2022 was the year of viral-core. TikTok trends trickled through onto the runway and resurgences of styles such as Interpol-inspired indie-sleaze at Celine and post-punk hedonism at Thom Browne reigned supreme. But which trends are we ready to leave in 2022 as we head into the new year?
Stay with us whilst we unpack (and then quickly pack away) the trends that are ready for a revamp – or for some, a remit – as we make our way into a fresh year of style.
CARGO-CORE
We saw them, wore them, then over-wore them. From silky, satin cargo silhouettes at Fendi’s noughties themed Spring/Summer 2023 collection; to Y/Project’s Gaultier-inspired utilitarian pieces, the military aesthetic dominated the 2022 catwalks.
Whilst some elements of cargo-ism are likely to carry through into the next fashion season, in true fast-fashion nature, the style has trickled through into mass-produced collections. When the cargo-pant was revived by labels such as JORDANLUCA and Liam Hodges, the noughties references were clear. Now, the origin of the style seems to have been diluted by social media boutiques and fast fashion. Give us pocket-overload and combat materials any day, but in 2023 we’re ready for a fresh take on cargo-core.
Y2K AESTHETIC
Steinberg’s butterfly adorned Bluemarine ensemble was the face of a Y2K revival, but what’s next? Whilst the resurgence of 2000’s-esque denim and wrap-around, face-dominating sports sunnies (remember those Balenciaga bug glasses?) was fun for a while, it feels like a new chapter is necessary for this nostalgic trend. Low waisted looks flaunted regularly by industry icons such as Bella Hadid and Julia Fox were replicated in the millions by avid Gen Z followers, with older fashion connoisseurs wincing at the belly-baring trend on the sidelines. It seems odd that the resurgence of an old era now feels dated itself – but that’s fashion.
MICRO-CHIC
KNKWLS and Diesel were champions of the controversial micro-mini trend in 2022, as miniscule hemlines dominated the fashion world. We saw the globally adored Miu Miu mini on just about everyone of consequence in 2022, as the pin-parading trend governed the lengths of last year’s skirts. Whilst the surge of shortened hemlines has been a wondrous addition to the body-positivity movement, it’s clear from glances at Luar and Ulla Johnson runway collections that we should be anticipating a mini to maxi switch this year.
OVERSIZED OVERKILL
XXL pieces were a streetwear staple in 2022. When we weren’t left marvelling at micro-everything à la Alberta Ferretti and Miu Miu, we were gawping at gargantuan, bulging fabric sculptures on the Comme des Garcons SS23 runway. Maxi-sized styling was spotted everywhere from the catwalk sidelines to the streets of New York (who can forget Julia and Ye’s matching oversized denim fits?) – and whilst the Kardashian’s meme-worthy puffer jackets certainly dragged their way into 2022 kicking and screaming, we’re ready to leave them behind for a more tailored look in 2023.
WESTERN-REVIVAL
Odes to the ranch-aesthetic were spotted everywhere last year, from Louis Vuitton’s SS23 Bronco accessories to Casablanca’s colourful cowboys. Men’s and women’s collections alike brought us a myriad of tassels, double denim and prairie-dresses with nods towards OG black and white movies. And whilst we’re definitely taking some elements of the trend with us into 2023 – think of Rhugi Villesenor’s Rhude western-denim resurrection – the cowboy hats need to stay solidly in 2022.
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