Twenty twenty-one was undoubtedly the year of joyful dressing. After lockdown, we wore the hope in our hearts quite literally on our sleeves. Colour palettes were punchy, prints were standout, and a whole lot of fun was had assembling outfits. And you know what? It looks like the sartorial party is set to continue into 2022.
We've only just begun to see the first signs of spring unfold before us—lighter mornings, longer days, and a more palatable temperature are all signifiers that, yes, the new season is on its way. And already, fashion people are embracing the uplifting mood with their selection of wares. Layers of wool in darker tones have melted away to reveal a kaleidoscope of colour in terms of the outfits I'm seeing on social media—something that shouldn't come as a surprise considering the epic saturation we witnessed on the S/S 22 runways.
The day I tried on this oversize shirt from H&M (£18), I saw three others pick it up in the space of about 15 minutes.
While some are embracing bold colours top to toe, I've noticed that there's one key buy that influencers (even those with minimalistic aesthetics) are favouring right now: a bright shirt. Especially an oversized linen or cotton poplin bright shirt. I remember Frankie Shop's green Melodie button-up populating my feed last summer, but now you can shop bright shirts in a myriad of rainbow hues—everything from bubblegum pink to striking turquoise.
They're now readily available on both the high-street and high-end shopping circuits, so if you're looking for an efficient way to breathe new life into your wardrobe, this is it. I've assembled 10 perfect bright-shirt outfits, which should give you all the inspiration you need to try the look for yourself. Scroll on to see them—you're in for an absolute treat.
1. TUCK INTO TAILORING
Style Notes: Elevate your plain black trousers with a bright shirt. Then, give the ensemble a low-key hit with a pair of trainers.
This shade of blue will look just as good with tan and cream.
Trousers with a subtle kick-flare always look so flattering.
These trainers come with VB’s stamp of approval.
2. CLASH YOUR HUES
Style Notes: If your outfits revolve around bright colours, why not create a cool clash with a bright shirt and other saturated pieces you already own? I’m in love with this purple shade.
The addition of a belt opens up so much styling potential.
Who said your cycling shorts had to be black?
Don’t these shoes look designer?
3. ELEVATE YOUR DENIM
Style Notes: If you’re feeling the denim fatigue that usually kicks in this time in the year, reinvigorate your failsafe jeans with the addition of a bright shirt. Collect extra style points when you match the shade of your shirt to your shoes.
The shirt that kick-started the trend last summer is still available to buy.
The stretch fabric makes these jeans so comfy to sit in—ideal for working from home.
Mach & Mach shoes remain high on my wish list.
4. OFFSET A SLIP
Style Notes: Slip skirts have transcended trend territory to become a wardrobe staple in their own right. My favourite thing to pair mine with is a knotted shirt. This season, I’m considering Barbie pink.
Zara has lots of bright shirts to choose from this season.
Chain necklaces always make for a sleek finishing touch.
Cream not your thing? This skirt also comes in black.
5. EMBRACE SPRING IN SHORTS
Style Notes: Spring brings with it the promise of summer. I believe it always pays to think ahead—particularly in terms of getting sufficient wear out of your latest purchases—and rest assured your bright shirt will look just as sleek styled with shorts as it will the other staples in my edit.
This shirt is the sartorial representation of summer.
A classic watch you can wear with any and every outfit.
I’m not ready for shorts just yet, but I’m mentally bookmarking this pair for summer.
6. INVEST IN A MATCHING SET
Style Notes: I’m always interested in anything that makes getting ready an easier endeavour. This is probably why I buy into matching sets so frequently. When they look as good as the Frankie Shop shirt and shorts below, can you blame me?
Frankie Shop does it again.
From holidays to picnics in the park, you’ll want to wear these shorts for every summer outing.
How great are these leopard mules?
7. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Style Notes: There’s something so appealing in the effortlessness of a shirt-and-jeans outfit. Turquoise isn’t a shade I’ve considered in the past, but it’s one I absolutely will in the future.
Ralph Lauren shirts never date.
From Kendall Jenner to Hailey Baldwin, everyone is wearing Khaite jeans right now.
Yep, mules are back in a big way.
8. LOOK TO FLUID SILHOUETTES
Style Notes: Loose-fitting shirts always look chic worn with straight-leg jeans, but I think they look even better when paired with other fluid separates. Case in point: the above.
Wear this as a minidress or open over trousers.
I never thought to wear pink and yellow together until now.
An excellent suit.
9. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS NEVER FAIL
Style Notes: Another hero item for 2022, wide-leg trousers look impeccable with just about everything you pair them with—bright kelly-green shirting included.
This shirt also comes in trending purple and orange.
A clutch that’ll work for you day and night.
The COS trousers every editor on our team has in their basket.
10. GO MONOCHROME
Style Notes: One of the biggest spring 2022 fashion trends was wearing one ultra-bright shade from head to toe, and Fisayo Longe proves it's a look that works off the runway, too.
Leave this shirt untucked.
Too much? Neutralise the colour of these trousers with navy and white.
I love this bright take on Prada’s now-iconic Cleo bag.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About
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