There is no escaping the influence of Y2K trends this spring/summer season.
The chokehold that the nineties, noughties and even 2010 fashion trends have on us is going to be echoed well into 2022.
According to Edited’s deep dive on the season’s hottest trends, Y2K came up too often to ignore. These season designers will once again be taking cues from eras past to influence future trends. The demand for low-slung denim jeans, butterfly patterns and mini skirts were noted by Vogue for the upcoming season.
Largely due to the online worlds of TikTok and Depop, these trends from 1999 and 2000 have sparked huge interest. Miniskirts are being followed closely by key designers such as Miu Miu and Max Mara.
Emma Tiernan, Vice Chairperson at DCU Style also predicted that miniskirts would stay on trend but added miniskirts with a drawstring may make a comeback reflecting the y2k aspect.
The overarching mood for this year’s spring/summer fashion trends is one of real optimism. Since the previous season went into overdrive with desperation to get dressed up for even the most casual grocery shops, this season there is a time and a place to be extra fabulous but still the demand for easy simple luxurious clothing you can put together in a short amount of time.
So, while there’s still a demand toward revealing, sassy cutouts and exposed midriffs there’s also a very chic, understated minimalist approach brewing beneath the nineties influence.
“I feel like last year was a lot more predictable due to lockdown and more screentime. However, this year I feel a shift in the mix, we’re not seeing as many trends being followed or pushed at us,” Tiernan said.
With the United Nations declaring a global climate emergency a lot of people are starting to opt for a low-key, minimalist approach instead of buying into every hot trend on offer.
The leading shopping app, LYST, is expecting this trend to resonate with a lot of consumers in 2022.
Since September, the app has seen a 22 per cent rise in searches for neutral tones, while white shirts are up by 41 per cent, leather loafers by 57 per cent and wide-leg suit trousers rise by 55 per cent; all reflecting this transition toward a more understated luxury approach.
Just because it’s a quieter trend doesn’t mean it has to be boring but on the other hand, very wearable wardrobe staples that can be spiced up with colourful co-ords as we head into the sunny months.
Ultimately this spring/summer season there’s something in the basket for everyone to try out. After spending two summers locked up, it’s no exaggeration that we are allowed one hell of a good one this year.
Sarah Burke
Image credit: Creative Communications