The close of the year always feels like an invitation to take stock of my life, and the first thing I typically start with is my closet. There’s a reason I feel more at peace when my clothes are sorted: styles I haven’t worn in months put in a donation pile, shirts I reach for daily hung at the front, go-to shoes and bags securely placed within eyesight. The pandemic has no doubt disrupted the way we dress, putting forth a sense of comfort that feels like a nonnegotiable, yet it has also inspired a host of new designs, color combinations, and prints.
While I can appreciate a cool trend (fluffy bags are my latest obsession), I don’t define my style around what comes and goes. Instead, I see fashion as an attitude, in my case, one that prioritizes comfort, yet still seeks excitement in the little details — whether that’s a dress drenched in a rich shade of green, a satin blouse with an elegant gold chain detail, an unexpected cutout, an asymmetric neckline, dramatic sleeves . . . you name it.
Going into 2022, I’m editing my most worn pieces based on their day-to-night versatility, durability, and material quality. Sure, some will happen to be buzzworthy items, but I’m now clear on the styles that will stay and those that will go. Sweatsuits, for one, will be replaced by more polished, wear-everywhere knit sets. And wearable separates will take precedence over impractical, one-time pieces. Read on for the key themes that will dictate my fashion choices this year, and the trends I’m leaving behind.
