After more than two years of staying in, with very little need to dress up, many are ready to step back into the world. So why not do it in style?
Kate Bellman is the Women’s Managing Fashion Editor at Nordstrom. If anyone knows the current trends for Spring 2022 (and beyond), it’s her. Bellman gives us four fashion trends to wow your colleagues and friends.
Work Remix
As we slowly trickle back into an office environment, head-to-toe style and colorfully stepping out are once again on full display. While tailoring is always an essential aspect of the work wardrobe, for Spring 2022, it’s freshened up in unexpected color, print or texture.
“Silhouettes ease towards relaxed shapes with the full-length trouser pairing just as perfectly with a soft blazer as statement shirting,” Bellman says. “Footwear and accessories work their way into the mix with modern, architectural sandals, pop color in handbags and statement baubles for playful adornment.”
Romantic Ease
The full flounce and volume of seasons past evolve towards a softening with Spring’s Romantic trend.
“The essential dress is fluid and elongated, with waist emphasis and hints of skin. Pretty lace, chiffon and pleats take the demure to Goddess-like, and floral prints in pretty palettes give a nod to retro kitsch. The volume remains relevant in sandals with puffy and padded straps and soles, while novelty going out bags and clutches are meant to be seen.”
Craft Chic
Bold maximalism has its moment this season through craft techniques and artisanal novelty.
“Textural elements bring this trend to life with crochet, fringe and embroidery in captivating colors across RTW, shoes and bags. Prints bring high impact to this already dynamic trend, with vibrant batiks, bold tropicals and traditional block prints. Inspired by an appreciation of the craft maker, this trend is infused in all key items for Spring and Summer.”
The New Sexy
Sex appeal goes from minimal to overt as the new codes in dressing bring sexy back to the forefront.
“Skin show is applied to all categories from cutout tops, shirred dresses, and strappy sandals. Plunging necklines and mini hemlines offer strikingly new silhouettes that dare to bare. Darks and black exude a sense of tough chic, while electrifying brights create a sense of playful sexy for the season’s occasions.”
When predicting style trends, Bellman looks to the runway, “My absolute favorite designer is Dries Van Noten, whose Runway collections are always a massive inspiration to me seasonally. Some other strong influences still remain from being a fashion-obsessed teenager in the 90s. I admired Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy for her chic, minimalist aesthetic and appreciation of very forward and modern designers. From a totally different perspective, I loved Kate Spade as a designer when she introduced her fresh approach towards fashion being fun, playful and approachable. Both women and their personal expression had such a long-lasting influence on me. My modern-day muses include Sarah Paulson and Tracee Ellis Ross, both styled by Karla Welch and both have the ability to make fashion feel effortless and joyful.”
For colors this Spring, think electric greens, bold berries and vibrant reds and pinks. According to Bellman, straight legs are the new essential denim silhouette and can be seamlessly styled for both dress-up and casual moments, “There is a diverse variety in washes from soft vintage washes to super dark and refined, so you can take your pick based on your occasion. Look for updates in denim outside just pants, like colored denim for a jean jacket or a denim skirt with flounce and flare.”
Scroll through the gallery above for more Spring style inspo!
Kate Neidigh is a freelance lifestyle writer for Seattle Refined. See more of her work on Instagram here.
