Add to wish list: Fashion trends to look out for in 2022

While 2021 was mainly about oversized unisex Tshirts baggy pants bomber jackets ribbed pullovers bootcut and boyfriend jeans and all printed sets the 2022 fashion space in India will see a domination of fusion styles in clothing accessories and footwearIn addition to fusion experts also foresee a revival of old handloom crafts and traditional Indian prints along with classic Indian and western fashion As sustainable clothing and thrifting gain ground comfortable fashion fostered by the workfromhome culture is another unmissable trend that may pick up further in 2022Midday Online asked four expert designers of clothing footwear and jewellery to list out the fashion styles that will potentially become popular in 2022 Herersquos what they predictedFrom Y2K aesthetics to coordinate setsAccording to Aaina Mahajan designer and founder of Delhibased MellowDrama metallic accents along with stripes and neutral pale shades in clothing will gain much traction in 2022 Athleisure fashionmdashathletic apparel worn casually in nonathletic settingsmdashwill be a continuing trend in 2022ldquoSlouchy trouser sets and pants jersey knitted dresses pantsuits twinsets having matching coordinates and lots of feminine meets masculine silhouettes will be in vogue in the coming year In nonbinary fashion we would see a lot of oversized blazers Crop tops would also work wellrdquo says MahajanCollection by Aaina Mahajans MellowDramaWhile experimenting with trends is a characteristic aspect of the Indian fashion market Mahajan observes timeless classics like a denim jacket and a white shirt will always be in vogue irrespective of the season Additionally 2022 will also see another round of Y2K fashion trends from the 90s and early 2000s including corset tops barrettes and oversized denim jackets funky shoes etcWith thrifting becoming popular in recent years Mahajan says ldquoWith people getting more conscious about fashion and the environment thrifting is getting very popular especially amongst the youth We would see a rise in the sector in 2022 making it cool to be actually conserving as well as being fashionablerdquoFinding the rootsAs demand for ethnic dresses and accessories has grown in recent times Hyderabadbased designer Archana Jaju stresses on the revival of classic Indian styles such as anarkalis and salwar kameez these with a hint of modern sensibility is the perfect catch for 2022 She also highlights how Indian crafts like kalamkari banarasi and bandhani are finding space in the wardrobes of the younger generation Contemporary touch to traditional handlooms is what the youth is looking forIn addition to dresses in traditional prints accessories like belts that cinch the waist on an Anarkali or a saree will be a trendy musthave for 2022 ldquoAnother aspect would be all about adaptation the silhouettes that the youth love to wear from the western culture would be adapted to Indian wear as well especially when it comes to the cuts of blousesrdquo says JajuIntricate kalamkari on silk lehenga set first and third Diya Mirza wearing Archana JajuldquoPeople are still floating in waves of comfortable fashion and going all out Slowly Indian fashion will be about finding a middle ground between the two Kaftans had become a favourite among everyone during the lockdown Enhancing the kaftan with embroideries like mirror work will make it a great addition to onersquos ethnic wardrobe for 2022rdquo she addsCoordinated sets like dhoti pants and tunics would gain momentum for nonbinary fashion In terms of genderless clothing Jaju states there is a need for designers to focus on the fabric rather and not on the gender that itrsquos being designed forldquoHandwoven textiles from our country have survived all these years in fashion not just because of their vibrancy but the excellent craftsmanship they offer People now understand the value and relevance of these crafts to be able to preserve them Hopefully that would become a trend simply preserving our Indian craftsrdquo she addsEasy fusionldquoLove for classics this year is evident with chunky heels taking the lead 2022 will see a lot more of flattering block heels with the right amount of bling in metallic tones High platforms a trend passed on from 2021 are definitely a style that would continue to be in vogue in 2022rdquo says Mumbaibased footwear designer Aprajita ToorCollection by Aprajita ToorIn addition to heels the Kolhapuri toe loop strap and elegant brogues are evergreen styles that will never go out of fashion While classic styles are here to stay more and more people are going all out for creations which perfectly go with both Indian and western outfitsAccording to Toor there is a growing demand for fusion designs in the Indian footwear segment especially shoes which can be styled with both Indian and western outfits without losing ldquothe contemporary and highstreet edgerdquoldquoIn the footwear segment detailed embroideries are being infused in traditional and contemporary classics These designs are slowly becoming hot favourites for events and celebrations Blending of different textiles along with fabric manipulation is another trend on the riserdquo says ToorGemstones becoming essentialsldquoJewellery pieces that can be used on a daytoday basis and be restyled for diverse purposes would be a key part of these looks even in 2022 A lot of gemstones would be coming back in fashion including unusual and nonbasic gemstones like sapphires tanzanite corals and opalsrdquo says Mumbaibased Vandana M Jagwani designer and creator of VandalsCollection by Vandana Jagwanis VandalsAccording to Jagwani as 2021 encouraged the whole idea of comfortable fashion in terms of accessories too comfort would remain key in peoplersquos choices but with a step towards going back to normalcy While gemstones and sleek diamond jewellery are slowly becoming wardrobe essentials pearls in a diverse range of rings and chokers would become a popular trend in 2022ldquoRadiant diamond sets which add an element of glam to the outfit would be a great option to look out for in 2022 Headgears would definitely see a revival in the New Year with statement pieces that can add a unique touch to the entire ensemblerdquo she saysTalking about sustainability in jewellery fashion Jagwani says ldquoConsumers will surely have a more conscious attitude towards purchasing different products They would be interested in buying jewellery pieces that undergo a conscious creation process Sustainable pieces which are also elegant and attractive would be the goto choices for 2022rdquoAlso Read The year that was Read the best longform stories we told in 2021