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Spring has most definitely sprung in the UK and here at Trendy Tourist, we couldn’t be more excited.
From rainbow brights to Y2K nostalgia, the Spring/Summer 2022 fashion trends have filtered their way into high street stores, which means our favourite pieces are starting to take shape.
Sure, for the most part, you’ll be able to work with what you’ve already got in your wardrobe this season. (This is kinder to the environment and your bank account, after all). That said, you may want to consider investing in the odd item that will update your clothing collection not just now, but for seasons to come.
In this case, allow us to put forward the SS22 key pieces that are all over the high street and social media right now.
1. The Vibrant Oversized Shirt
Firstly, if you haven’t seen the boyfriend-style shirt in popping colours on your Instagram feed recently then where on earth have you been?
Available in a myriad of unapologetic hues and fabrics, from hot pink satin to cerulean blue linen, this SS22 staple is designed to be thrown on over a barely-there bikini or casual blue jeans as the temperatures rise. You could even belt it and swap your flat sandals for heels to take this hero piece from day to night in an instant.
Here are a few of our high street faves at the moment:
- ZARA’s Satin Shirt in multiple colourways
- Mango’s Oversize Cotton Shirt (*) in four hues
- ISAWITFIRST’s Woven Button Up Shirt (*) in three colours
- River Island’s Orange Oversized Shirt (*)
Add layered necklaces, chunky rings and statement earrings with a slouchy bag for a laid-back look that is nothing short of luxe.
2. The Tailored Blazer and Shorts Suit
The blazer-and-shorts suit has been around for a fair few Spring/Summers now. Although, it’s about to be given a serious style update.
Forget the neutral colours and understated patterns from seasons passed. For SS22, the tailored co-ord is louder and more fabulous than ever.
Think zesty hues coupled with dreamy pastels, seventies-inspired florals, bold stripes and abstract prints. Case in point:
- ZARA’s Houndstooth Blazer and Shorts set
- SHEIN’s All Over Floral Print Blazer and Shorts (*)
- SHEIN’s Striped Blazer With Shorts (*)
- River Island’s Orange Oversized Blazer and Shorts set (*)
Team with a black or white cami, strappy heels and minimal jewellery to let your two-piece make maximum impact.
3. The Glitzy Crop Top
Remember the crop tops of the nineties and noughties? They were sparkly, they were strappy and — most prominently — they were teeny-tiny.
That’s right — there was only one rule: the less fabric, the better!
Miraculously enough, these nostalgic icons are back to see another day for Spring/Summer 2022. (Who would have thought it?!)
Check out some high street bestsellers here:
- ASOS Design’s Cowl Neck Cami in Gold Chain Mail (*)
- SHEIN’s Cowl Neck Backless Metallic Halter Top (*)
- ZARA’s Shiny Crop Top
- ASOS Design’s Wrap Neck Crop Top in Rose Gold Sequin (*)
Pair yours with high-waisted straight jeans and platform sandals for the ultimate throwback look.
4. The Micro Mini Skirt
Speaking of throwback looks, the micro mini skirt influenced by the swinging sixties is dominating the fashion-sphere right now. Like with the glitzy crop top, less is definitely more!
The micro mini skirt looks super chic when teamed with a long-line blazer and kitten-heeled mules for bottomless brunching with girls. Alternatively, combine yours with a matching crop top and flat sandals for effortless summer casualwear.
You can always throw on an oversized unbuttoned shirt or denim jacket if you have a fear of flashing too much skin.
We’re loving these little numbers in particular:
- ZARA’s Draped Mini Skirt
- ZARA’s Ruched Mini Skirt
- MANGO’s Check Tweed Skirt (*)
- Bershka’s 90s Mini Skirt in Light Blue (*)
(This last product in particular is bringing back so many memories for us!)
5. The White Suit
The white suit is one of those SS22 key pieces that has the power to stop traffic. Whether you rock it for your next date night or use it to show your workplace who’s boss, the great thing about it is its versatility.
