Beyond style, the most fashion-worthy moments are the juxtapositions of an outfit. You may see the fashion girlies rocking a corset, cargo pants, and sneakers one day and a babydoll dress with platform wedges the next. From low-rise waistlines to never-ending hems, this is the season to put self-expression at the forefront by dressing how you feel even if it means doing the bare minimum. Regardless of the day’s mood, implementing just one of these summer trends gives major main character energy.
Scroll to see my top picks below.
1. Maxi Skirts
Courtesy of Brianna Monae
The feminine urge to wear summer maxis is in full effect and this time it's all about the bodycon silhouette. Dressed up or down, there's a maxi for any occasion. I love a beautiful maxi skirt paired with a chic top and a pair of kitten heel slides. Whatever combination, this style looks so classy and effortlessly dominates the room.
2. Cargo Pants
Courtesy of Blake Gifford / Photo Credit: Rachel Bires
There’s an obsession with cargo pants, I see them everywhere in L.A. Not that I don’t love the look, I could wear them every day. Worn high or low rise by gen z’s to millennials, I’m definitely a fan. A generational crossover, they have the cool and casual fashion that has women of all age groups in a chokehold. I give this summer staple a 10/10.
3. Cut Out Jeans
Courtesy of Shahirah Ahmed
I discovered cut out jeans on a trip to London this past spring and immediately wanted in on this eye-catching trend. This subtle pop of skin is such a compliment taking your denim look to another level. A hot girl summer includes taking risks so try this bold detail next time you're shopping for a fun pair of jeans.
4. Matching Sets
Courtesy of Flora
Matching sets are simply timeless so of course, it's one of my favorite trends this summer. This year we’re getting color, texture, and body. Skirt sets in particular are such a feminine touch, perfect for a European or tropical location. Pair with your favorite dainty gold jewelry and sunnies for a complete look.
5. Barbie Pink
Courtesy of Destinie Alexandria
Hot pink is the color of the season. A beautifully inviting hue, pink has been dominating the scene, especially when added as a pop to cool or darker tones. Worn from head to toe or as an electric accent, there’s always an excuse to implement in your everyday looks. Paired with a sneaker, this is the definition of casual cute.
6. Corset Tops
Courtesy of Mrs. Davis
Ultra-sleek and ultra-feminine, a corset top is definitely for the grown and sexy. I love a snatched waist and accentuated hip any time of the day or night. The versatility makes this lingerie turned ready-to-wear staple in a league of its own. Graceful in itself, dressed up or down, it brings the heat to any situation. I love mixing my favorite go-to’s, so this hot pink corset combination with the maxi skirt is winning.
7. Wrap Around Heels
Courtesy of L Y L E E H M
Believe it or not, wrap-around heels have been slowly making a comeback and now, they’ve finally arrived. Formerly known as “gladiators,” this season we’ll see a chicer more toned-down approach. The selections are endless with platform styles and sandals. Perfect for brunch or a girls' day out, this look is a summer statement.
8. Crochet
Courtesy of L Y L E E H M
The crocheted look is growing on me and I’m falling more in love with it every day. The summer looks are coming in and I’ve seen crochet grow from grandma sweaters to looks with sex appeal and a modest touch. Super chic, you can pair almost anything with this trend. Dress it up with your favorite accessories to really take it over the top.
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Featured image courtesy of Shahirah Ahmed/Instagram
Becoming the latest patterns of choice, abstract art in the form of geometric shapes, swirls, and optical effects has become the new reign of impressive prints trending in 2022. After two years of solid neutrals, designers are having fun once again and I can’t get enough of these fresh whimsical feels. Broadening my range of wardrobe this year, I decided to get in on the fun and brighten up my looks with colorful statement pieces boldly going where I’ve never gone before. Check out the patterns and prints I’m currently obsessed with below.
