The new season has sprung, bringing with it longer days, blooms, and a fresh set of spring 2022 fashion trends!

I’ve never talked trends here because they can feel immaterial, especially if you live in an area that isn’t fashion forward. However, it’s true what Miranda says in the “The Devil Wears Prada” scene: the trickle-down effect brings trends from the runway all the way to our neighborhood boutiques.

Whether you enjoy dressing of the moment or are curious about what’s “in,” here are the spring 2022 fashion trends and three questions to ask when deciding whether to wear them.

Spring 2022 Fashion Trends: What’s in Style

Y2K era patterns from different Y2K fashion brands (think Britney Spears and Paris Hilton outfits) are reemerging, proving once again that fashion is cyclical! Here’s a breakdown of what’s in style right now and my thoughts on each.

1. Bold and Bright

The color trend this year is simple: the bolder and brighter, the better. I’m personally thrilled about this one (I touched on why I’m making a departure from neutrals last week). Punchy jewel tones and pastel yellows, oranges, greens, and blues are everywhere. It’s a great season to explore the world of color! 

2. Mini Skirts

Minis are back! I’ll be trying my hand at this trend by pairing a mini with a long sleeve, romantic blouse for a demure combo. I love the idea of a flowy mini dress with block heel sandals for vacation as well.

3. Maxi Skirts

If minis aren’t your thing, maxi skirts are also trending this year. I’ve seen everything from pleated to denim to sequin-embellished. I plan on styling maxi hem skirts with cropped layers (blazers, cardigans, moto jackets) and accessories (belts and shoes) to create balance.

4. Wide Leg Pants

Loose-leg pants are in, and the primary way I’ve seen them styled is with a coordinating blazer, but I think they’re most wearable as a separate. Wide-leg pants can look chic for the office or dinner (I have my eye on this pair)—I’d wear a fitted top to create a waist and pumps to elongate the legs.

5. Power Blazer

Oversized has been in for several seasons now, and while I’m not a fan, I’m happy to see that the blazer is trending as a tailored blazer is a must have in any woman’s wardrobe. Keep your eyes peeled for my roundup of spring blazers in April!

6. Cutouts & Crochet

Unexpected details including cutouts, plunging necklines, fringe, and crochet are huge this season. Play with all of them or pick what suits your style! I personally love crochet like this and a modest cutout like that on the jumpsuit I shared earlier this week.

7. Volume

Puff sleeves are standing their ground for the spring 2022 season. When styling voluminous separates it’s all about balance; I love a statement blouse with slim-straight jeans.

8. Statement Shoes and Platforms

The most obvious shoe trend of the season is the platform. I’ve seen everything from sneakers to loafers and heels. It’s making it feel like it’s 1998 again! I just ordered these platform slide sandals and can’t wait to wear them with spring dresses.

9. Monochromatic Outfits

Both monochromatic white and monochromatic color outfits were prevalent on the runway at fashion week. I’ve already been experimenting with this trend (see here) and can’t wait to play around with white on white looks, especially as summer nears.

Outfit Details: Staud dress (similar, less expensive here), Vince Camuto sandals

Should You Wear Spring 2022 Trends? 3 Questions to Ask

Remember, just because something is trending doesn’t mean you have to wear it. You can be 100% trend driven, incorporate a trend or two to breathe some spice and relevancy into your wardrobe, or wear no trends—the choice is yours.

Here are three questions to ask when deciding whether or not to wear spring trends:

1. Why Am I Incorporating This?

Whether you want your wardrobe to be trend driven or not, do you like your reasons? If your reason for incorporating trends is because they make you feel joyful, confident, and more like yourself, that’s a green light. If you’re incorporating trends because you feel like you “have to,” it might be an indicator to pass.

2. Can I (Really) Wear This More Than 3 Ways?

I think this question is so important in light of the reemergence of brights, color blocking, and “gaudy” styles. When asking this question, answer in the context of your lifestyle. It might be possible to style a bright pink blazer for work, dates, and travel, but are those scenarios a real possibility for you?

3. Does this Trend Have Longevity?

It’s hard to determine whether a trend will exit quickly or stay around awhile (like the puff sleeve). Use your best judgment! Usually, the more “out there” a trend is, the more likely it is to go out of style in a hurry. If you want to incorporate a trend you anticipate will go out quickly, put a small portion of your clothing budget toward it. Mango, H&M, And Other Stories, and Zara carry on-trend items at affordable prices.