After all, you can wear the blazer solo with high-waisted mom jeans or jeggings and chunky trainers for your next shopping trip. Likewise, the white trousers make for a mesmerising night OUT out outfit teamed with a black bodysuit and heels.
Here are some white suits that are currently on our wishlist:
- SHEIN’s Single Button Blazer and Tailored Trousers (*)
- MANGO’s Fitted Suit Jacket and Straight Suit Trousers (*)
- Missguided’s White Oversized Blazer and Tailored Wide Leg Trousers (*)
Sure, we totally get that clumsy gals may be wary of the white suit. (We’re certainly one of them…) But what’s life without a little risk, eh?
6. The Shorts Lounge Set
This is one of those SS22 key pieces that started on the social media scene and shows no signs of going out of style.
We all became very familiar with loungewear throughout the lockdowns, but this aspect of fashion is still evolving as the pandemic continues over two years later.
Enter: the SS22 lounge set, which could have a hoody, crop top or boyfriend tee as its top half. However, a non-negotiable is shorts on your bottom half.
Need to see examples?
- This Is Anyo’s Organic Oversized Sweatshirt and Longline Jersey Shorts in Natural
- In The Style x Lorna Luxe’s Appliqué Oversized Hoodie and Longline Jogger Shorts (*)
- SHEIN’s 3 Pack Crop Tank Top and Shorts Lounge Set (*)
- Wild Lovers London’s Organic Cotton Loungewear Co-Ord Top and Shorts in Orange (*)
Ideal for staying comfy in warm temperatures, team it with your fave slippers for chilling around the house. On the other hand, just add sliders or trainers for travelling near or far.
7. The Straight Leg Jeans
Jean designs like to change with the seasons and SS22 is no different. This time around, it’s straight legs that are making a comeback, tying in with the Y2K trend that we personally still can’t believe has resurfaced.
After all these years where skinny and slim cuts have reigned supreme, straight legs are a welcome change for some. For others (like us curvy girls), we’re not as thrilled about it.
After all, straight cuts hang off the butt and legs and aren’t as flattering. Having said that, we’d be open to trying some styles, such as these:
- H&M’s Straight High Jeans With Rips (*)
- H&M’s Straight High Split Jeans (*)
- Stradivarius’ 90s Dad Jean (*)
- H&M’s Loose Straight Jeans (*)
Combine with a crop top or cute tee and oversized jacket for daytime and then seamlessly take your denim to night with a bodysuit and blazer. Either way, keep in mind that the baggy aesthetic is “in” so keep the fit as loose as your purse strings when you’re trying to save money.
(Hey, it happens to the best of us…)
8. The Empire Waist Dress
Regal-influenced fashion has made an appearance for SS22 and we’re full-on obsessed. (Bridgerton, anyone?)
As well as corseted tops (*) and dresses that could give medieval maids a run for their money, frocks with empire waists that pull you in just beneath the bust are everywhere.
Whether you’ve got your eye on something flirty and fun for when the sun is out or floor-sweeping and fabulous for those fancier events, one thing’s for sure… This hero piece needs to be combined with statement earrings or necklace and wedges for a summery look worthy of royalty.
Check out these beauties:
- Closet London’s Empire Waist Midi Dress (*)
- ASOS Design’s Corset Detail Dress (*)
- Missguided’s Milkmaid Blush Skater Dress (*)
- ZARA’s Long Strappy Dress
Just add a denim jacket for everyday occasions or a faux leather jacket for a smart-casual feminine edge.
9. The Flared Trouser
The seventies aren’t just coming back in the form of abstract prints. One of the associated SS22 key pieces is actually the flared trouser.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, flares are super playful and can make you want to scream “groovy, baby!” when worn with the right separates.
