How to Take Last Year's Biggest Trends Into 2022

If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, you’ll know we like to seriously consider the trends we buy into as editors. Because we see an awful lot come and go, it’s not unusual to see the office (or our Zoom meetings) filled with a team dressed purely in classic capsule basics. But we’re only human, and some trends are just too good to ignore. 

2021 had its fair share of them— from cult dresses, to statement shoes and fun knits that excited us enough to invest. And we’re sure you felt the same way about them. The challenge is how to keep those pieces feeling fresh year after year. So we’ve done some thinking, alongside research into next year’s biggest trends, and come up with some easy ways to spin 9 of 2021’s most popular buys for the new season ahead. Keep scrolling to find out more…

If you bought a knit vest...

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(Image credit: @lizzyhadfield)

... try wearing it over a dress

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

We've all grown to love knitted vests. The best way to keep them looking fresh in 2022? Try layering over dresses rather than the usual jeans. 

SHOP THE TREND:

If you bought a second-skin top...

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

... pair it with a maxi skirt

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch)

Maxi skirts are back in a big way for SS22, and the chicest way to wear them is with your slim fitting second-skin tops (or bodies) tucked in. 

SHOP THE TREND:

If you bought a cult dress...

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

... why not rent it out and try a new one?

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(Image credit: @oliviaandalice)

If you've worn your favourite cult dress to death in 2021, why not list it on a rental site like HURR for 2022 and use the fees you receive to try out a new It style, like one of Molby the Label's fanciful designs? The bonus is that after a year of lending your dress out, you'll probably really miss it and appreciate it all over again. 

If you bought a bikini and haven't had the chance to use it... 

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

...wear it in the city

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh)

The pandemic may have scuppered more than a few holidays, but nothing can come between the fashion crowd and their bikinis. Flashes of swimwear were seen all over the SS22 catwalks and it's now totally acceptable to incorporate one into your city wear. Try layering it underneath an open shirt when the weather warms up and pair with a midi skirt or cropped chinos. 

SHOP THE TREND:

If you bought into a bold colour...

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

...wear it top to toe

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(Image credit: @nicoleocran)

Whether it was Frankie Shop's apple green shirt or Zara's bright candy pink, 2021 was all about introducing a pop of bright colour into our wardrobes. If the spring catwalks and street style are anything to go by, 2022 is more about 'column' dressing (top-to-toe colour). So if you bought into these bold shades, invest in co-ordinating or tonal pieces now to take your look to the next level. 

SHOP THE TREND:

If you bought a blazer...

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

... throw it over a 'naked' top

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Nensi Dojaka)

We're willing to bet that most of you have a blazer in your wardrobes by now. The most 2022 way to wear it? As a cover up to throw over all those 'naked' tops— perfect if you're interested in trying the trend but don't want to bare all. 

SHOP THE TREND:

If you bought chunky loafers... 

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(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

... style them up with your uniform

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Miu Miu)

Fashion is going back to school for 2022, which gives you the perfect excuse to repurpose those chunky loafers. Just switch your jeans for a pleated skirt and blazer and you're all set. 

SHOP THE TREND:

If you bought trainers... 

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(Image credit: @hannahlewisstylist)

... lean into the sporty theme

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Lacoste)

You know how to wear your favourite New Balances with your everyday jeans by now, but pairing them with other sporty motifs like polo neck shirts and tennis dresses will bring them bang into 2022. 

SHOP THE TREND:

If you bought a mini skirt...

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

... try wearing it with platforms

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Skirts and knee-high boots is a winning formula that no one can deny. But pair your mini with platform sandals or mary-jane heels come spring and your look will feel a lot more original for the new year. 

Up Next: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About for SS22

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.