With the start of a new year come new predictions of what the next big fashion trend will be. There is always a plethora of news articles and YouTube videos trying to convince you, and yes, this is one of them. However, most of these are pretty predictable in their own right. The trend cycle is moving at an astronomical pace these days thanks to social media and new aesthetics popping up left and right.
While last year was all about the early 2000s comeback, this year is about the 2010s comeback. The 2010s is when aesthetics came to be and often took inspiration from the 80s and 90s thanks to the 20-year trend forecasting rule. Well, that rule is all out the window in the 2020s. It’s no longer decades and years, it’s practically months now.
Now, this article is both a prediction and a review. My opinion might differ from yours both in my predictions and my personal thoughts. But please, wear whatever you want. More power to you!
So, let’s get on with it:
Colored Jeans
This 2010s trend was huge. They came in pretty much every color, every shade and every style. It was a response to our obsession with skinny jeans and our mindset that they will never go out of style. Well, thanks to an army of TikTok teens saying that skinny jeans are out (which I will say is a bunch of BS: read here), we are now obsessed with straight-leg jeans and mom jeans. We are convinced that these jeans will never go out of style. Sound familiar? So, due to our overconfidence, we have decided to make colored jeans as a response. I’ve already seen them pop up. I was basically flabbergasted when I saw them at Urban Outfitters and PacSun.
Butterflies
I have already seen this trend in Urban Outfitters and Victoria’s Secret PINK. This, I believe, is going to be one of the lingering Y2K trends in 2022, reminiscent of the bubblegum pop ideal going on at the time. This kind of animal print has been going in and out of trend throughout the past five years. Once again proving how quick and sporadic the trend cycle is nowadays.
Pearls
Pearls have been coming in and out of style as well since about 2018. However, in 2022, they are set to explode, being seen on anything from socks to shoe chains, whatever those are. I adore this trend. I have had an affinity for pearls for a long time, so this is one trend I will definitely partake in, especially since pearls are one of the most timeless and classic elements of womenswear.
Empire Waist
This is definitely linked to the popularity of the Netflix show Bridgerton, being that empire-waisted dresses are what the Bridgertons and Featheringtons wear exclusively due to the fashions of the time. However, the empire waist has been treated with some sexuality this time around. For example, check out Princess Polly and Altar’d State.
Hair bows
I LOVE this trend. Bows are another timeless, feminine staple, both in the hair and on your clothes. Particularly, hair bows are a great way to add an effortlessly girly and youthful touch to any outfit. They can go with almost any outfit and can easily make any look dressed up. Use a piece of ribbon or buy a hair bow barrette, either way, follow this trend. Look for hair bows online at Urban Outfitters or do what cheerleaders have been doing for years and make them yourself with any fabric or ribbon of your choice.
Statement Hats
This has already been going on thanks to the furry bucket hat trend, but I think it’s bound to go a step further with more creativity and boldness. The only style that I like is the Cossack hat or furry headband mirroring Santana Lopez’s iconic look in the Born This Way episode of Glee. And yes, I plan to wear it as casually as she does.
Jelly Shoes
No coincidence that this childish trend is making a comeback with KindergartenCore on the rise. Personally, I find these to be like a sweaty, sticky sauna for your feet, therefore I will not be sporting them.
Drop Waist
This is one early 2000s trend that wasn’t part of the Y2K movement. So, it’s set to come back at the tail-end of the Y2K comeback. Personally, I don’t think this trend is flattering on literally any body type, so I will not be participating.
Fashion Gloves
We can thank Olivia Rodrigo, the pandemic or TikTok, but this is gonna come back in more ways than one. Styles of any length and any texture will be coming back. Personally, I love this trend. Gloves are such a sophisticated, classic wardrobe piece that’s so reminiscent of the high fashion of the 50s and 60s. From sheer to satin, from long opera gloves to short wrist gloves, I will definitely have to invest in some. While this trend takes far more commitment and is far more formal than the other trends on this list, you can’t deny their timelessness and elegance. You can buy them online at Urban Outfitters or plan a themed party like the Roaring 20s, and use that as your excuse to invest in this fun trend.
