And Now, 8 Trends That Will Go Viral in 2022

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(Image credit: Valentino; Altuzarra)

Ready for the next viral fashion trends that are about to take over for the year ahead? I’m eyeing a fresh set that I’m predicting will be everywhere in 2022. Judging by the S/S 22 runways, there are a number that are primed for adoption amongst the fashion set. But there are already some that we’re seeing in circulation that will only get bigger in the coming months. I’m personally buying some of these already and know they have major viral qualities.

So, which ones are the best to add to your closet now? From the color trend that will eclipse neutrals and skin-baring hemlines to the new take on denim for the year ahead and the way fashion people will buy investment pieces, there are plenty to have on your radar. Ahead, the 8 viral fashion trends to know about for 2022 before they blow up.

Electric Colors

While colors like Kelly green have dominated in the past year, so have neutrals. If you're wondering if you should add some bold shades to your closet, now is definitely the time. Forget low-impact shades, though, because it's bold colors that will soon be all over your feeds.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Saint Laurent)

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

Shop the trend:

Micro Skirts

I didn't think it could happen, but hemlines are getting even more extreme—and there's no middle ground. One place we're seeing that? Skirts where the hemlines are as micro as you can possibly imagine.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Miu Miu)

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @handinfire)

Shop the trend:

Maxi Hemlines

One the other end of the spectrum from mini skirts? Maxi hemlines. As I mentioned, there is no middle ground. Consider midi skirts the piece to skip right now because it's all about maxi skirts if you're not into the micro lengths.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Peter Do)

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Shop the trend:

Dark Denim

I live in my medium wash jeans that look like they could be plucked out of the '90s, but pretty soon you'll be finding me wearing darker washes. Sleek, polished, and a breath of fresh air in the world of jeans, this is the denim trend to buy in 2022.

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On the runway:

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Shop the trend:

Skin-Baring Everything

There's no denying, it—skin-baring pieces get more ubiquitous by the season. Whether in the form of major cutouts or a cool bra top, there are so many ways to approach the trend.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ludovic de Saint Sernin)

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @aminamuaddi)

Shop the trend:

Vacationwear

Ready for a vacation? Same. When I pull the trigger and book a getaway in the year ahead, I'll have no shortage of cool things to pack in my suitcase and neither will you. Tropical prints and beachwear were top of mind for designers and the OOO aesthetic will be big.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Coperni)

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @imaanhammam)

Shop the trend:

Luxe Staples

Quality over quantity has always been my shopping mantra and it's also how many fashion people are curating their closets right now. Luxe staples are winning out, so look for expertly-crafted pieces to buy now and wear forever.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Altuzarra)

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Shop the trend:

All Things Y2K

The Y2K aesthetic is back and more viral than ever and designers proved that it's sticking around with their S/S 22 collections. So do a vintage deep-dive or scoop up all of the newness on the market inspired by the 2000s because it's not going away anytime soon.

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Christopher Esber)

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @devonleecarlson)

Shop the trend:

Next up: 5 denim trends that will be huge in 2022.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.