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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Associate Editor

Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, trying the latest fitness craze in New York City, or exploring luxury vintage boutiques.