London Fashion Week

The 14 summer fashion trends you'll actually want to wear right now

Time to switch up that go-to dress-and-Birkenstocks look yet?

21 July 2022

We were ready to pack away our coats and reunite with our favourite summer fashion pieces back in January.

But now that summer is finally officially here (nothing says that more than the 9pm ITV2 sound of the latest Love Island episode) and we're finally cooling down after quite a smothering spell of heatwave weather, you'd be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed when it comes to putting an outfit together in the morning.

Having spent two summers in varying states of national lockdown (the last of which blessed us UK residents with a whole four days of good sunshine), it's no exaggeration to say that we felt we were owed one hell of a good one this year.

As predicted by spring/summer 22 fashion week last September, whether you're soaking up the sun during your first holiday in what feels like forever or you're staycationing in your garden for the third year on the trot, this season's sartorial landscape looks set to be a scorcher.

Elleme, Spring/Summer 2022

Sure, when it comes to fashion winter wasn't so bad. Our post-lockdown wardrobes were met with a whole host of autumn/winter trends which proved a lot more tempting than our previous go-to tracksuit-clad uniform and made those occasional forays back into society all the more fun.

But let's be honest, there's little that beats a truly carefree summer wardrobe – and SS22 is whole lot more light-hearted, nostalgic and celebratory than we've seen for quite some time.

We're talking ULTRA mini minis, super sheer fabrics, outerwear as underwear, ‘90s neons, ’00s low-slung waists and, yes, more cut-outs…

Ready to plan your summer fashion moments, now that the sun has finally shown is face?

Scroll down for the 14 SS22 trends that we're all falling for this season...

For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.

ULTRA-MINI MINIS

Pleated skirts may be midi for this season, but all others are raising the hemlines to minuscule lengths. These are minis that the supermodels of the '90s would've been proud to wear, with well over half of the thigh exposed beneath the brief slip of fabric. Miu Miu created the viral hit of the season but opt for super-statement shades, prints or fabrics to ensure that while your skirt may be small it still packs a mighty punch.

Spotted at: (L-R) Prada, Dior & Versace – as well as Moschino, Miu Miu & Max Mara
STRAP IT UP

Strapped accents have been gaining popularity over recent seasons, but it's set to really take hold from summer 2022 onwards. Whether it's a top with multi-straps across the shoulders and décolletage, trousers with a strapped waistband criss-crossing across the stomach – or, indeed, both – you'll have to forgo any worries of awkward tan lines this season and embrace the straps. Even that mainstay of retro accessories, the ankle strap sandal, with ties twisting up towards your knees, is back with a vengance.

Spotted at: (L-R) Elleme, Rejina Pyo & Nensi Dojaka – as well as Altuzarra, Jonathan Simkhai, Knwls & Supriya Lele
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WHITE SUITING

Suiting may have been off the sartorial radar for quite some months as swathes of the country took to working from home in loungewear, but this season sees the old staple return with a vengeance. Stark white and complete with show-stopping accents – from waist ties to contrast black hardware and bold shoulders, these are pieces that should make the prospect of returning to your commute a whole lot more bearable. A trouser suit also provides a chic option for an alternative wedding outfits if you're looking for something other than a traditional dress.

Spotted at: (L-R) Teatum Jones, Peter Do, Proenza Schouler – as well as Baum Und Pferdgarten, Holzweiler, Erdem & Michael Kors
UNDERWEAR OUTERWEAR

Another one for the fearless dressers, summer 2022 sees underwear become a perfectly acceptable form of outerwear. Super chic when done in the right way, layer a bralette beneath an open blazer or a top/dress with a convenient cut-out (there's that trend again) for a subtle hint of sexy. (And this trend offers a super-stylish way to keep cool in the heat…)

Spotted at: (L-R) Tom Ford, Fendi & David Koma – as well as Jonathan Simkhai, Coach, Ganni, Saks Potts, Michael Kors, Remain, 16Arlington, Nensi Dojaka & Elleme

HYPER FEMININE

With muted hues and style androgyny gaining traction season after season, it's been a while since super traditionally-feminine pieces had their moment on the industry's radar. For summer, however, frothy fabrics and pretty pink hues – from pastel to candy, rose and fuchsia – prove an interesting, playful point of difference in the fashion landscape. Add as many ruffles, tulle underlayers or pastel shades as you feel comfortable with.

Spotted at: (L-R) Simone Rocha, Paul & Joe & Bora Aksu – as well as Prabal Gurung
PLEATED SKIRTS

One of the most wearable trends to come out of this round of runways was the pleated skirt, and while there was a light scattering of mini incarnations, reminiscent of the influencer's current summer favourite, the tennis skirt, for SS22 it's all about the pleated midi. Other than that, there really are no rules. Printed, plain, colourful, monochrome, paired with knits or paired with a bralette – as long as it's pleated you're bang on the money. We're thrilled to see a trend without an expiration date.

