I'm a Fashion Director, and These 5 Summer Trends Are on Track to Define 2022

While most people think that the first to know about new trends are fashion editors, the people behind major retailers are sitting right there with us in the front row at every show and taking it all in. Using the power of sale data from previous seasons, their unique perspective is vital in the trend-forecasting sphere. As we near the height of summer, we've begun to think about whether the trends that we've been seeing everywhere actually have staying power.

We decided to get in touch with Shopbop's fashion director, Caroline Maguire, who has never steered us wrong. She's had her eye on all of the biggest trends this season and is convinced that the below five are real winners. We can't tell if we're most excited to buy into the walkable-shoe trend or snag the effortless dress that we've been seeing all over our Instagram feeds. Scroll down to see these easy-to-wear trends that you should consider adopting. 

1. Sherbet Shades

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(Image credit: @carolineinnycity)

"Pistachio, strawberry, lemon, lilac… It's like a trip to the gelato shop! I can't wait to incorporate these vibrant colors into my wardrobe all summer long, whether it's adding a pop of color to a monochrome look with baby-pink Jacquemus shades or pairing a Pipatchara mini woven bag with jeans and a tee. When I'm feeling bold, I love wearing all these shades at once with my favorite lemon-lime Staud dress as the main statement piece."

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2. The Tank Dress

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(Image credit: @shopbop)

"I love anything that's multifunctional. Tank dresses can take me from a day at a beach to a night on the town. I've been eyeing Tibi's Ribbed Tank Ballon Dress and Rachel Comey's stunning empire-waist dress for my upcoming summer trips. These are perfect for swim cover-ups, wearing a tee under for a more casual look, or if you want to jazz it up, you can wear these pieces alone with your favorite heels. Trust me—this is a summer must-have!"

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3. Wrap Sandals

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(Image credit: @carolineinnycity)

"Strappy sandals are part of my summer uniform. They complete just about every look and pull an outfit together seamlessly. I'm obsessed with how they can be worn tall or can be delicately tied around the ankle. I always have in my closet a chic everyday pair like Staud's Adeline Lace-Up Sandals along with a dressier silhouette like Schutz's metallic heels."

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4. The Woven Bag

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(Image credit: @shopbop)

"Woven bags are totally on my wish list for this summer season! They can be effortlessly worn at the pool or while running errands around town. This Clare V bag can easily complement any date-night look and is perfect for throwing in summer makeup to help get you through the evening!"

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5. Standout Sunnies

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(Image credit: @carolineinnycity)

"Embrace the summer sun with a pair of statement shades. Upgrade your everyday pair of black sunnies for a sharp cat-eye style, or go for a mod look with oversize frames like these Gucci hexagonal sunglasses. A season must-have and sure to elevate any summer look, you can't beat this heat without standout sunnies!"

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Up Next: 9 Trends I Wore to Prove That You Can Still Look Chic in 90-Degree Weather

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Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. 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. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.