After spotting all of the major trends on the S/S 22 runways, we’ve been discussing them—and writing about them—at length. The collections were bursting with mood-boosting looks and new silhouettes that feel particularly fresh, meaning that an inspiring moment in fashion is upon us. With some of the biggest spring 2022 fashion pieces hitting the market, our team of editors couldn’t wait to put them to the test, so we did just that.
While the runways may provide one source of styling insight, I always feel equally inspired by the outfits I see fashion insiders wear. If you similarly look to what is worn on the streets or on your Instagram feed for inspiration, you’re in luck because our editors are sharing their favorite spring trends and how they’re personally interpreting them in their wardrobes. From hyper-wearable pieces like maxi skirts and oversize leather jackets to trendy finds including barely-there tops and Y2K throwback accessories, we’ve got the biggest spring items covered.
Ahead, editor-tested spring trends we’re endorsing this season. Shop our looks and see how we’re styling them.
Barely-there micro miniskirts were one of the pieces that were everywhere on the runways and one of the trends I wanted to put to the test first this spring. I particularly love Prada’s S/S 22 collection and took inspiration for this look straight from the runway, pairing a ribbed polo top with a pale pink skirt and pointed slingback heels. To really tap into the Prada aesthetic, I’ll be adding a worn-in, oversize leather jacket next time I wear the look.
“I’ve been a leather jacket lover for years, so I was thrilled to see the return of big leather jackets for spring. On the runways, designers from Prada to Alexander McQueen proved that a leather jacket is the fresh staple to make any look feel all the chicer. I’m embracing the silhouette with an oversize moto jacket and styled it with other of-the-moment items like a relaxed button-up shirt, loose jeans, and two-tone loafers. This look is easy, comfortable, and feels particularly current.” —Bobby Schuessler
“The maxi skirt trend is undeniable at this point. I love how it gives pure unfiltered ’90s energy. In fact, our Sr. Editor Kristen Nichols pulled up a spring ’93 runway look from the iconic Perry Ellis that feels similar to this knit maxi and sweater set. For styling, a fuzzy bucket hat and chunky mules take a minimalist set to the next level.” —Kat Collings
“If you know my style, then you’d know that investment staples are right up my alley. So much so that I’ve already purchased one of the four items I tested out from Net-a-Porter for this trend, and the other three are, naturally, on my wishlist. Thanks to its abundance of pockets and layerability, the Totême jacket (my new buy) is ideal for life in NYC, and the camel color is so classic and luxe-looking that I know it’s something I’ll continue to wear for years. If you’re looking for the perfect, simple white tee and everyday black sandals, these are them, and the Loewe Amazona bag—well, that really speaks for itself but I also have spoken about it at length here.” —Nicole Akhtarzad
“My aesthetic for spring 2022 is definitely going to be as Y2K as possible. There are so many aspects of the trend that I’m into and I weaved them all into just one look. First off, the color pink still feels like home to me after having had such a moment during my tween years. I started with a low-rise slip midi skirt, which would have been quite a crowd-pleaser in the early 2000s. After a difficult decision between the baby tee and a ribbed white tank, I went with the latter. Now for the accessories, the Dior saddle bag is a living legend and denim is the way to go if you want to get a similar look that feels very aughts. A choker and claw clip made for the perfect finishing touches.” —Sierra Mayhew
“This year’s naked trend spans all sorts of different styles, from sheer, mesh pieces to flossy straps and cutouts. In other words, it isn’t for the faint of heart. However, it doesn’t necessarily need to be as scary as the name makes it out to be. Testing it out, I could’ve just as easily thrown on a naked dress like Carrie Bradshaw’s from Sex and the City (I got mine from Only Hearts) with strappy heels and been done with it, but I thought it’d be more of a test to try and make naked fashion actually wearable for the average person. A string-y bodysuit and some tailored basics later, I was walking through NYC in the barely-there trend, whilst still wearing actual clothes. Then again, I’m definitely not opposed to a naked dress…” —Eliza Huber
“While I’ve always been a lover of color, I still find it tricky till this today to translate those bold pieces into my wardrobe. Now that it’s such a big trend for 2022, it’s easy for colorful pieces to catch your eye and make it to your shopping cart, but it’s the styling part where one can get lost. If there’s anything the runways have taught me, is that even with bold colors you can keep it simple by donning one bold hue. I always thought it has to be a huge color-blocking moment and while I want to work up to those kinds of looks, I’m taking baby steps with this bold trend. I opted for a bright kelly-green pant but paired it with a neutral ensemble to keep things elevated but still fun.” —Yusra Siddiqui
