This year's microtrend cohort can broadly be divided into two camps. On the one side, there's the artisanal charm of colourful stripes and contemporary patchworking. It's ageless, delightfully quirky and an aesthetic that has been embraced by countless up-and-coming designers. At the other end of the spectrum, it's all about the noughties. We're talking graphic letter print, sultry corset tops and a generous splash of lime green. It's an unashamed nostalgia fest that will likely have a Marmite effect on the nation's shoppers. Of course, there are a few styles that can be found in the middle ground—think elevated denim and pearl detailing, both of which may already be sitting in your wardrobe but could benefit from a 2022 styling update.
Whatever your chosen aesthetic, we recommend using our microtrend edit as a roll call of ideas for elevating your wardrobe basics. Just look at Helmut Lang's letter-print mesh top, which will make a beige suit look 10 times chicer, or Sea NY's patchwork coat, which is sure to add design kudos to a white T-shirt and jeans. They're the icing on your sartorial cake, so to speak. Just remember if something doesn't float your boat, then don't invest—simple. Keep your eyes peeled for those buys that set your heart racing because, in our experience, it's those personality pieces that can really make a wardrobe.
Ready? Scroll down to see and shop our 2022 microtrend edit.
1. Colourful Stripes
Connect with your inner artisan this season with the mood-boosting colourful-stripe trend. Our favourite way to wear it? Head to toe à la Anne-Victoire Lefevre.
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2. Letter Print
The noughties letter print is back and looking better than ever. Make like Helmut Lang, and style yours with a neutral, clean-cut suit.
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3. Elevated Denim
From sharp shirts to elegant midi skirts, denim is getting an elevated update this season. Our first port of call? Rejina Pyo's waist-cinched pairing.
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4. Contemporary Patchwork
From Conner Ives to Rave Review, more and more up-and-coming designers are turning to upcycled patchwork to create a sustainable, design-led look.
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5. Corset Tops
Another throwback to the noughties, but this time via the sultry corset top. Wear alone with tailored trousers, or layer over a white shirt.
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6. Pearl Details
"Pearlcore" is set to be a key aesthetic for 2022, and we're totally on board. It's all about contemporary touches. Think pearl-studded berets and sculptural earrings.
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7. Vinyl Fabrics
Don't be afraid. Vinyl is much easier to wear than you'd think. Dip your toe in the trend with a patent biker jacket and jeans.
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8. Lime Green
Fashion's obsession with all things green continues, and right now, we keep seeing a particular shade of lime green everywhere we go.
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Up Next: Trust Me—You'll Spot These 8 Dress Trends Again and Again This Spring
This post was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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