My Job Is to Spot Trends Before Anyone Else—These 6 Will 100% Go Viral in 2022
I rarely venture out of Manhattan, but this weekend, I took a trip with some friends upstate to do some apple picking and pre–Black Friday sale shopping (the perfect fall day). When we arrived at the mall, my heart soared as I saw so many people wearing and shopping the trends that I had predicted just one or two years ago. Since I tend to keep to quieter parts of New York City, I rarely come across such a large crowd, and my analytical fashion brain was doing its scanning. I felt reminded of the power of trendspotting—it's fun to watch something come down the runway and subsequently catch a glimpse of fashion insiders wearing it, and then finally being submerged in crowds dressed up in seemingly Jacquemus-inspired knits and Celine-level tailoring.
My little weekend trip inspired me to come home to my fashion editor crystal ball and see what else the future holds. After a deep dive through my notes from fashion week and Instagram Saved folder, I've pulled out the best of the best trends that are guaranteed to explode in 2022. My job as an editor at Who What Wear is to make sure I give you all of the tools and knowledge you need to be the first to know about what's next in fashion. These six trends are just that, so read on and let me know if you take any of these for a test drive.
TRUCK YEAH
We have watched a plethora of utility trends blow up, and guess who's next? The trucker jacket, of course. Something about its casual simplicity makes any look that you pair it with feel effortless.
Shop the trend:
ALL TIED UP
The tie had been looking for its way back into mainstream culture for some time, and a few good runway moments plus the Gossip Girl reboot really sealed the deal. One look at how it upgrades the below looks and you'll be sold too.
Shop the trend:
If you're nervous to go all the way in, try on a lavallière.
If you're indecisive like me and can't decide on a color, this two-pack will come in handy.
ELEVATE YOUR HANDSHAKES
We are no strangers to leather gloves, but it's typically been pegged as a meaningless accessory that doesn't get much thought. Well, get ready for all of that to change by exploring statement gloves that you'll now consider outfit makers. This finishing touch will make any look feel instantly cool.
Shop the trend:
A NEW WAY TO DRESS
There's no need to toss aside your favorite dresses come winter (or shy away from sheer styles). Just add pants underneath! This styling hack is much easier to pull off than it seems. This is a new way to wear your wide-leg pants that you won't regret trying.
Shop the trend:
This is a good time to pull out the semi-sheer dress. Pair this with the leather pants below.
As leather weather rages on, the flare on these pants will add something new to my collection.
If you're test driving this trend, a knit dress is key.
ARMY BRAT
Our fashion editor Slack channels are raving about this trend, and for good reason. It combines our love for relaxed trousers and low waistlines into one piece that gives instant cool. I'm so ready to pair this trend with a good puffer coat.
Shop the trend:
Y2K EVERYDAY
I recently bought into this trend and felt my 12-year-old 2000s self do a victory dance. I feel like the ultimate cool girl when I pair my rimless sunglasses with gold jewelry and walk out the door.
Shop the trend:
I always find my way to Amazon when I'm ready to test a new sunglasses trend.
Next: This Micro-Trend Is Blowing Up—Now, I'm Staring at 9 Fashion-Insider 'Fits
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
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