If last summer introduced the idea of Hot Girl Summer style, then 2022 is doubling down on the sartorial movement with a fresh lineup of risqué summer trends, and dare we say they're spicier than ever. With the loosening of COVID restrictions across the country and more reasons than ever to let off some steam by hitting the dancefloor or going on a fabulous trip, it's only natural that the sartorial mood would follow this joyous and unapologetic mood.
And unapologetic is what we're getting this summer. Fashion people are dialing things up to level 10, experimenting with more dramatic volume, even lower rises and higher hemlines, and cutouts. But for all the risks they pose, they come with an equally high reward. Here, we're breaking down the five risky summer trends from mild to jaw-dropping.
Relatively Mild: Parachute Pants
If we had to predict a single trend that we think will come to define summer 2022, it's parachute pants. The low-slung, baggy cargo pants are the definition of ironic and "ugly" fashion but given that all of Hollywood is endorsing them, we just can't stay away.
On Hailey Bieber: Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Hobo Bag ($2250); Balenciaga Cargo Pants and Neo Oval Sunglasses ($450); New Balance sneakers
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Getting Spicier: Teeny Tiny Skirts
With hemlines inching higher and rises slinking ever lower, we've arrived at a new barely-there trend, the low-rise miniskirt. While it's definitely not for the faint of heart, pulling off one of these micro minis is a high risk that comes with a high reward.
On Sydney Sweeney: Miu Miu top, skirt, and shoes
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Living on the Edge: Lace-Up Details
Thanks to the resurgence of the pop-punk aesthetic, celebs from Kourtney Kardashian to Olivia Rodrigo are bringing back lace-up details.
On Dua Lipa: Didu spring 2022 corset top and pants
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Playing With Fire: Open-Air Tops
Crop tops are cool and all, but this summer is ushering in a fresh going-out top, and we couldn't be more obsessed. I'm calling these open-air tops since they're defined by one single closure or a few minimal straps but are otherwise open in the front revealing a bare midriff.
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Risking It All: "Naked" Fabrics
Yep, "naked" fashion moments are coming back, and this time, it's all about openwork crochet over any other sheer or nude-colored fabric. Specifically, sheer skirts, are quickly gaining steam among the fashion set, whether they're worn as swimwear coverups or as an unexpected going-out ensemble.
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Up next, see the 19 items our editors added to their closets this month.
