Black stylists in NYC predict the 2022 Fashion Forecast — and they’re never wrong:
February is not only Black history month but the start of the bi-annual New York Fashion Week (NYFW) so, what better way to start the month than discuss the trends of 2022 with those who drive the culture, Black stylists.
I tapped on style experts Brittany Thompson, Ondrea Lee and Angie Martinez Tejada to tell us where fashion is headed this year and what we can expect to see on the street during NYFW. Take notes Black people drive culture, so our predictions are always right.
Today is the official start of fashion week in New York City, a time when designers, editors, and the sartorially inclined gather to see their favorite brands showcase their latest seasonal collections. Whether you’re attending a runway show or simply emerging yourself in the electric energy of excitement, everyone (especially photographers) knows that the serving of looks starts outside. So, what can we expect to see on the streets for NYFW?
“I see a lot of bright colors for NYFW. I’m seeing big fur coats, colorful sunglasses, Balaclavas and big earrings,” says Brittany.
Demin on demin will be no stranger to NYFW, according to experts and 70s inspired silhouettes.
All of these NYFW looks will translate into what our Winter trends are now and in the latter half of the year, but will the Balaclavas trend last?
Winter
Balaclavas are a headpiece that has been around for centuries (as in since the 19th century). Today, Balaclavas are now the recent fashion trend of the winter and can be seen on influencers, editors and celebrities. But, is it here to stay? Our experts think not. They predict a different trend that will be coming back to play — think bomber and letterman jackets. Remember that fashion phase? The two-toned bomber and letterman jackets had 2016 in a chokehold. A look that we often saw worn by artist Chris Brown. And what goes comes around and there is a high chance of these jackets coming our way in the latter half of the year so, get your closet ready.
And we’re no longer sticking to the neutral color palette that tends to be a go-to during the winter seasons. It’s time to go bold. Think colors like electric lime green, purple and orange.
When I saw Rihanna pop out to Sephora in the orange coat I was like oh my gosh. Orange is going to be the color this year,” says Ondrea.
And for those who love a little leverage, experts are predicting the popularity of platforms are going to hold on strong this winter and will roll into the spring with platform sandals. They could pair well with the micro-mini skirts that we show up in the spring.
Spring
Yes, micro mini skirts or as Angie says, “literally a fabric belt!” We’re turning up the sexy on skirts. From Chanel to Miu Miu, we’re seeing mini skirts boldly making a comeback! And keeping it bold, the rainbow color palette will roll over into Spring and last for the remainder of the year.
“We’re trying to go towards a brighter future, let’s wear brighter colors,” says Ondrea.
Also, FYI, Skinny jeans are out. Say hello to loose-fitted, straight-legged, boot cut and baggy jeans — again. Since the early 2010s, skinny jeans came and took residence in our favorite stories and closets, but in 2022, we’re looking forward to something more relaxed and this could be a result of the pandemic. People want to feel comfortable in what they wear and jeans are no exception.
“Relaxed jeans are probably my favorite trend. I’ve seen boot-cut jeans and really relaxed fits. I think it’s a bi-product of the trend we saw last year which was the low-rise jeans and I think the beauty of low-rise jeans is comfort,” says Angie.
Remember the 70s silhouette prediction from NYFW? Well, that trend will be no stranger to spring and summer. Psychedelic prints, bucket hats, platforms, boot cut jeans — it’s all coming together. 70s fashion is making its official comeback!
Summer
That means we’re getting dressed up! Farewell, are the days of playing it mediocre. According to our experts, we’re not playing it safe this summer. It’s time to go into our closets and flaunt those statement pieces (even to the grocery store). Nothing is off-limits. Think short, cut, cropped, a play on symmetry, shapes and bold patterns.
“I see a lot of colored blazers. I see a lot of abstract clothes. I really can see a play on shapes,” says Brittany.
In the past two years, the style was subdued to comfortable pieces that can be worn at home and our “going-out” items attracted dust in our closets. This summer, we’re shutting it down. Think, a Mary J. Blige type of fashion shutdown — but, still keeping it cozy.
People are going out more and understanding that getting dressed really makes you feel good. I think the material is changing. We’re going to dress up, but we’re still not letting go of comfortable, more moveable fabrics. Something you can breathe in,” said Angie.
Fall
Moving over to fall, we’re leveling up from the teddy coats but still keeping it fluffy and textured, according to Ondrea. Long duster coats made with a leather or fuzzy material or plaid patterns are also expected to dominate our Instagram explore pages this fall.
Call to Action
At the beginning of the pandemic, conversations about sustainability and supporting Black-owned businesses were heavily circulating in 2020. However, ever since we’re learned to adjust to our “new normal” Brittany notes that we’ve lost the essence of those impactful conversations and putting our words into action.
“I feel like it was an aesthetic thing to say, ‘okay, I need new clothes so I instantly go to SheIn and Zara.’ We’re not thinking about those Black designers that these companies are stealing from. I feel like it’s a trendy thing. Let’s go to SheIn let’s give Zara our dollars instead of Black-owned businesses” says Brittany.
So what say you? Is February the only month to shop Black-owned in 2022? Can affordable luxury and Black-owned co-exist in the same spaces not only in February but in the months to come? Only time will tell.
For now, that’s the fashion forecast for 2022. Take what you may. As Ondrea Lee says, “fashion is freedom.” So, live it freely and have a fashionable 2022.
