London Fashion Week SS22: The top trends to note

Spring refresh

Image: Getty Images

Left to right credit: Fashion East (Chet Lo), Rejina Pyo, Nensi Dojaka

The body is back

Arriving with all-in-one simplicity, form-fitting bodysuits took to the runway with swim-inspired styles, featuring cut-outs and bright shades as a much cooler alternative to rompers. Easy to layer and movement-equipped, they're the ultimate lazy sartorial solution that can help you execute a stylist-approved shirt-tuck––no effort required.

Left to right credit: Supriya Lele, Lula Laora, Mark Fast

Whaletail takeover

As cut-outs continue to dominate, a '90s crossover into the trend has brought back whaletails, the controversial exposed thong-style that was seen on Bella Hadid and Kim K this past summer. Fret not, to save you from the discomfort of a wedgie, designers recreated the divisive trend through built-in hip slivers across baggy trousers and skintight dresses that make for sexy, minimal dressing.

Left to right credit: Molly Goddard, Emilia Wickstead, Knwls

Low-rise love

The 2000s called, they want their pants back; low-rise bottoms have officially returned. Though its gradual reemergence was met with polarising opinions, the hips-baring style arrives reimagined in baggier styles, hip belted flares and floor-grazing crepe skirts. Gone are the ultra-tight fits and barely-there zippers––comfort first for the contemporary class.

Left to right credit: Stefan Cooke, Rejina Pyo, Supriya Lele

Net off

Continuing from past season trends, the edgy yet transitional concept of netting continues to stay strong across dresses, tops and skirts––whether in the form of a delicate rhinestone-embellished slip or a preppy collared top. Boldness and glamour aside, these airy pieces are the perfect statement staple for any warm-weather-living fashionista keen to live out their layering fashion dream.

Left to right credit: Edward Crutchley, Fashion East (Maxmilian), JW Anderson

Peekaboo panels

Following crop tops and cut-outs, sheer panels were yet another cheeky way to play the clothing game of reveal and conceal with our bodies. The hide-and-seek detailing revealed itself the most through body-hugging dresses with carefully considered constructions ranging from asymmetrical bodice panels that highlight the waist to all-over embroidery-embedded patterns.

Left to right credit: Feben, David Koma, Yuhan Wang

Leg up

Strengthening the case for legwear, designers unleashed a statement variety of tights, hosiery and stockings down the runway. It seems that come spring, the best way to dial up a look is through your legs, whether that be via a one-leg feathered stocking, frilly lace tights, matching printed knee-highs—the options are endless.

Left to right credit: Kiko Konstantinov, Richard Malone, Vivienne Westwood

Orange you happy

Among the various neon shades presented on the runways in London, a tantalising shade of electric orange (AKA coral rose, according to Pantone's 2022 colour trend report) stood out the most to bring both energy and excitement to attire. While some designers tempered the vibrancy with more muted tones, others embraced the brightness in full glory to administer plenty of fun into head-to-toe ensembles.

Left to right credit: Yuhan Wang, Simone Rocha, Richard Quinn

Froth a frock

Giving #Cottagecore a high fashion edit, designers injected smocks with plenty of texture to ease our return to the (IRL) great outdoors. Think layers of ruffles and plenty of ruching, quilting and lace across variations of blooms and embroidery in pastel shades and virgin white via expressions of unabashed femininity that come with an edge.

Left to right credit: Nicholas Daley, Matty Bovan, Roland Mouret

Craft-ification

Drawing from our pandemic hobbies of DIY arts, designers fixated on traditional crafts to provide alternative expressions of garment construction and tons of textutural overload. Think handpainted fabrics, excessive fringing, tie-dye and plenty of patchwork in a myriad of colours, layers and techniques all collaged together in an explosion of tactility.