Geometrically Opposed
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
As one who doesn't wear many skirts in my day-to-day looks, I absolutely couldn’t pass on this multi-colored geometric print midi. With its 3D pattern giving its best impression of an optical illusion while gracefully forming every curve, I was immediately impressed with the contrasting hues when initially laying eyes on this piece.
Going for a casual approach, I decided to wear an asymmetrical one-shoulder ribbed knit along with an oversized blazer and patent leather boots. Perfect for a winter weekend look, this skirt is extremely versatile with the ability to transition from season to season.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
In the Abstract
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
These days when it comes to prints, I love plenty of drama. This knitted swirl patterned slip dress is the perfect day-to-night look when paired with a white boot and matching blue blazer. Not to be too conservative, the cut-out back gives this design an unexpected pop to this cozy maxi.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Zebra-ish
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Not to be fully replaced, zebra print hasn't fully gone away just yet. With an updated approach, this classic look has gotten a bit of a 2022 makeover. Wearing this black and blue zebra swirl top along with wide-leg denim jeans, I couldn't help but give this look a pop of pink courtesy of Brandon Blackwood and strappy heeled sandals to complete this look.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Athleisure has come such a long way within the apparel industry as brands continue to blur the line between active and casual wear. While I love a trend-forward approach to workout sets, comfort is a non-negotiable. When managing to find sleek clothing items that fit my body, I never want to take them off. Even on my days off from the gym, I often gravitate toward pieces that will keep me right and tight when worn on the go. Keep scrolling to find stylish yet effective additions to wearing more of your favorite athletic looks.
Post-Workout
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Green is my favorite color, so I absolutely needed this cropped puffer vest. Effervescent, eye-catching, and eclectic, this is the perfect addition to a post-workout look on a sunny winter day. Gravitating toward more color and prints this season, I wanted to brighten up this all-black classic workout set as I stopped to run a few errands after a quick low-impact workout. Having fun with this look, I paired dark red sunnies and a faux fur, zebra-print bag simply for the extra wow factor.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
On the Go
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Getting a head start on upcoming spring 2022 trends, I paired this fiery set, complete with a bra top and matching v-cut active tights, with a vintage oversized plaid blazer for less exposure. The key to making on-the-go active sets pop is bold accessories such as these red-tinted sunglasses with black frames. If you prefer to hit the gym at the end of your day, this look is perfect for store or mall runs during the day and a workout at night.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Keeping it Cozy
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
A top-of-the-morning gym session comes with colder temperatures, no matter the season. For a cozier look, I’m loving this cool gray pairing with a matching puffer coat. The oversized fluorescent tote was the perfect pop of color to brighten my morning. To complete this look, I added chunky socks for extra insulation.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Preparing myself for the enticing looks to come, I’m getting a head start by predicting which trend-forward pieces will dominate IRL and our social media feeds. Whether you're into a subtle slay or an electric ensemble, here are 9 fashion trends I’m sure will see viral success in the upcoming months to come. From ultra mini skirts to conservative maxi skirts, these are the key items sure to blow up the fashion world sooner rather than later.
1.Bra Tops
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
With spring comes more sunshine and ultimately baring more skin. I love bra tops as they are the perfect foundation for a warm-weather layered look. Whether satin or knit, there’s an appropriate material to style for any occasion.
2.Sheer Enough
Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
Again, skin is in this spring but if you're not ready to bare it all, go for a more conservative take by going sheer instead. From mesh tops to barely-there dresses and swim coverups, there’s no denying this sexy trend. With intricate design details, there are plenty of ways one can implement this bare necessity.
3.Slouchy Pants
Estrop/Getty Images
Yes, low-rise trousers are back and this time the slouchier the better. For a comfy chic look, oversized trousers are definitely next-level. Graduating from at-home knits and sweatpants, these bottoms are perfect for the lazy yet fashion-forward gal at heart.