Statement Tights
These were all the rage in the 2010s thanks to them being a vital part of numerous aesthetics from Soft Grunge to Blogger. However, you can also blame Gossip Girl for endless inspiration on how to style patterned tights. I personally love this trend. It’s a fun way to add something special to an outfit you wear repeatedly. I prefer a simpler pattern like polka dots or plaid, but you can do whatever you want with this trend. There are tights out there with patterns you wouldn’t even think of. Urban Outfitters has quite an array of options.
Ties
Another residual Y2K trend is set to become popular in 2022. With the rebirth of Avril Lavigne’s star power with her new Travis Barker collaborated album and Olivia Rodrigo’s undeniable inspiration from the punk-pop star, also with the rise of genderless clothes and androgynous dressing, this trend is guaranteed to make a comeback.
Lita Shoe
Oh, how I was reluctantly waiting for the Jeffery Campbell Lita comeback. These guaranteed ankle-twisting monstrosities were ALL OVER Tumblr in the early 2010s. They are definitely cute for girls who love both combat boots and high heels (like me). However, I have enough injuries already, I don’t need to break an ankle. So, have fun with these and be safe!
Childish Necklaces
Remember in Kindergarten or at summer camp when you’d make beaded bracelets and necklaces? Well, instead of doing that for free, you can now spend money on them and have them be actually trendy instead of just childish and clashing. I recommend just making them. It could even be a fun girls’ night or a fun summer job. But if you do have the luxury of having a lot of disposable income while in college and you do want to spend money on them, and probably still have them of the same poor quality, try looking at PacSun or Urban Outfitters.
Square Toe Shoes
I personally LOVE this 90s inspired trend; however, if you do want to participate, I’d recommend going thrift shopping or asking your mom or grandma for her old pair because while this is a 90s trend making a comeback, they aren’t exactly the most timeless shoe. They will probably go out of style in a few years, if not months. So, I wouldn’t break the bank buying a pair. But if you do buy a brand new pair, Zara has some very cute pairs.
Sartorial Dressing
Sartorial dressing means dressing well-tailored, classic, timeless and elegant. This is basically my sense of style. I love looking expensive for inexpensive and looking effortlessly timeless and chic. Some tips for dressing this way: go for a blazer instead of a hoodie, a button-down shirt instead of a t-shirt, pointed shoe shoes instead of square toe, neutral colors like white and black, and materials like satin and velvet.
Animal Print
Animal print is one of those trends that constantly go in and out of style since the 1960s, (remember Mrs. Robinson’s to-die-for leopard ensemble in The Graduate?) making it timeless if you buy the animal prints in more classic silhouettes like button-downs, sweaters and basic dresses. However, one unique animal print that doesn’t become trendy nearly ever is cow print. In fact, it’s starting to become a staple of the 2020s fashion due to the fact that it was all the rage in 2020, went out of style, and was nowhere to be found in 2021, and now is slowly coming back in style. I’ve already seen in pop up surprisingly at PacSun and unsurprisingly at Altar’d State
Twee Style
If you don’t know what Twee style is just think back to Zooey Deschanel and Taylor Swift in 2012. Well, it’s making a comeback, like many other aforementioned 2010s trends. Like I said above, animal print is making a comeback, but Twee style is all about patterns involving woodland creatures like foxes, owls and bunnies. It also involves Peter Pan collars and preppier tendencies. Look to Spencer Hastings from Pretty Little Liars and her Twitter fanfic daughter Lexi Howard from Euphoria for inspiration.
Plaid
Plaid has two connotations. The first and most notable is its preppy connotation, associated with prep school, old money, Ivy league, academia and American wealth (read my history of preppy articles for more on this). The second connotation it has is on the complete opposite side of the spectrum: alternative, rebellious and punk style, thanks to British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Look for preppy plaid at American Eagle or look for punk plaid at Victoria’s Secret. You can also attribute this to another residual 2000s trend coming, granted that Burberry check is an iconic and specific type of plaid that was a popular status symbol in the 2000s.