Spotted at: (L-R) Rejina Pyo, COS & Erdem – as well as Sandy Liang

LOW-SLUNG WAISTS

High-rise jeans may have dominated our wardrobes for over a decade, but come summer 2022 things are getting a whole lot more '00s as the low-slung waist makes its way back to the forefront of our sartorial consciousness. They're all about bearing the midriff, so there's no value in opting for a low-rise and hiding it beneath a long knit. Go as low as you dare then add a cropped top for full Y2K drama.

Spotted at: (L-R) Staud, Versace & Knwls – as well as Cynthia Rowley, Victor Glemaud, Remain, Soulland, Rotate & Tom Ford
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HIGHLIGHTER YELLOW

Lovers of the beige aesthetic, look away now. Not one for the wardrobe wallflowers among us, neon yellow looks set to be one of the hottest hues this summer. The even more intense news? It's particularly epic when worn head-to-toe. Although if you're really fearful of the look-at-me tone, it does looks awesome as an accessory accent when mixed with camel, taupe or oatmilk tones.

Spotted at: (L-R) David Koma, Prada & Richard Quinn – as well as Erdem, Emilia Wickstead & COS

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LIQUID METAL

This season sees a new way to do metallic spangle is, thankfully, sequin-free as the shiny paillettes often cause huge damage to the environment being plastic and all. Instead, may we encourage you to get your shine fix via liquid metal sheens; a far subtler, more grown-up and contemporary take on shimmer. Predominantly – but not exclusively – found in golds and silvers, these sheeny dreams create a molten metal feel as luxurious, shimmering fabric appears to be falling around your body. Obviously ideal for after-dark outfits, mix your metallics with neutral tones to make the most of them for day-wear, too.

Spotted at: (L-R) Paul & Joe, Fendi & Peter Do – as well as Tom Ford, Khaite, Bora Aksu & Versace
SUPER SHEER

Perhaps a trend best-suited to those looking to have fun with fashion again after spending the best part of two years wearing tracksuits, super sheer fabrics will have a real moment in the sun this spring. Of course, if you haven't got a date with the red carpet incoming, sheer fabrics can be cleverly layered over or under bra tops, blouses, cycling shorts or skorts to protect your modesty, rendering this trend one of the most flexible for SS22.

Spotted at: (L-R) Elleme, Rejina Pyo & Yuhan Wang – as well as Staud, Harris Reed, 16Arlington, Simone Rocha & David Koma

NETTED KNITS

Knitwear is rarely a major summer trend for obvious reasons, but after SS21's obsession with all things crochet, this season we're seeing fairweather knits get a grown-up glow-up in the form of netting. Across tops, vests, trousers, skirts and even bags, whether you're strolling along the beach or heading for date night in the city, you'll find any excuse to put on your netted knitwear – trust us on this one. Like super sheer fabrics, start by layering to your hearts content and taking baby steps to working the trend.

Spotted at: (L-R) KNWLS, Saint Laurent & Supriya Lele – as well as COS
CUT-OUTS

We know, we know, cut-outs are not new news. They came as a shock a few seasons ago, but they're proving to be far more of a long-term look than any of us initially gave them credit for. Which is definitely a good thing when it comes to considering cost-per-wear and environmental-friendly-ness, because the more frequently you're happy to wear an item the better. With cut-outs – wherever they are on an item – seemingly going nowhere fast, you'd be wise to hop on board.

Spotted at: (L-R) Elleme, Jonathan Simkhai & Supriya Lele – as well as Michael Kors, Christian Siriano, Nensi Dojaka, Mark Fast, Yuhan Wang, David Koma & Maximillian at Fashion East

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ACCESSORISED LEGS

While tights are a mainstay in many winter wardrobes, when it comes to summer very few of us give even a moments thought to dressing our legs. Providing they're covered in SPF and not overheating, we're happy. But all that changes this season, as thigh high boots with feathered trims, lace leggings and embroidered hosiery take centre stage. We're here for it.

Spotted at: (L-R) Nensi Dojaka, Yuhan Wang & David Koma
BULKY BAGS

While micro bags might still be making waves as one of Y2K's essential evening accessories, this season sees the biggest, bulkiest totes take the handbag world by storm for day. Great news for those of us with endless ‘essentials’ that we've been struggling to stuff inside our teeny tiny bags over recent years. Less good news for our posture but hey, carrying a supersize shopper is the best excuse to block book a summer-full of massages.

Spotted at: (L-R) Richard Quinn, Max Mara & Tory Burch