We’re crushing on comfy-casual jersey flares with a fitted tee and trainers. But you can also be extra by opting for printed or tailored flares with a bodysuit or co-ordinating top. Then dress up your elegant ensemble with heels and silver or gold jewellery.
Here are both types of flares for your perusal:
- H&M’s Flared Trousers in Black (*)
- ZARA’s Jacquard Flared Trousers
- Stradivarius’ 90s Tailored Flare Trouser and matching Blazer (*)
- Missguided’s Pink Ombre Co-Ord Plisse Shirt, Trousers and Bralet (*)
Seriously though, how adorable are the sets?! We need both of them now for our next hot-destination holiday!
10. The Cut-Out Dress
Summer vibes in a dress, the cut-out key piece is already doing the rounds on Insta (even though the weather isn’t quite warm enough to wear one yet!).
In fact, this SS22, it’s never been more acceptable to show some skin. The great thing about cut-out clothing is that it keeps you feeling just as cool as you look for those sticky AF temperatures.
Bit nervous of this trend? Not to worry — the cut-out section of your dress can be small and singular or you could go all-out with multiple cut-outs and opportunities to flash your latest incredible fake-tan job.
Here are a few cut-out frocks we’re loving:
- First Distraction The Label’s Ruched Mini Dress (*)
- SHEIN’s Cutout Tie Back Solid Dress in Orange (*)
- ASOS Design’s Satin Bias Cut Drape Mini Dress (*)
- H&M’s Cut-Out Dress in White/Blue Floral (*)
Just be sure to apply suncream if you’re going to be outside in the hot weather. Otherwise, you may get subject yourself to some very interesting tan lines. Eek!
11. The Stretchy Bike Short
Cycling shorts have popped up every Spring/Summer since the Kardashians made them resurge from the nineties a fair few years ago. However, this year, there just seems to be so many different styles, colours and fabrics to choose from.
We’re loving the variety — variety is the spice of life, after all.
We know some fashionistas like to dress them up, but we prefer to wear ours casually for those warm days where you just want to throw on something comfy in a hurry.
Whether you team yours with an oversized tee, sporty crop top or a basic cami, you’re bound to take the “street style” game to a whole new level. Add a cap and trainers to elevate the aesthetic even further.
Don’t have time to go shopping? No problem — try the following products on for size:
- H&M’s Seamless Biker Shorts (*)
- Matalan’s Souluxe Black Splatter Print Cycling Shorts (*)
- Matalan’s Crop Top and Cycling Shorts Set in Pink (*)
- Missguided’s Green Rib Cycling Shorts (*)
If it’s chilly, put on a sweatshirt or plaid shirt over the top without losing any style points.
12. The Co-Ord
Lastly, you’ve probably noticed that we’ve already mentioned the word “co-ord” several times throughout this article. Well, that’s because co-ords are hot, hot, HOT as one of the SS22 key pieces.
Truth be told, we don’t know if we’ve ever seen co-ords leaving their mark on a season quite like this.
We’re talking about everything from easy-breezy crop tops and shorts to lounge sets for everyday dressing. Then prim blouse-and-skirt combos to oversized shirts and satin trousers that can take you from office to bar in a mere moment.
Either way, it’s time to soak up the spectrum and breathe new life into your Spring/Summer wardrobe.
Here are a few of our current faves:
- South Beach’s Orange Crepe Top and Shorts (*)
- ZARA’s Floral Blouse and Satin Skirt
- MANGO’s Cut-out Knitted Sweater and Openwork Knit Trousers (*)
- ZARA’s Crossover Jacquard Jacket and Flared Trousers
It depends on the occasion as to how you should style yours. Oftentimes, you can let the co-ord stand out and do the talking by toning down your shoes and accessories. And boy, does it have a lot to say!
The SS22 Key Pieces That Keep Giving
The best thing about these SS22 key pieces is that you can mix and match them with items you already have.
Plus, you only need a couple to give your wardrobe a major fashion refresh.
What are your favourite SS22 key pieces?
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.
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