Sometimes you’ve got to dig a little deeper. That certainly rings true on the subject of sourcing trends. We’ve already touched on the foremost fashion themes circulating as the new season inches closer, but now we’re getting into the trends on the verge of a major breakthrough. A lot of you may already be familiar with what we call a microtrend here at Who What Wear—a trend still early in its infancy, yet so prevailing among tastemakers and designers that it’s only a matter of time before it really takes off. The six below we’re highlighting have made some waves that really made us stop and take notice. From striking sheer separates to Gaultier-esque screen prints, early adopters take note—you’ll want to watch this space.
What’s old is new, and that definitely applies to 90s style. Along with Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier is another cult designer Gen-Z has recently rediscovered and has been fixated on, manifesting in a resurgence of anatomical screen prints. This trend hasn’t hit the stage where it’s readily available just yet, but a few indie brands like Girlsgirlsgirlsbygracie and Forbidden Kn0wledge have cemented their place as go-to sources for body form pieces. Y/Project’s A/W ’22 Menswear collection featured a slew of these types of prints, so yeah it’s only a matter of time before it pops up at Zara.
This microtrend took a little bit more effort to notice because quite honestly tracksuits and the sporty aesthetic are continual favorites among the fashion set. It’s one of those trends that’s seemingly hidden in plain sight: Lately, I’ve seen fashion people embrace the piece styling them with loose cargo pants and high heels. The result feels more intentional and elevated than PE class. I think it’s a really fun take on a widely worn item that’s simple enough to interpret for yourself.
I’ve flagged the comeback of corsets before, but this year it’s all about wearing them in full-scale coordination in a matching set. Miaou has been at the forefront of this microtrend with a plethora of corset sets in exciting prints and colors, but slowly other brands have been doing the same. One of my favorites is House of CB’s sultry matching corset and silk maxi skirt set—it’s been my go-to night out look and likely will be all of 2022.
Shop the matching skirt; $155.
Shop the matching Mint Star Corset, $265.
Shop the matching Scarlet Mesh Corset, $115.
While you were sleeping, wedge boots have made their return to the scene. The reigning silhouette seems to be point-toe wedge boots which feels decidely more sleek and cool than the versions of years past. I haven’t bought a pair yet, but you better believe they’re on my wishlist.
Arguably the most talked about trend on this list, micro minis catapulted onto the scene at the end of last year thanks to Miu Miu’s showstopping SS’22 show. In record time affordable versions have popped up on the market, but I have a feeling this is only the beginning.
By now you should know it’s not a microtrend roundup without the inclusion of something risque. Last year it was keyhole cut-outs, this year it’s shaping up to be the season of sheer, nude illusion pieces. This definitely lands on the more daring side, but with some good undergarments, it can be a striking element to contrast your staples.
