January marks the start of a new year. Promises to read more, waste less, eat better, and exercise are made, and then forgotten. The joys of the festive period are a thing of the past. However, January also means new fashion alerts, new trends and styles, staple pieces to invest in, fashion shows, and new exciting colours. January is the time to set the tone for the year to come, inspiring a multitude of people. This year, however, also marked the end of an era within the realm of fashion. It is impossible to introduce the new fashion year without mentioning the death of fashion legend André Leon Talley. The former Vogue editor, champion of extravagance, ground-breaker, and incredible word wizard sadly passed away this year at the age of 73, leaving the world of fashion, and beyond, in shock and sorrow. His impact on the industry did not go unnoticed, he will never be forgotten. Once named the “pharaoh of fabulosity” by a Vogue colleague, Talley was a man of greatness, iconic style, with a passion for fashion and a larger than life character. Just as importantly, he broke stereotypes and paved ways. As stated by Raven Smith for Vogue: “His success was black excellence in action- signed, sealed, delivered” (2022).
On that note, it is only appropriate to assess and admire what the beginning of the year had to say about the fashion trends ahead.
Low waist jeans are seeing their high-rise once again, claiming centre stage on catwalks and in the streets. Jeans, trousers, skirts, and anything with a waist-band at the hips are coming back with vengeance this year. This revealing trend may signal people want to be out and take on the world again. After what feels like years of hibernating it is time to go all out.
Gotham/GC Images
Prep girl, Y2K from household names such as Miu Miu are setting the tone for a new- and adult friendly- take on schoolgirl chic. Paired with high boots and a matching shoulder bag the look is a go-to office during the day, drinks at night must in 2022. Prepare for mini-skirts, low waist that is, in any colour and print as the early 2000s favourite is back.
Miu Miu SS22/ Vogue Runway
Take the office look further with oversized blazers, preferably with lots of room. Neutral tones and bright colours are both welcome, as the once professionally reserved look is now sexy and dominating. Blazers are perfect to create an oversized look with room to layer, move, and stay comfortable whilst going to the office, grabbing a coffee with friends, or doing errands. As an outfit, blazers are the perfect dress up/dress down statement piece worth investing in. From faux leather, cropped, or oversized to blazer dresses, suited, and sporty. The blazer is a trend for all.
Edward Berthelot/ Getty
Big trousers are not only the perfect pair with the already oversized blazer, this staple is a statement piece of its own. Ranging from jeans to suit pants, prints, co-ords, colourful or neutral. Trousers are no longer skin-tight but relaxed, wide and baggy. The best way to style a breezy pant is only determined by what is attire appropriate. Knitted bralettes and blazers, crop tops or corsets, jumpers or turtlenecks, get creative, layer, and style.
Photo: Courtesy of @pernilleteisbaek
2022 also marks the beginning of fashion getting back on its feet after 2020 and 2021 saw unprecedented challenges. As a result, the fashion year ahead is dominated and embossed by creativity. There is a real sense of playfulness, blurred lines, extravaganza, and flamboyant everyday chic. Simplistic staples paired with colour popping accessories, heels with cargo pants, blazers with corset tops. It is about taking personal expressions and showcasing how one wishes to interpret the trends of the new year. Copenhagen fashion week kicked it all off, and as ever the fashion world is obsessing over scandi designs. New York and London following after, the street style from every city is proving how this year is not about obeying rules. A trend is a foundation. Take it on, understand it, and make it yours. This year is all about taking back. Not only is the fashion world from a business perspective getting back on its feet and taking a stand again, it is about individually claiming it again. By “it” I am simply referring to yourself. The pandemic saw us all, at points, lost and confused, scared and horrified, anxious and unmotivated. What fashion is allowing and encouraging us to do now is look at patterns, colours, style, and simply create. Create a story, show off who you are and what you represent, be creative and step out of the comfort zones that fashion has typically created. Enjoy the slightly whimsical but oh so nostalgic spin back to the 2000s, we all need it.
Edited by Charlotte Lewis ( Editor-in-Chief)
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