4.Maxi Skirts
Estrop/Getty Images
When it comes to this year’s trends you may be having major Y2K fashion flashbacks. Don’t worry, as influential as the early 2000s will be on spring collections they come with a modern upgrade. Maxi skirts are a cult classic that will continue to stand the test of time which in my opinion are definitely worth the purchase. This season, try an oldie but goodie denim maxi skirt to relive your best teenage dreams.
5.Chunky Footwear
Peter White/Getty Images
The chunky shoe trend began to re-emerge on the 2021 footwear scene and will definitely continue into the new year. From boots to sneakers, loafers, and pumps, this statement trend will see new heights in the months to come. This elevated shoe style amplifies classic styles into fashion-forward must-haves.
6.Playful Prints
Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Bulgari
Animal print is so 2020 and I predict abstract designs made of geometric shapes, artistic drawings, and colorful combinations will be the new go-to. Abstract illustrations were seen all over the runway from Brandon Maxwell to Versace and every designer in between. In 2022, fashion is the art and we the consumer are its muse.
7.Unwashed Denim
Peter White/Getty Images
The ultimate 90’s dark denim trend is back and taking over for the year 2022. As we know, fashion comes in waves so it’s no surprise to see many of this year’s trends appearing to be the ghost of fashion’s past. Super sleek, this denim trend gives the everyday staple a high-end appeal.
8.Vibrant Color
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Spring is always the season for more color but this time it’s all about deeper, bolder, and more vibrant shades. This spring we can include just about every color of the rainbow into our wardrobe. With magnetic shades and sleek yet wearable tones, the biggest colors trends of the year are just as exciting as what’s to come in the year ahead. Full of optimism along with a sense of hope, the pigments that will dominate our everyday lives this coming season are what we all need as we continue into a new year of wonderful possibilities.
9.Fringe
Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
Every other decade fringe finds itself back in the hearts of fashion lovers everywhere. Making a fierce resurgence, the drama is unlike any other. Intricately designed with breathtaking detail, I am excitedly anticipating the fabulousness of fringe. With effortless movement and bold sensuality, this is an elevated yet sexy design detail perfect to re-emerge into the world.
Featured image by Christian Vierig/Getty Images
The 33-year-old singer had her baby bump semi-exposed during the Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin party while wearing a sexy green shredded halter top and silver and purple shredded pants that exposed her backside.
However, when she popped out at the Savage X Fenty event, she was fully covered wearing an all-red custom Alaia dress. Her beau A$AP Rocky was by her side at both outings looking fly as well. At her Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin party, Rihanna spoke with Entertainment Tonight about her maternity fashions.
Rich Fury/Getty Images for Fenty Beauty & Fenty Skin
“I’m trying to enjoy it [pregnancy] as much as I could and fashion is one of my favorite things so redefining what it means to even be pregnant and maternal,” she said. “It can get uncomfortable at times, so you can dress the part and pretend.”
Speaking to Access, she called fitting clothes with her pregnant belly a “challenge,” but something she enjoys. She also touched on the inspiration behind her pregnancy reveal photos.
“I just wanted to wear something like I wasn’t pregnant. What I would wear and enjoy wearing. It was fun to be able to wear it in this way, kinda, all flasharoo,” she said. “It was good. It was cold as hell that day, but we got it done.”
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
On Jan. 31, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky broke the internet when photos surfaced of the couple walking around New York with the singer’s baby bump exposed. Rihanna wore a vintage Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld pink long puffer coat that buttoned right to her belly and extra-long ripped blue jeans and heels. She accessorized the look with layered necklaces and a chain belt.
As of yet, the singer hasn’t revealed how far along she is in the pregnancy or the sex of the child. However, she did open up about the moment she found out she was pregnant.
"When I first found out, it's not real, you know? I was like, 'This is not for real, right?'" she toldE! News. "And then, it was and it's almost like you don't want to get too excited too soon because it's great news, but you...want to see that it's going to see its way through. And I'm so glad that we're this far along and now I can celebrate with everyone."
Featured image by Mike Coppola/Getty Images
