The major fashion trends of 2022 had us wearing (and feeling) like we were back in 2000. We’ve been in a Y2K haze this year (hello, low-rise jeans! ), but it’s clear which trends seized the focus — from corsets to the spectrum of “cores” and skipping over cut-outs… Whatever you want. We’ve been there, done that, and it’s all come back to us.
As we near the end of the 2022 chapter in our life, Teen Vogue looks back on the year’s most noteworthy fashion trends – well beyond Y2K. Buckle up, because we’re headed down (fashion) memory lane!
Major fashion trends: Mini Skirt Suits
After seasons of maxis and midis, the mini is about to take center stage once more, this time in suiting style. Consider now the ideal time to add more tailoring — and a little more leg — to your 2021 matchy-matchy outfits.
Major fashion trends: Barbiecore
This year’s hot pink infatuation resulted in a 416% rise in searches for all things pink, according to Lyst’s Year in Fashion report. Barbiecore prospered and may have even inspired the Pantone Color of the Year for 2023. Blame Valentino’s monotone pink ad or Kylie Jenner’s floor-length, fluffy hot pink Balenciaga gown at the SS23 show in Paris.
Not to mention that Lil Nas X worked with Coach to design a bespoke, bedazzled barbie-core football gear for him to wear on his first international tour. Barbiecore is unquestionably here to stay. You can even deck up your phone in the trend with the latest Casetify x Barbie collaboration, which has pretty-in-pink accessories and charms with the famous Barbie typeface. Pink may be seen here, there, and everywhere.
Major fashion trends: Cut-outs
It is true that sometimes less is more, and the cut-out trend is a prime example. Cut-outs have been a fashion staple for a time and, of course, have made their way into the celebrity mainstream. Kim Kardashian donned a daring 1998 Thierry Mugler couture cut-out dress in 2019, while Kendall Jenner nearly broke the internet last year at her best friend’s wedding in her risqué cut-out Mônot dress.
The trend was back in action this year, with many variants garnering headlines. A little bit of skin may go a long way, whether on the side, in the back, or even around the abs – the options are unlimited. For proof, go no further than Off-SS23 WhiteTM’s collection, which included knitwear items with cut-outs all throughout to reveal the clothing (or not) beneath. It doesn’t end there: don’t forget about Maddy Perez’s classic AKNA outfit on Euphoria, or how queen Lizzo was spotted earlier this autumn making a case for leggings with butt cut-outs. Making an argument for negative space! Cheeky.
Low-rise
Of course, we took the plunge with low-rise trousers in 2022, in the middle of a Y2K renaissance. This is not a tendency to be taken lightly. This year, Miu Miu, best known for reviving short miniskirts, debuted low-rise pants on the runway. Blumarine also debuted low-rise trousers in pinks and greens for its SS22 collection. Celebrities praised this year’s revival as well. Iris Law wore ruched low-rise khaki pants with a custom bikini top, while Gigi Hadid chose extremely low-rise trousers with a bespoke bikini top. How low can we go?
Skin Is In
After seasons of protective layers, it appears that the time has come to exhibit some skin. But don’t worry, the runways aren’t asking us to strip naked. Instead, sensuous, sinewy shapes revealing snatches of the midriff are the way to go, as seen at Missoni, Christopher Esber, Marni, and even Fendi. What is the takeaway? Maybe you have to reveal a little skin to enjoy la dolce vita. However, not too much.
