New York Fashion Week SS22: The top trends to note

Cheat sheet

Image: Getty Images

Left to right credit: Prabal Gurung, La Pointe, Cynthia Rowley

Fluffball fun

What's one thing that can instantly transform any outfit from casual to glamourous? Feathers! The Spring/Summer 2022 runways displayed a vibrant tactility to cement the return to the IRL and fashion's fluffliest trend was there to help––from stealthy feathered trims to ostentatious feathered cuffs and all-out sartorial plumage on strapless frocks and floor-grazing gowns.

Left to right credit: Vaquera, Proenza Schouler, Jonathan Simkhai

Tassel tussle

Another multidimensional clothing trend arrived in the form of head-turning fringes on swinging dresses that were made to sashay, twirl and be seen in. Designers weren't holding back––we're talking mop-like layers of shredded fabric that will make for a lot of fun movement.

Left to right credit: Moschino, Michael Kors, Coach

Bust it up

Lingerie-inspired styles have been around for a while now, but the underwear-as-outerwear continues to stay strong with bras, bralettes and even bikini tops appearing everywhere to break you out of your "sweatpants and leggings only" state of mind. Stick to the easy closet recipe of wearing them in a matching set or layer under a boxy button down or blazer and high-waisted bottoms.

Left to right credit: Collina Strada, Prabal Gurung, Carolina Herrera

Bubbled bottoms

Bubble hems were everywhere––across dresses, skirts and even on a blazer at Prabal Gurung to add a dramatic flair to simple styles. Bouncy bottoms were hugely popular during the 2000s, but given our current age of social distancing, the space-occupying silhouettes will fit right in.

Left to right credit: Anna Sui, Rachel Comey, Altuzarra

Not your grandma's crochet

The craft first reemerged during lockdown as a soothing DIY hobby and it comes as no surprise that colorful crotchet continues to show up on the runways in comfy, lightweight styles. Designers went down all directions, from bright floral weaves to neon and classic black threads across figure-flaunting tops, skirts and fun accessories.

Left to right credit: Rodarte, Michael Kors, Jason Wu

Posy power

Florals aren't exactly groundbreaking for spring, but there's a good reason why the trend is a classic for the season–nothing screams joy like flowers. Whether they showed up as intricate embroidery, on delicate white lace or watercoloured with ruffles, vibrant blooms came with a fresh (romance-tinged) perspective for the new year.

Left to right credit: Proenza Schouler, Peter Do, Carolina Herrera

Transformed trenches

The tried-and-true transitional weather staple goes under a statement-making metamorphosis for Spring, completely reimagined and reconstructed with artful details like ruffles and double lapels and in luxe fabrics like leather, silk or satin.

Left to right credit: Brandon Maxwell, Gabriella Hearst, Kim Shui

Psychedelic patterns

In the same vein of menswear's rave-inspired styles, designers injected garments with swirly, trippy prints that have us all in a trance. Featured across flowing dresses and short, sheer sets, fashion is ready to go all out and there's nothing you can do about it.