This is part two of a three part series on the fashion we’re likely to see in 2022. Yesterday was about themes and silhouettes, and today I’m focussing specifically on colour and pattern.
Colours and patterns go in and out of fashion, with designers and brands somehow converging on certain colours that stay dominant for one or more seasons. Most recently it was earth tones and cottage-y florals, which we saw across the board in every wardrobe item. Although there are always fashionable colours, these days we see a larger assortment of colours and patterns at retail then we used to. Add the second-hand retail market into the mix, and the melting pot of colours and patterns is even larger. If you look long and hard enough, you’ll find something you like in your colour palettes.
Before we go into on-trend colours or patterns for the year, remember that your colours and patterns are ALWAYS in style. Wear the colours and patterns that work for you.
Here are the colour trends as I see them.
Brights
Clear bright colours are coming through strongly in every wardrobe item. Think lime and apple green, Kelly green, shocking and bubblegum pink, mango, butternut, coral and Dutch orange, citron and daffodil yellow, purple, lavender and orchid, tomato and fire engine red, and cobalt. The idea is to wear them head to toe as a column of colour, or to colour block them in vibrant ways.
Atlantic Blues
We’re going to see all forms of light and mid-tone blues. Some look a little green and others more purple. From the lightest powdery pastels, greyed blues, and pale icy blues, to Tiffany blue, periwinkle, light teal, aqua, turquoise and French blue. There will be dark blue for navy fans too.
Pastels and Greyed Pastels
The more white that is incorporated, the lighter the pastel. The more grey, the more muted the tone. We’ll see muted tones and all sorts of pastels come through. Buttery soft yellow is at the top of the list, along with seafoam, antique pink, pearl grey, peach, guava, lliac, mint, and muted mid-tones.
Earth Tones
Earth tones have reigned supreme for four years, and will be taking a backseat. That said, Team Spicy Earth Tones needn’t worry. There will be plenty of olive, tan, toffee, khaki, caramel and oatmeal around. But probably less mustard, chocolate, and cinnamon.
Black
It cannot be a ‘90s inspired season without a lot of solid black. If you like to wear black in warm weather, you will find it all wardrobe items, and in all sorts of fabrics. The idea is to wear black with anything.
White
White across all wardrobe items is big, and especially in dresses, pants, bags, and footwear. Remember that white comes in all sorts of tints. Optical bright white is not the only option. Think off-white, ivory, bone, sand, and cream if that’s your preference. Pearl grey and a light tan can be your ‘white’ too.
Silver
We will be seeing a lot more silver hardware, jewellery, footwear, and belts. Of course, gold, rose gold and mixed metals are there too. But as a nod to late ‘90s trends, silver and platinum will be more available.
Patterns
We see classic patterns like stripes, polka dots, checks, plaids, leopard, florals, and snake print every season, and that hasn’t changed. Ditsy and cottage florals though will take a backseat to make room for patterns that look newer and fresher at the moment.
Swirl patterns and psychedelic ‘70s prints take centre stage across all colour palettes. Florals are there, but are spaced and more abstract. Black and white geometric patterns in small and large scales are popular. There is ombré, eyelet, lace, and tie-dye too. Tiger prints offer a subtle change to leopard print. Spring tweed jackets and skirts are back. Sheer fabrics that showcase skin and layers are gaining momentum. Novelty prints and slogans on tops that make a statement and pull at your heart strings are fringe, yet meaningful.
Personally, I like most of the colour and pattern trends. Bring on the brights, Atlantic blues, and whites. I like some pastels like light pink and light blue, but will say no thank you to grey, greyed pastels, muted mid-tones, black and silver. I will leave them to those who like them and wear them well. My heart is with classic patterns, although I enjoy spaced florals, psychedelic ‘70s patterns, some swirls, and novelty prints too.
Over to you. Which colours and patterns are tickling your fancy?
