The Summer 2022 Starter Pack: Every Cool Thing to Buy This Season

Welcome to the Starter Pack series, a Who What Wear column that dives deep into the seasonal trends everyone's talking about.

Summer is approaching faster than we think, and while I'm still figuring out how to dress for the current spring weather, a part of my mind can't help but jump to the sartorial woes of the season ahead. If you're like me and can get a little overwhelmed by all the options, you happened to come across the right story. Every season we create a starter pack so you know exactly what are the most wearable and worth-it trends of the bunch.

While it's easy to name every summer trend under the sun, this series narrows the options down to the most important ones. Below, you'll find eight trends that will have you ready to take on the summer ahead. Whether you're plotting a vacation abroad or staying local this summer, the pieces below will have you start any plan on the right foot.

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

When I think of warm-weather knitwear, crochet immediately comes to mind. Designers seem to agree, as there are a plethora of crochet pieces in the latest summer collections. From beach-ready swimwear and accessories to everyday tops, this is not a trend to miss.

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

I've already started upgrading my button-down collection for the summer, and I think it's time for you to do the same. The options include punchy colors, lightweight fabrics, and versatile prints. 

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

The Y2K renaissance is still in full swing, and Kim Possible's favorite trend just happens to be the It-pant style of the year. Whether you dress it up or down, it's guaranteed to have you not only look cool this season, but also will keep you comfortable. 

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(Image credit: @devapollon)

Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that low-rise's power is strong. 

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(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Micro miniskirts were already resurfacing in popularity, but when Miu Miu sent many ultra micro skirts down the runway, the trend just blew up. Don't be afraid to try it out for yourself. I believe in you.

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(Image credit: @meccajw)

Bright and bold just so happens to be the theme for 2022 swimwear. The more saturated the shade, the better. It's the easiest way to make a statement on the beach or by the pool. All you'll need to pair with it is some R&R by the water and you're good to go.

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

Even if you don't consider yourself a sporty girl, you need to give this accessory a shot. Not only can you find extremely affordable options all over the internet, but it adds an instant cool factor to any outfit.

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(Image credit: @monikh)

While Jane Birkin is known for always carrying around her signature Hermès bag, another bag she wore often was a woven basket bag. Years later, the trend is still a summer staple. It'll fit all your essentials and look good against your summer wardrobe.

Next, Zara's Summer Collection Is Here—I Lost It Over These 36 Finds

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.