Loafers
I love this trend. Of course, I wish I could afford the Prada ones all over Pinterest, but for my bank account’s sake I’d look at DSW or H&M. I think these are great timeless and sophisticated shoes to add to your wardrobe that should also be flat and comfortable enough to wear every day. It should help with sartorial dressing by making you look tailored.
Bubble Hem
This was all over the runway at New York Fashion Week in Christian Siriano’s and Prabal Gurung’s collections. I have already seen them pop up in more accessible and mainstream stores like Dry Goods. My elementary school self and 80s-loving self ADORE this trend, even though it’s not the most timeless. So, I am ECSTATIC that this is back in style.
Neck Scarves
Look to Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl or Nancy Drew from the CW’s current adaption for inspiration. I personally love this trend. It’s a unique alternative to necklaces and is a great and easy way to spice up a basic outfit in a classy and Parisian way. Check out Madewell for a great selection.
Ballet Flats
Another residual Y2K trend that has some major ties to Gossip Girl (on the rare occasion Blair and her minions wore flats). While they are chic and Parisian, I don’t find them the most comfortable. Therefore, I won’t be participating.
Mini Skirts
Thank you Mary Quant for one of my fashion must-haves. I am a firm believer that mini skirts are a timeless fashion item. However, I think the trend is more rooted in Miu Miu’s Spring 2022 collection which included many business casual, Ivy League-esque ultra-tiny mini skirts, which is undeniably a 2000s comeback. And hey, if you have the confidence, go for it!
Velvet
Velvet has gone in and out of style for the past five or six years, and this year is no exception. Velvet will be seen on everything from shoes to dresses to even underwear (I know). Personally, depending on the style, color and item of clothing, I love velvet. I think it is comfortable, stylish, timeless and soft to the touch. Look for velvet at Urban Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret and PacSun.
Puffers
Puffers were HUGE in 2021 and, unfortunately, it’s not going away. As you can tell, I am not a fan. I love classic coats from wrap to trench. I always look lazy and like I get two hours of sleep when I wear puffers. If only I could be one of those girls who look cute in puffer coats and maybe I could be persuaded. They have them in almost every color at Uniqlo if you still haven’t gotten your hands on one. I’d also recommend looking at thrift stores for some name-branded ones and unique ones.
Feathers
As someone who thoroughly enjoyed the fashion in Scream Queens, I love this trend. I think feathers make an outfit look effortlessly glamorous if done correctly and not like a third grader with a feather boa from Party City. If you’re looking to get your hands on this bold trend, I’d check out Fashion Nova.
Neon
Something I personally loved but didn’t partake in was the trend of wearing bright or neon colors during these colder months. It was an expert example of Dopamine dressing as an act of “therapy” for SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder or Depression, dressing in brighter colors to help with your mood. Dressing in summer colors for the fall and winter provides an interesting juxtaposition, plus with the 80s-ness of the 2010s coming back, as I’ve mentioned numerous times, it makes sense that neon would be popular again, as well. Try Dopamine dressing by picking out a piece of clothing with a bright color that’s out of your comfort zone next time you shop!
Galaxy Print
Unfortunately, this tacky and unforgettable trend from the 2010s is back. While we have learned from our disastrous past and this time has come up with at least somewhat subtler ways to use galaxy print, it’s still not a great fashion statement in my opinion. If you’re excited about this fashion comeback, I’d check out Victoria’s Secret and PacSun.
Fringe
I love this trend. However, I prefer fringe in the more glamorous 20s flapper way, not the 70s western way. If you like the latter style, I’d look at Fashion Nova for some options. However, if you’re like me and love flapper fringe, I’d look at Zara.
Soft Grunge
Soft grunge is another 2010s aesthetic making a comeback. Remember when everyone was tying flannels around their waists in the 2010s? Well, we will probably see that again soon enough. I’d look to Emily Fields from Pretty Little Liars and Miley Cyrus from her Can’t Be Tamed era for inspiration.