Starting the New Year In Style: Strike Gainesville’s 2022 Fashion Forecast
As 2022 kicks off and people start the search for their newest holiday wear, one can’t help but wonder what trends to expect in the new year. While tennis skirts, sweater vests and Y2K-nostalgic pieces staked their claim across our socials this past year, it’s important to note that trends come and go — and, boy, is there so much more to come.
With a deluge of designers making their catwalk debuts after the start of the pandemic, and the internet holding more trend-picking power than ever, fashion is set to bloom in 2022 like never before. So while you were putting together resolutions, wish lists or finishing last-minute holiday shopping, Strike UF staff came up with a list of fads to look out for this year. Be sure to keep these on your radar, make space for them in your closet, or get creative with any late gift-giving you have left!
Image Courtesy: @Simply.cie on Instagram
MESH
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The ‘90s staple has made its comeback and is here to stay as we strut our way into the new year. While sheer and black mesh tops are the classic piece, don’t be scared to experiment with different takes on the fabric. Mesh can be found in an array of funky colors, patterns and pieces that scream Jean Paul Gaultier, and give the ideal opportunity to layer and play around with different garments and accessories. Go all out and slip some rings over a pair of mesh gloves, wear a mesh dress, or choose our go-to and rock a bold bralette under a mesh top and jacket!
BALACLAVAS
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We all know that TikTok has dominated the fashion world as of late. From clay ring DIY’s to dyeing Converse brown, people are able to share all their favorite fashion tips and tricks with the simple press of a button. But what’s entranced the internet these past few months has been the gorgeous crochet creations that people make from their own rooms – the balaclava being one of the most notable. The Ukrainian-originated ski mask can be used as a face shield for warmth or simply as a Ye-worthy statement accessory, giving people the perfect chance to incorporate this crocheted adaptation into their wardrobe this winter.
PATTERNS AND TEXTURES GALORE
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Pattern blocking, color matching, and piecing together designs and textures are what we think 2022 is going to be all about. Not so much focusing on the pieces themselves, but rather coordinating their textual intricacies with other components of the outfit. This allows people to really express themselves; whether it be by way of experimenting with eccentric colors and layering quirky patterns, or sticking to a more muted color scheme where expression is reliant on the variety of designs and textures. The season is now — don that fuzzy hat you’ve had sitting in the back of your closet, throw on a colorful patchwork sweater, or wear those zebra-print pants you’ve been too scared to walk out of the house in!
ACCESSORIES: STATEMENT BAGS AND CHUNKY JEWELRY
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Accessories allow you to express yourself beyond the garments that you’ve curated for your outfit, breaking boundaries and tying everything together. In 2022, move away from traditional accessories, hit up the nearest thrift, and find unique statement pieces that will complement and make your outfit – beads, sequins, baguette bags, mini purses, chunky jewelry, crystal set rings — in the age of experimentation, the sky’s the limit!
LOAFERS
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Loafers were a hit this past spring. The Prada-led trend even made its way into the autumn-winter season as they were adapted into platform and chunky versions of the shoe. This high-fashion piece will definitely trickle down and become one adopted by the masses, with a variety of popping colors adding to the trend of vivid and striking fashion statements this coming year. Keep loafers in mind as 2022’s ready-to-wear collections come into bloom.
With so many new trends waiting to be discovered, get ready to explore! But remember that what’s most important is to find what fits you. So get excited, browse catalogs, experiment in fitting rooms, and choose what works for you; not what works for other people or seems like an easy go-to. After all, you’re most dazzling when you feel most confident. Be sure to stunt this New Year and beyond; we can’t wait to see what style you have in store for 2022.
Strike Out,
Writer: Sofia Ramos
Editors: AJ Bafer, Hannah Shelton
Gainesville