“I won’t lie: the comeback of low-rise pants initially shocked me to my core. It felt far too soon to revisit the early aughts silhouette—that is, until I saw the polished styling ideas put forth in Miu Miu’s spring 2022 collection. Instead of the ultra low and fitted trousers of the past, the new way to wear them according to the designer and the fashion people who have followed suit involves a baggier fit and a waistline that casually sits somewhere in between a low and mid-rise. I took direct inspiration from Miu Miu and styled a pair of relaxed chinos with preppy staples like a pullover sweater, trench coat, and loafers.” —Anna LaPlaca
“Loose tailoring is one of my favorite trends of the season—especially when it comes to pants. Relaxed trousers exude a polished yet effortless look that can easily be dressed up or down. Whether I style loose tailored trousers with a chic knit top for a night out or an oversize button-down for the office, they always look cool. I’ll often add a belt to tie the look together. Luckily, the trend is sticking around for fall too—so they’re certainly a savvy investment.” —Judith Jones
“I find I’m always drawn to the most extra ones when it comes to trends. I love being able to take something that seems niche or impractical and style it in a way that makes it applicable to the everyday. Fashion, for me, is all about melding the creative fantasy of the designer with how you envision your most stylish self moving about the world. Nothing embodies movement more than fringe, as it’s one of those design details that add an extra dimension to any ensemble. Admittedly, I haven’t always been a fan of fringe, as it can at times veer into a cheesy western-inspired look that you’d spot at a music festival. But I think seeing the more polished takes from couture houses like Alaïa and Alexander McQueen made me jump at the chance to test-drive it. I landed on trying on this stunning Jonathan Simikai set and Petit Kouraj tote from Shopbop. I love this look because you could wear it all together at a resort in the tropics, or you can style any piece with your everyday staples to make it feel more approachable. Overall, I think that while fringe, while at first may seem like too much, it’s the perfect injection of fun for any spring wardrobe.” —Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
“I’ve never really been into a preppy look, but after the explosion that came from Miu Miu S/S 22 and the miniskirt, I’ve been seeing it absolutely everywhere. This look made me feel like a doll—it was a bit out of my comfort zone, and the skirt is a wee bit too short for me to wear around New York City, but I loved how it all came together. Pairing a short skirt with sky-high platforms gets balanced out by a plain white collared bodysuit and minimal accessories.” —Katie Berohn
“The return of the great bomber jacket trend is back and I couldn’t be happier to dust off my aviator glasses and pull this style of jacket out of my closet. These jackets have been a wardrobe staple since we saw them everywhere in 2016 on Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Hailey Beiber, and many other of our favorite It-girls. This was the model-off-duty jacket for years—the way you can pair it perfectly with street style outfits is one element of why this jacket has been so big for several trend cycles. Prada, Versace, Stella McCartney, and other designers have been reintroducing the bomber jacket into their collections for 2022. I personally love to style my bomber jackets with leggings, sneakers, a racerback tank or bodysuit, and layered with gold necklaces and hoop earrings.” —Grace O’Connell-Joshua
“To me, the escapist trend includes anything that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, and nothing screams getaway like a floaty white dress. This beautiful one by Doen is slightly sheer and I can’t wait to bring it on my trip to Hawaii this summer. I styled it with fun accessories including a Casa Chiqui pom-Pom bag and floral Rochas flats.” —Erin Fitzpatrick
“I wear jeans constantly, so I’m always looking for things to swap them out for. And since I come across cargo pants seemingly every time I scroll through Instagram, there’s no time like the present to get on board. Many of the pairs I’ve seen lately are low and super baggy, but these from Aritzia are high-waisted and a bit more polished in general. I liked this because I’m into the idea of wearing them with a cropped top to balance things out a bit (and I’m not brave enough for low-rise pants with a crop top). As for shoes, I loved the way they looked with the chunky sandals, and the loafers made the cream-colored pair look even more polished.” —Allyson Payer
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