Trend Watch: Spring Summer 2022

The micro-trends you need to know about for the new year

New year new me, we all say as we will ourselves to get through the January blues. But with a new year comes a chance to refresh your look with a host of new trends, looks and inspo which comes around with every new season. Chillie London have rounded up our top picks for 2022 dressing.

Twee-revival

Remember 500 Days of Summer, Tumblr circa 2012, Skater skirts, Peter Pan collars and Kooky accessories, usually featuring some sort of owl, why was it always an owl? Whilst you might turn your nose up at the thought of dressing like you did ten years ago, fear not, this long-forgotten aesthetic is seeing a seriously stylish update for the 2020's.

Characterised by pieces full of whimsy, ala classic Wes Anderson flicks. But for a contemporary update swap slip on flats and loafers for heeled ballet pumps and platform lace-up brogues, garishly patterned tights for retro sporty socks, frilly collars for oversized puff sleeves and matronly pastel swing dresses for sleek A-line tea dresses. But don't be afraid to add in those elements of classic chintz: wool berets, woodland-inspired embroidery detailing, bows, polkadots and muted pastels.

Indie Sleaze

Another revival from the seemingly bygone 2010's, think of Indie Sleaze as Twee-Revival's slightly more edgy older cousin. A mix of 90's grunge with 80's glam-rock and 2010's hipster aesthetics. Think Kate Moss at Glasto, the Indie Sleaze poster girl Alexa Chung, Sky Ferreira and Daisy Lowe.

Emulate this trend with just rolled out of bed after a night on the tiles chic; smudged eyeliner, plaid shirts, ripped jeans, worn in cowboy boots paired with lurex knits, military-inspired embellishment, retro sportswear, relaxed men's tailoring and tarnished silver jewellery. An actual hangover is an optional accessory.

Mini Mania

Ever since Miu Miu's S/S 22 runway show all the way back in October the micro mini has been making a comeback in a big way. Combining 90's supermodel sex appeal and contemporary silhouettes - the micro mini may seem like a daunting piece to add to your repertoire, and if it's not your thing then no pressure, but if you're daring to make the snip to your hemline then read on.

Whilst we love Miu Miu's bare-legged khaki offering, the micro mini can be worn and styled in a multitude of ways to suit any style and stature. Not feeling like whipping your pins out all at once? tights are your best friend, layer a floor-sweeping duster over the top, or add knee high boots to cover up. Not a fan of the classic pleated school skirt shape? opt for an uber sexy mini dress, or even a longer skirt with a daringly high leg split.

Elevated Loungewear

Despite the UK's last formal lockdown lifting almost a year ago and work from home orders being all but scrapped, we're still not quite ready to abandon the art of comfortable dressing we've perfected over the last two years of Zoom calls, Teams meetings and Virtual Xmas drinks. Formal enough to pass at the office and on the commute, comfy enough to make you feel like you're lounging on the sofa and so chic you'll feel like you're walking the runway at Paris fashion week.

Think soft yet structured; gauzy linen, cozy fleece knits, wide leg trousers, silky two pieces and concealed elastic waistbands in neutral shades ranging from off white to head-to-toe black. We love to style our comfy staples with head-turning jewellery, sneakers and top it off with a relaxed trench coat.

Chillie Guide: How to re-wear party wear

When we're all making a conscious effort to reduce our carbon footprint, buy less and shop mindfully: the idea of buying partywear for a special event can seem at odds with the modern-day mantras of sustainable fashion. We get it, buying something to wear it once then never again is not only a financial drain, but also leaves you with a seriously overcrowded wardrobe. As party-season draws to a close, and those sequin pieces start getting thrown to the back of the closet, we've put together a handy guide to extend the life of your partywear.

Don't fear the repeated outfit

The phenomenon of being an 'outfit repeater' has been universally accepted as one of the biggest fashion faux passes for decades. But we've never really understood the hate? Because I like an outfit and want to get the most out of it suddenly I'm a pariah? No thanks. Clothes should be worn and used to their full potential, not taken out of rotation as soon as you're seen in public wearing it.

If you have a go-to 'party dress' that's still going strong, makes you look and most importantly feel absolutely fabulous then we say re-wear it. If you wan't to make it less obvious you're wearing the same dress as last year then change up your jewellery, shoes or make-up for an updated feel.

When in doubt, style it out...

We believe in the power in good styling, and the potential to totally transform a single garment with the right accompanying look. You can use this method to switch-up your party-wear and make just as fabulous for casual looks.

Velour body con dress, feels too formal? Pair it with chunky boots, a slouchy mohair cardigan and a natural make-up look. 80's glimmering sequin extravaganza blouse looks too fancy? Style it with wide-leg mom jeans, pointed toe mules and low-key gold jewellery. Killer Jerry Halll-esque two-piece tailored suit seems like a bit much? Wear it with a vintage band-tee, suede sneakers and hair accessories for a perfectly casual yet chic look.

Don't Bin it!

I know, sometimes you can just get stuck on a garment, it's not the vibe; it doesn't make you feel fab, it doesn't fit or it's just not you anymore. We get it, and guess what... it's totally fine to give up on a garment when you've exhausted all your other options. But if you're getting rid then do it the right way.

Don't like it but can see someone else loving it? List your wares on the plethora of marketplace apps and platforms at your fingertips; eBay, Depop, Vestiare and Vinted, not only will you get some extra spending money but you'll be extending the life of your garment with a new owner.

And when you're in the market for something new, try and look for pre-loved pieces. And you you can start with Chillie London!

While you're at it... Shop our Partywear trend edit:

The Chillie Edit: Après Ski Edition

It's officially coat season, Chillie Journal has hand-picked our top pieces from the site to suit every taste level; on or off piste. Get into it!

Lady Danger

Red, it's definitely one of those shades that will never go out of style, at least in our opinion. Emulate Lady Gaga's Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci and pair these Scarlett ski stunners with skintight black leather pants, gold jewellery and sporty shades.

Very Peri

Announced as Pantone's colour of the year; 'Very Peri' is a contemporary update on periwinkle purple, and we're all for it. Style one of our ski jackets in this year's hottest colour with cool-toned wide leg pants, cozy knits and faux fur accessories.

Patternista

We know, all-over patterns can sometimes be daunting, but when you're going for an 80's ski-slope fantasy we say go all the way with a head-turning print. Style with velour flares, statement hair accessories and glittery make up for an extra dose of off-piste chic.