As much as I’d like to think that I know everything on the fashion horizon, the honest truth is that trend prediction isn’t an exact science. Some build up in a slow crawl, eventually reaching an apex, while other trends seemingly appear spontaneously without much warning. Whether it’s a feeling in the air or a very intentional embrace, sometimes there’s really no reason why specific trends capture everyone’s attention at once. But as a fashion editor, when this happens, it’s something you tend to notice. And I’ve definitely noticed them.
One of the biggest unexpected trends to really take off this summer goes to the lucite heel. Years ago I distinctly remember saving up all year to buy a pair of Maryam Nassir Zadeh clear wedges. It was the It sandal of the time, and every fashion editor I knew had them. Lucite heels haven’t been on my radar since, but surprisingly in 2022, it’s had a bit of a comeback. Now they’re everywhere. The same goes for the corded heart pendant. Looking at them gives me instant flashbacks to my childhood in the 90s— never in my wildest dreams did I think it would become the cult accessory that it is now. More pieces are unexpectedly winning the season—keep scrolling to read about them all.
Love it or hate it, the Y2K influence has reached a pervasiveness that’s difficult to ignore. One of the consequences is the revival of the soft ruffle. The iterations that are popping up today feature sheer, delicate fabrics that turn up the romance.
I’ve witnessed gold pendant chains become a thing as well as plenty of other necklace trends, but it’s the first time I’ve seen the corded pendant necklace cause such a stir among fashion people. The hype arguably began with Sophie Buhai’s Nautilus pendant necklace, followed by Saint Laurent’s $550 pendant choker, snowballing with a mass of affordable versions from there. It’s a cool-girl trend that’s easy to pull off: just find a simple top with a great, exposed neckline.
It’s a pleasure to see lucite—clear, Cinderella, or whatever you want to call them—heels make a comeback for another moment in the spotlight. They’re extremely versatile and don’t distract from a cool outfit.
Off the heels of a cargo pants summer, the cargo skirt has popped up as a staple of the season. It definitely falls more into the unconventional category, hence why I was surprised to see it resonate so strongly among the fashion set. Diesel’s version quickly became an it-girl staple, so it was only a matter of time before other brands took note.
Almost ten years ago I bought a Balenciaga City bag. I carried it for a year straight, but since then have only periodically brought it out to play for a dose of nostalgia. After years of being a cult bag, post-2012 fervor over the signature bag slowly died down, dropping into the background. Fast forward to 2022, and the iconic piece has been transformed by Demna Gvasalia, into a collection of shoes and bags that have quickly gone viral. I never thought I’d see the day when my old bag would suddenly become relevant again, but I’m welcoming it with open arms.
