How to make your wardrobe summer-ready

Crochet Cardigan. Image courtesy of River Island. Copyright: PR Handout

Because who doesn’t want to look fabulously on-trend with zero effort?

Bibby Sowray

22 June 2022

The new season is upon us, and if you’re feeling a little out of the fashion game (who isn’t?), fear not.

We’ve combed through the fashion forecast to bring you the most wearable trends of the season – the simple, easy-to-style pieces that will lift your entire wardrobe and make it feel brand new with minimal effort, maximum impact.

Here are the six It buys to note…

The mini skirt

Brace yourselves, it’s back. Midi and maxi skirts have been the dominant force when it comes to skirt lengths over the last few years, but the mini skirt and its even tinier sister, the micro-mini, are making a bold comeback this summer. Its return is just one facet of the re-emergence of all things Y2K, when our skirts were short and tops shorter. But you don’t need to go full 00s to make it work this time round. In fact, it’s one of the simplest trends to switch into your wardrobe and make work with what you already have.

You’ll find them in the shops in every fabric – from satin and denim, to wool and tweed – meaning they can slip seamlessly into any occasion.

What to wear it with: Anything goes – simply switch out your trusted midi and give the mini a second chance.

Cut-outs

There’s no denying it, cut-outs can be tricky. Done badly and they can throw off a whole outfit, make you feel uncomfortable and alter the way clothes fit and feel. But done right they make for a valuable wardrobe addition, elevating otherwise simple pieces to statement status.

The key is to keep the cut-outs subtle and symmetrical – think of them as an added extra to a top/dress/pair of trousers you love, not the main event. They work really well on fine knits when placed at the shoulders or collarbone turning an otherwise simple top into something far more exciting and evening-worthy, and likewise on simple black dresses.

What to wear them with: The cut-outs need to take centrestage, so keep the rest of your look – accessories included – pared back.

Low-rise trousers

Another gift of the Y2K revival, low-rise trousers are making a comeback. If the thought makes you shudder, you’d be forgiven – it’s always tricky to revisit trends you’ve already lived through once before.

But if you do feel like breaking out of your high-waist trousers, now is the time to do it. Loose-fit denim or masculine tailored trousers are the way to go.

What to wear it with: Balance your silhouette with a slim-fitting top and pair with chunky sandals to give this Y2K trend an SS22 spin.

Pink

As far as colours go, none of them get quite as much attention as pink. In fact, you may think it never really went away, and you’d be right. It’s pretty much always around in one shade or another, be it Millennial Pink or Pepto Bismol.

But for summer 2022, it’s about the brighter and bolder shades of pink – from bubblegum to fuchsia. Why? The colour is a major component of ‘dopamine dressing’, the new mood for joyful dressing which is about wearing clothes that lift your mood. Bright colours are a tried and tested way of doing so.

What to wear it with: Pink is a universally flattering shade, so it’s simply about finding how you want to wear it – whether you take on the trend in the form of pink denim, a simple shirt or a statement dress. Pair it with white for a fresh approach.

Platforms

If spindly minimalist heels have been your go-to event shoe for the last few years and you’re craving something new, you’re in luck. Platform heels are well and truly back, from Mary Janes to loafers and sandals, the chunkier the better.

A super easy way to switch up your style for SS22, when events will (hopefully) be well and truly back on the agenda. Versace’s closed-toe candy-coloured satin double-decker platforms are the key inspiration and lookalikes are springing up all over the high street.

What to wear it with: On Instagram, they’re being worn with sheer tights, mini skirts and even socks. But they are equally as impactful with floaty feminine dresses for summer weddings, or to dress-up your favourite denim for a night out.

Crochet

Crochet comes and goes frequently in the style stakes. It often makes an appearance in the summer and is a perennial when it comes to beachwear. It adds a crafty, handmade, bohemian mood that always strikes a chord when the weather heats up.

This time round it’s a lot more versatile, pairing up with tailoring and adding interest to otherwise minimalist looks, making it far more wearable when you’re not on the beach.

What to wear it with: A crochet tank top is a great layered over a simple shirt, T-shirt or dress, or you could try layering a midi-length crochet dress over trousers.