10 Summer Fashion Trends That Are The Definition Of Dopamine Dressing

OSTN Staff

Pack away your balaclavas and quilted jackets, and prepare for a Hot Plans Summer, at least fashion-wise. The biggest — and the most can’t-miss — summer 2022 fashion trends like mini skirts, as well as mood-boosting styles like fringe, will ensure you’re ready for a season of dopamine dressing.

Bold colors had their fair share of moments on the spring/summer 2022 runways in September and will trickle down to street style and red carpets well into fall. As many in the industry predicted, cut-outs will also resume their reign as the most popular style to come out since pandemic restrictions have been lifted, as we continue to shed lockdown layers. From weddings to vacations and rooftop parties, there’s a style for any occasion, whether it be a fully perforated catsuit or a midi dress with subtle slit detailing.

From the hottest color of the year to summer’s most playful (and trippy) print, welcome — and shop —the 10 biggest warm-weather fashion trends of 2022.

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Summer 2022 Trend: Pink

While summer will give rise to many bold color trends — see: orange, neon green, and purple — pink will be the color of the year. For proof, see the Valentino Fall 2022 show that featured monochrome fuchsia looks, as well as the Grammys 2022 red carpet, where celebrities like Saweetie, Billy Porter, and even Travis Barker wore various shades of the bold hue.Photo: Jonas Gustavsson

Summer 2022 Trend: Pink

Reformation Seaside Linen Dress, $, available at

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Summer 2022 Trend: Pink

Dare to go head-to-toe pink this summer by finishing your look with a super-cushioned pair of lighter-than-air espadrilles that feature pops of fuchsia. 

Cole Haan Cloudfeel Espadrille, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Pink

Good American Seamless Funnel Tank Bodysuit, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Pink

COS Wide-leg Tailored Trousers, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Poolside Fashion

Even if you have no plans to be by the water this summer, you can still dress the part. At least that’s the memo coming from the runways of designers like Isabel Marant, Rejina Pyo (who showed the spring collection at an aquatics center!), and Jacquemus who presented poolside-perfect fashion in the form of bikinis worn over shirts and pants, and “coverups” that looked more fit for the nightclub than the beach club.
Photo: Courtesy of Isabel Marant

Summer 2022 Trend: Poolside Fashion

PatBo Flora Beach Skirt, $, available at

PatBo Flora Bandeau Bikini Top, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Poolside Fashion

Tibi Leather Shorts, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Pink

Frances Valentine Canvas Fringe Hat Pink, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Poolside Fashion

With Jean Betsy Bikini Bottom | Cream, $, available at

With Jean Dylan Mini Skirt | Cream, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines

Bring out the party dresses and mini skirts to celebrate the (much-anticipated) return of the warm weather and rooftop/patio/backyard season. This summer, don’t be afraid to be the center of attention at any outing with ultra-short hemlines, bodycon silhouettes, and printed designs. Photo: Greg Kessler

Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines

ASOS DESIGN Curve Asymmetric Drape Front Mini Dress, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines

Sézane Jelena Skirt, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines

Mikoh Magnolia Mini Dress, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Party Hemlines

Sunday Best Rocco Skirt, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Colored Suits

While workwear might have been obliterated as a category as a result of the pandemic and the new hybrid-office models, it’s no reason to give up the power suit. For summer, trade your black or tan pant style for something brighter. Or, even better, opt for a skirt suit with a NSFW hemline.Photo: Dan Lecca

Summer 2022 Trend: Colored Suits

Mango Double-breasted Suit Blazer, $, available at

Mango Straight Suit Pants, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Colored Suits

Zara Textured Culottes, $, available at

Zara Buttoned Textured Weave Blazer, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Colored Suits

& Other Stories Tailored Blazer, $, available at

& Other Stories Flared Tailored Trousers, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Colored Suits

Rebecca Taylor Wool Satin Blazer, $, available at

Rebecca Taylor Wool Satin Pleated Trousers, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print

