What Color Trends to Expect in 2022
It’s that time of year again. As you begin to reach for your cardigan sweaters, wool pants, and coats, you may also want to look forward to the year ahead. So what colors are on the horizon? What’s hot — and what’s on the way out?
Planning your wardrobe for a season alone can be tricky, but doing so for an entire year is another matter altogether. That’s where knowing what’s in store on the color spectrum comes in handy. Think of this as the foundation for everything that comes after. Once you know what the rainbow holds for you, you can start focusing on the pieces you want to add to your wardrobe.
Juicy Fruits
Think of 2022 as the year of adventure. Limes, oranges, and lemons? Oh, my! But also, oh, yes! These are the colors everyone will be wearing in some form or another come spring and summer. Bright, radiant, and utterly fearless, these hues speak to the radiance of the seasons. They’re rich and uplifting, with a vibe that captures the joy and promise of brighter days ahead. Of course, how you wear them is entirely up to you. If you’re all about those shades, don’t be afraid to rock a fit and flare dress awash in citrus tones. But if you prefer to take a more subtle approach, why not slip on a bright tank top beneath your neutral blazer at work? It will pop just enough.
Soft Pastels
There’s always room in the palette for a bit of pastel love. For 2022, Pantone introduced a few soft, comforting, and downright airy shades to their list of must-haves for spring and summer. Among them is Spun Sugar, a dainty baby blue that calls to mind visions of crisp blue skies. Gossamer Pink is as sweet as bubblegum. They’re popular mainly for their down-to-earth quality, offering a sense of hopefulness and uplifting beauty. They’re also timeless, which means it’s entirely likely you already have just the thing in your closet.
Warming Tones
There’s a healthy dose of warm tones in the mix to balance those audaciously bright colors and those gentle pastels. Jenny Clark, the Head of Colour at WGSN, explains that it is a time of experimentation for fashion. “This season, we focused on the concept of small luxuries and the way colour can create a precious look through connection and association.” Then, it makes sense that the colors most likely to dominate through the fall and winter of 2022 are so rich and engaging. They connect more emotionally — think rich honeycomb, a golden take on yellow that feels natural. Try a women’s blouse in this shade with a pair of neutral pants at the office for a look that’s right on-trend. Jade, too, provides a more earthy take on green, while colors like dark blue, antique black, and orchid lend a sense of sophistication to the palette.
It’s clear that color plays a significant role in fashion — and it’s especially true in 2022. Spirits are lifted, moods are bright, and people are ready to experiment and have some fun with new looks. Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t have to be scary. It can also be as simple as taking a gentle step in a new direction. With these colors as your guide, anything is possible.