Now that the biannual cycle of international fashion weeks has wrapped, editors and buyers alike pause to synthesize everything they've witnessed in order to predict the trends for spring ’22. After over a year of being reduced to computer screens, the fashion-obsessed were able to see the clothes in real life—a concept whose importance we recently rediscovered—to watch as fringe danced around the body or to be transfixed by the reflection of light on patent leather. With the better sense of immersion, the process becomes more tactile, even ephemeral, especially since the season bore witness to clothing that thoroughly engaged the senses.
In the inevitable pendulum swing of trends, the glamorous, body-clinging looks made evident the notion that designers are also itching for life as we once knew it. The clothes were defiant and bold, oftentimes revealing and flashy. Hemlines were short, slits high, and necklines plunging. Pandemic-induced minimalism is out, and in its place we find maximalism in all its various interpretations. Whether you prefer sartorial exuberance in the form of psychedelic prints at Dries Van Noten and Loewe or glittering opulence à la sparkly sets at Versace, we've rounded up the season's biggest, flashiest trends for the spring ahead.
Psychedelic Prints
Loewe;
Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
Dries Van Noten;
Photo: Rafael Pavarotti / Courtesy of Dries Van Noten
Brandon Maxwell;
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com
Seventies-era prints bewitched the mind everywhere from Dries Van Noten to Brandon Maxwell to Loewe. Not only were the prints graphically inclined, but they took advantage of nearly every hue of the rainbow.
The Mini Shift
Prada;
Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
Valentino;
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com
CHANEL;
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com
Hemlines rose nearly everywhere but designers seemed to favor one silhouette in particular this season: the shift dress. Many opted for this ’60s mod silhouette but upped the ante by chopping the hemlines at the top of the thigh.
Leggings
Burberry;
Photo: Courtesy of Burberry
Saint Laurent;
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com
Yohji Yamamoto;
Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com
Both Yohji Yamamoto and Burberry showed leggings under their dresses, a controversial trend whose resurgence we've been following for a while now. If you're feeling daring, opt for a cropped jacket like at Saint Laurent to really show off your legs.
Crazy Cut-Outs
Courrèges;
Photo: Thomas de Cruz Media / Courtesy of Courrèges
Balmain;
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com
Eckhaus Latta;
Photo: Michael D. Subrizi / Gorunway.com
Unexpected flashes of skin decorated most runways this season from the tantalizingly low hip cutouts at Balmain to the flashes of midriff at Courrèges to the subtler reveals at Eckhaus Latta.
Sparkle Party
Versace;
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com
Emporio Armani;
Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
Khaite;
Photo: Hanna Tveite / Courtesy of Khaite
Designers have obviously sensed that the world is ready to party and churned out glittering sequined ensembles, often in the form of a mini dress or skirt. As the sparkles make the statement, keep your accessories to a minimum.
Low Rise
Stella McCartney;
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com
Maryam Nassir;
Photo: Madison Voelkel / Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh
Miu Miu;
Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
This early 2000's pant rise was reimagined for spring '22 as designers swapped clingy silhouettes for oversized, hang-off-the-hips styles. Bare all with a crop top like they did at Miu Miu and Maryam Nassir Zadeh, or tuck in a slinky top similar to Stella McCartney.
Bras as Tops
Hermès;
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com
Coperni;
Photo: Courtesy of Coperni
Michael Kors;
Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
The year 2021 has seen the deconstruction of the top as we know it and this season Hermès, Coperni, Michael Kors, and more decided that bras would suffice in lieu of shirting. Still hesitant? Drape a jacket over your shoulders for a peek-a-boo effect.
Skirt Sets
Christian Dior;
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com
Theophilio;
Photo: Alessandro Viero / Gorunway.com
Marine Serre;
Photo: Courtesy of Marine Serre
From suit separates to coordinating knitwear, we suggest matching your skirt to your top regardless of form this spring season. If you need to break up the monotony, leave your jacket open and add a contrasting t-shirt or top.
Top photo: Getty
Want more stories like this?
3 Runway-Inspired Looks You Can Wear Right Now
Everything a Stylist Wore During Milan Fashion Week
According to Prada, It's Time to Pull This Jacket Back Out of Your Closet