Following spring and fall runway shows like Alexander McQueen, Rodarte, and Brandon Maxwell, the question on fashion insiders’ minds is: Why are designers high on mushrooms right now? For some, the trend manifested in whimsy mushroom-print fashion. For others, it arrived in the form of conversations about the role of mushroom leather and sustainability. Either way, we are tripping for the look.Photo: Greg Kessler

Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print

Fleur du Mal Pajama Short, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print

Tombolo Disco Fungi Cabana, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print

Frasier Sterling Magic Mushroom Necklace, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Mushroom Print

Farm Rio Lime Mushrooms Midi Dress, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School

It’s time to hit the books because preppy back-to-school styles were all over the runways ranging from Miu Miu to Lacoste and Coach. This summer, lean into the more athletic-inspired styles like tennis skirts and skorts, as well as playful varsity sweaters and chunky loafers.Photo: Yanis Vlamos

Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School

Tory Burch Tech Pique Logo Patch Polo, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School

Lacoste Lettered Waist Mid-Length Pleated Skirt, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School

Gyles & George Libra Sweater, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Back-To-School

Gap High-Waisted Never-Fade Pixie Ankle Pants, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Fringe

No trend exudes more joy than fringe. Which would explain this season’s obsession with one very good Proenza Schouler fringe dress. If a full-on fringe dress or skirt seems like a lot for an outdoor happy hour, a swishy bag or an earring offer a more subdued way to get in on the trend.Photo: Courtesy of Chloé

Summer 2022 Trend: Fringe

Eloquii Asymmetric Fringe Slipdress, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Fringe

Petit Kouraj Daye Fringe Tote, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Fringe

kate spade new york Sequin Fringe Skirt, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Fringe

BaubleBar Deirdre Earrings, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs

Yes, cut-outs continue to dominate the trend cycle a year later. This season, you can find them on everything from bodycon dresses and micro-mini skirts to thong pants and tops. Added bonus: The look offers the perfect reprieve from the summer heat, no AC needed.Photo: Courtesy of Christian Siriano.

Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs

Cuyana Stretch Long Sleeve Tee, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs

Maisie Wilen Red Perforated Leggings, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs

Anthropologie Cutout Printed-Slip Midi Dress, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Cut-outs

The Range Layered Turtleneck Top, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: ’80s Glamour

While many brands are looking to Y2K trends for inspiration, others are going back to an entirely different era of sartorial flashiness: the ’80s. Saint Laurent sent out models in skin-tight catsuits and oversized jewelry, while Chanel was a showcase of sequins. “We love the cut-outs, the bodycon, and the return of mini lengths, but also the metallics, animal prints, and bold gold jewelry,” Lisa Aiken, Fashion & Lifestyle Director of Neiman Marcus, said while talking about the biggest trends of the season.

Bring on the opera gloves and drama!Photo: Courtesy of Saint Laurent.

Summer 2022 Trend: ’80s Glamour

Machete Interchangeable Link Necklace In 14k Gold, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: ’80s Glamour

Girlfriend Collective Plum Cami Unitard, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: ’80s Glamour

Lapointe Faux Leather Gloves, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: ’80s Glamour

Banana Republic Halter Sweater Dress, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets

The cheeky alternative to a full pantsuit, matching sets are an easy way to have fun with your look without thinking too hard about it. Trade the cozy knit two-pieces and hooded sweatsuits for lighter fabrics and mood-boosting prints. The bolder, the better.Photo: Courtesy of Sandy Liang.

Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets

Marimekko Kaulaus Unikko Coat, $, available at

Marimekko Karsti Unikko, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets

Lisa Says Gah Laney Mini Skirt, $, available at

Lisa Says Gah Elenor Crop Top, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets

Sir The Label Alexandre Knot Bralette, $, available at

Sir The Label Alexandre Floral-Print Midi Skirt, $, available at

Summer 2022 Trend: Matching Sets

H&M Rib-knit Crop Top, $, available at

H&M Ribbed Pants, $, available at

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