleeve blouse is a safe bet for a variety of relaxed occasions. Complete the look with a pair of chunky high heels or something cute like suede ballerinas.
Denim shorts are another must-have in your summer wardrobe. Cute options in style this season don’t feature cliché distresses or rips, which makes them an all-summer staple. Try teaming your blue jeans shorts with a simple white sleeveless top for a more laid-back approach to summer styling.
Micro Mini Skirts
Micro mini-skirts are one of the most rave-worthy fashion trends for summer 2022, partly thanks to Miu Miu and Miaou. These itty-bitty bottoms are already reigning supreme, sending longer dresses and pants to the back of the wardrobe until the colder months come knocking. They’re great for showing off your beautiful tan skin and staying nice & cool all summer long.
Ever since the micro mini brought back the Y2K trend, the big question has always been: how do you wear such a short skirt off the runway? Even though they can be risqué, micro-minis can make perfect outfits if styled correctly. And the answer is right there: wear these micros with equally itty-bitty tops.
Of course, you should ditch skin-hiding pieces like turtlenecks and chunky knits for crop tops and cute bralettes. For instance, you can marry your favorite micro mini-skirt with a small blouse for a skin-showing summer outfit.
Alternatively, you can wear your micro mini with a structured blazer to add a strong power punch to your summer ensemble. The pair might not be appropriate for the office, but it’s undeniably sexy. A fashionable corset top can also do the trick.
Bold, Bright Colors
The events of the past two or so years have made us feel bogged down and stagnant in various ways—and fashion is no exception. This year, fashion experts and stylists are banking on the return of dopamine-dressing-friendly styles like neon brights and fringes to lift our spirits and moods.
Bold and bright hues attracted a fair share of attention on last year’s runways and will undoubtedly stay trendy well into fall. We expect to see these bold colors in just about any piece of clothing on red carpets, street style, and beyond.
So, for the summer, say adieu to your neutral pieces in favor of the hottest pinks and brightest blues (and every bright hue in between). While the warm weather will birth numerous bold color styles (read: purple, neon green, and orange), pink will rule the roost. For inspiration, look at the Grammys 2022 red carpet, where celebs like Billy Porter and Saweetie rocked many shades of the hot hue.
These bold colors work in matching sets, as well as with neutrals. Don’t forget about exotic bright colors like sorbet, mustard, and lilac, amongst many others.
Platform Shoes
After many years of naked straps and minimalist soles, platform shoes are making a comeback. “The higher the heels, the better,” is the slogan for footwear designers this season. And if what we saw in various runways is anything to believe, this shoe trend will stick around for a while. From Versace to Nodaleto, platform shoes are the most prominent summer trend.
The trick is to go strappier, chunkier, and higher with your platform heels. However, if you’re not ready to go all-in with platform shoes after wearing super-comfortable slides and trainers for months, look for casual and smart-casual style inspiration from celebs. Hailey Bieber pairs her platforms with a tailored blazer dress, while Dua Lipa sticks with an open cardigan and a mini skirt. It’s all up to you.
Wrapping up…
Styling outfits this summer is about pieces that provide a nice balance between casual, comfort, and chic factors. With bold colors, cute women’s shorts, and mini micro skirts, there’s a style for all your summer plans, from rooftop parties to vacations to weddings.