11 Summer Fashion Trends That Are The Definition Of Dopamine Dressing
Last Updated August 4, 2022, 8:45 PM
Before you bring out your fall jackets, take one last shot at a Hot Plans Summer, at least fashion-wise. The biggest — and the most can't-miss — summer 2022 fashion trends like mini skirts and platform shoes, as well as mood-boosting styles like fringe, will ensure you're ready for a dopamine dressing takeover.
Bold colors had their fair share of moments on the spring/summer 2022 runways in September and will trickle down to street style and red carpets well into fall. As many in the industry predicted, cut-outs will also resume their reign as the most popular style to come out since pandemic restrictions have been lifted, as we continue to shed lockdown layers. From weddings to vacations and rooftop parties, there's a style for any occasion, whether it be a fully perforated catsuit or a midi dress with subtle slit detailing.
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From hot pink, the hottest color of the year to summer's most playful (and trippy) print, welcome — and shop — the 11 biggest warm-weather fashion trends of 2022.
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Summer 2022 Trend: Hot Pink
While summer will gave rise to many bold color trends — see: orange, neon green, and purple — hot pink is the color of the year. For proof, see the Valentino Fall 2022 show that featured monochrome fuchsia looks, as well as the Grammys 2022 red carpet, where celebrities like Saweetie, Billy Porter, and even Travis Barker wore various shades of the bold hue.
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Summer 2022 Trend: Poolside Fashion
Even if you have no plans to be by the water this month,you can stilldress the part. At least that's the memo coming from Miami Swim Week and the runways of designers like Isabel Marant, Rejina Pyo (who showed the spring collection at an aquatics center!), and Jacquemus who presented poolside-perfect fashion in the form of bikinis worn over shirts and pants, fancy slides, and "coverups" that looked more fit for the nightclub than the beach club.
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Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines
Bring out the party dresses and mini skirts to celebrate the final weeks of rooftop/patio/backyard season. Don't be afraid to be the center of attention at any outing with ultra-short hemlines, bodycon silhouettes, and printed designs.
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Summer 2022 Trend: Colored Suits
While workwear might have been obliterated as a category as a result of the pandemic and the new hybrid-office models, it's no reason to give up the power suit. For summer, trade your black or tan pant style for something brighter. Or, even better, opt for a skirt suit with a NSFW hemline.
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Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print
Following spring and fall runway shows like Alexander McQueen, Rodarte, and Brandon Maxwell, the question on fashion insiders' minds is: Why are designers high on mushrooms right now? For some, the trend manifested in whimsy mushroom-print fashion. For others, it arrived in the form of conversations about the role of mushroom leather and sustainability. Either way, we are tripping for the look.
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Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School
It's time to hit the books because preppy back-to-school styles were all over the runways ranging from Miu Miu to Lacoste and Coach. This summer, lean into the more athletic-inspired styles like tennis skirts and skorts, as well as playful varsity sweaters and chunky loafers. Bonus: This trend will be just as popular in the fall.
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Summer 2022 Trend: Fringe
No trend exudes more joy than fringe. Which would explain this season's obsession with one very good Proenza Schouler fringe dress. If a full-on fringe dress or skirt seems like a lot for an outdoor happy hour, a swishy bag or an earring offer a more subdued way to get in on the trend.
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Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs
Yes, cut-outs continue to dominate the trend cycle a year later. This season, you can find them on everything from bodycon dresses and micro-mini skirts to thong pants and tops. The look also offers the perfect reprieve from the summer heat, no AC needed.
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Summer 2022 Trend: '80s Glamour
While many brands are looking to Y2K trends for inspiration, others are going back to an entirely different era of sartorial flashiness: the '80s. Saint Laurent sent out models in skin-tight catsuits and oversized jewelry, while Chanel was a showcase of sequins. Bring on the opera gloves and drama!
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Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets
The cheeky alternative to a full pantsuit, matching sets are an easy way to have fun with your look without thinking too hard about it. Trade the cozy knit two-pieces and hooded sweatsuits for lighter fabrics and mood-boosting prints. The bolder, the better.
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