With a palette of mood-boosting colours [1] and bold trends [2] to choose from, this spring is defined by a desire to get dressed and go out. Opting for joyful clothes makes sense considering the shift toward loungewear during quarantine. But what do we wear next?
Designers are looking to the aughts for their spring 2022 collections [3], offering Y2K halter pieces, low-slung mini skirts, and saturated takes on tie-dyes.
Elsewhere, the crochet trend [4] is enjoying a resurgence, most notably with Gabriela Hearst's printed pieces crafted in vivid colours. On the business side of things, the light-academia aesthetic [5] is dominating for spring, calling for beige knit vests, off-white blazers, and crisp shirts well suited for rising temperatures.
As finishing accessories, Loewe proposes kooky shoe designs — like jeans shoes [6], oversize-bow heels [7], and broken-egg sandals — making a case for personality-driven dressing.
Here at POPSUGAR, we have our eyes set on several of these trends as we prepare to welcome spring with our wardrobes [8]. From a rainbow-coloured BruceGlen slip dress to a hot-pink Cult Gaia halter top strapped with gold hardware, colourful garments are inevitably part of the mix, as are pastel-coloured shoes (such as Aeydē's moss-green clog mules).
The scarlet Aje cutout midi dress makes waist cutouts desirable; Jonathan Hayden's butterfly ring set recalls classic Y2K style; and the jewel-tone mini Amma dress by Ndigo Studio feels chic and bold at the same time. Scroll on for the pieces our fashion editors are shopping this month, and get inspired to experiment with your own spring style.
LOEWE Broken Egg Sandals
"I don't usually hop on viral shoe trends, but these LOEWE Broken Egg Sandals [10] ($1,600) are too special to turn down. In true Loewe fashion, they are quirky, playful, and a definite conversation starter, but they're also just chic and well-made. Once I saw creator Renia Jaz [11] style them to perfection, I knew I needed a pair." — Jessica Andrews, director, Fashion
Luar Ana Tote
"This Luar Ana Tote [12] ($365) is such a statement piece with a unique top handle that makes it instantly recognisable. I love that it comes in so many iterations — from iridescent to tan — all the work of Brooklyn-based designer Raul Lopez [13], who also co-founded Hood By Air [14]." — JA
Bruce Glen Rainbow Gradient Silk Slip Dress
"I'm all about colour no matter the season, and no piece captures my spring mood like this Bruce Glen Rainbow Gradient Silk Slip Dress [15] ($325). The Black-owned brand offers a myriad of colourful designs, but the slip dresses are by far my favourite. I'd wear this with a pair of clear PVC pumps to really make it pop." — JA
Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil
"This Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil [16] ($20) is a game-changer, and I'll wear it religiously all season (OK, all year) long. Created by my dear friend Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye who is such a visionary, it boasts nourishing oils and a rosy shade optimised for Black skin." — JA
Aje Mimosa Cutout Midi Dress
I love Aje's elegant take on the cut-out trend as seen in this Aje Mimosa Cutout Midi Dress [17] ($595). Their gorgeous dresses feature cut-outs along the bodice that always feel unexpected and elevated." — JA
EDAS Yshaia Bag
"Shoulder bags have been my go-to lately, and this EDAS Yshaia Bag [18] ($475) comes in my ideal size, shape and length. The vintage look and vibrant shade won me over, while the construction makes it stylish and practical." — Shelcy Joseph editor, Fashion
STAUD Sicily Dress
"Colourful leather is still prevailing this spring, and I'm ready to style STAUD Sicily Dress [19] ($295) with kitten heels for a city day. The silhouette makes it extremely wearable, while the yellow-brown colour is very versatile." — SJ
Dear Frances Bailey Sandals
"There's nothing like a vibrant pop of colour to add a spring touch to any look, and these Dear Frances Bailey Sandals [20] ($495) will do exactly that. The low heel makes sure you can wear them all day, but they do not sacrifice style." — SJ
Nidgo Studio Amma Dress
"I'm seriously contemplating this Nidgo Studio Amma Dress [21] ($1,200) for a spring wedding I'll be attending soon. It's an absolute head turner with the billowing sleeves and curved neckline. Plus the mini length also makes it an ideal holiday pick." — SJ
Daisy Vita Necklace
"I love the cheekiness of this Daisy Vita Necklace [22] ($155), which will be sure to start conversations wherever you go. It's a cute, personality-driven piece." — SJ
Cult Gaia Olivine Top
"The gold chain of this Cult Gaia Olivine Top [23] ($398) adds an irresistible touch of glam, while the hot pink colour taps into one of spring's biggest trends. It's an extremely alluring top, perfect for holiday, date night or girls' night out." — SJ
aeydē BIBI Clogs
I've been searching for the perfect clogs, and aeydē's aeydē BIBI Clogs [24] ($330) are sleek and modern. I love that the moss shade is eye-catching enough to be different, but can still function as a neutral." — Sarah Wasilak, senior editor, Fashion
Perte d'Ego Le Citron Cutwork Shirt
"I'm such a fan of Perte d'Ego's hand-embroidered, Le Citron Cutwork Shirt [25] ($185), and I can think of no better button-down to wear tucked into my denim this spring, then over swimsuits this summer." – SW
Pipatchara Mini Amu Candy Bag
"As a forever fan of the waistbag, I love that this Pipatchara Mini Amu Candy Bag [26] ($330) comes with an adjustable strap to secure around my jeans. The eye-catching, macramé bags are made by two sisters who love arts and crafts, which makes me think of old inventions I used to dream up with my own sister." — SW
Jonathan Hayden Social Butterfly Ring Set
"Johnathan Hayden's sculptural pieces are all works of art. I love how this Jonathan Hayden Social Butterfly Ring Set [27] ($125) tells a story about two social butterflies, one worn on each hand and balanced out by mixed metals." — SW
Arcanum Balanced Chain
"Arcanum is an LA-based jewellery brand made in small batches to avoid overproduction. I love the idea of re-working the Balanced Chain [28] ($188) a handful of different ways. You can strap it onto your belt loops, affix it to your mask or sunglasses, or wear it as a necklace." — SW
Hanifa Amara Skirt
From the moment I saw this emerald Hanifa Amara Skirt [29] ($279) on Hanifa's Instagram page [30], I knew that it belonged front and centre in my spring wardrobe. It's giving modern-day mermaid, and yes, I also need the green bodysuit that it's styled with as well." - Mekita Rivas, contributing senior editor, Fashion
JW Pei FEI Gradient Checkerboard Phone Bag
"I tend to gravitate away from colour, especially when it comes to my accessories, but this season I'm challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone a bit. I love this updated take on the Y2K logomania trend in the JW Pei FEI Gradient Checkerboard Phone Bag [31] ($79 (plus 10 percent off with code SS2022). The ombré effect is so cool, and this bag is the perfect size for your phone, cards, lip gloss, and keys." — MR
Santos by Monica Flavia Halter Top
"I live for a '90s moment, which for me usually means a crop top and baggy jeans. This Latinx-owned brand has some of the cutest crop tops, like this black and white Santos by Monica Flavia Halter Top [32] ($158) with an oversized collar that's really chic. Get the matching pants for the complete look!" — MR
Sorel Roaming Decon Sandals
"I kid you not, these Sorel Roaming Decon Sandals [33] ($60, originally $100) are the most comfortable everyday sandals I've ever owned. I walked miles in them last summer, and I plan on wearing them just as much in the coming warm weather months. They work with everything in my closet, from athleisure and basics to trendy dresses and jumpsuits." — MR