Trend Report with Tommy Fazio: Functional Versatility

After much time spent indoors and adapting to clothes that just make sense, expect to see looks that marry function and style across Women's, Men's, and Outdoor in 2022.

For this trend, let’s just say there is a bit of a butterfly effect involved as we move off the couch and on to the runway. 

About The Trend

In the past, where we went out more frequently, we were most concerned with being the best dressed, donning ourselves in our most unique dress and flashy shoes. 

Across the world, we’ve all settled into a cocoon phase in which we stayed nestled at home. During this time, comfort became the priority. Not only in our homes with the creation of in-home work spaces, and a bit of redecoration, but also in the clothes we wear. 

As we’re making headway and coming out more, we are carrying with us the urge to be seen and felt, lifting the cocoon and spreading our fashion wings like a butterfly.

While we may be introducing more prints, color, and design, it’ll be done with an ease and sophistication we’ve developed during our time indoors. As we move into a new horizon, we’re looking forward to wearing our outfits from night to day and from work and sport to play; this trend is functional versatility. 

Here’s what’s to expect in fashion now:

Women’s Fashion

In women’s fashion, we are looking for functional yet fashionable elements to piece together that can cross over from work to any day time or night time activities.

Ease and sophistication is coming back with a vengeance with sundresses that can be worn to zoom meetings with an easy blazer, lunch with a pair of sneakers or sandals, and at home. 

Brands that are getting it right? Erdem, Veronica Beard, Ulla Johnson, Phillip Lim, Nanushka, James Perse, Joie, and Fil De Vie to name a few.

Erdem’s Resort 2022 Collection is a great example of this trend, described by Erdem Moralioglu himself as “rational”. Looks on the runway were styled with no makeup and flat brogues exuding a “no fuss” attitude. 

Check out some of our favorite looks below that exemplify the ease and cross over capabilities of functional versatility from brands like Veronica Beard, Erdem, Phillip Lim, and Ulla Johnson. 

 

Blog_TrendReport_2021-inbody-Women-3-1

Men’s Fashion

After a year of sweatpants and sweatshirts, color is showing up a lot more in men’s fashion. Taking cues from resort, South American style, we’ll be seeing nature inspired prints and color. Furthermore, the ways we relate to earth will begin to show more in fashion with the addition of raffia bags and shoes to an ensemble.  

To add ease to the wardrobe, we’ll be seeing double breasted sports coats with an easy t-shirt and easy pair of pants so as not to think too much about having to change our clothes. 

Brands that are getting it right? The Row, Gucci, Billy Reid, Ted Baker, Theory, Samsoe Samsoe, Faherty, and Bonobos. 

Gucci’s Resort 2022 Collection has a pop take on post-pandemic style, exemplifying a desire to be seen with bright velvet and pastel feathers while in The Row’s Spring 2022 Ready-To-Wear line we find earth tones and roomy proportions mirroring the other side of this era, simplicity and comfort.Blog_TrendReport_2021-inbody-Mens-1

Outdoor 

The outdoor space has been extremely important during lockdown as it has been our only escape from the mundane of our homes. Moving forward into the outdoor space, we’ll see people coming out of their shells with airy, bright primary colors on the slopes this winter. 

As sports wear has transitioned to everyday wear otherwise known as “athleisure”, we can expect to see ensembles that go from the slopes to dinner or from mountain climbing to lunch with friends. 

Brand’s that are doing it right? Canada Goose, Arc'Teryx, Black Diamond, LL Bean, Filson, Tecnica, and Sutterheim.

Canada Goose's Pastel Collection combines style and function with soft colors that reflect the natural world around us. Here are some of our favorite looks from the collectionBlog_TrendReport_2021-inbody-Outdoor-3-1

Wrap Up 

After much time spent indoors cozying up on our couches in pajamas and sweatpants, we’re accustomed to clothes that just make sense. Bridging that sentiment with a new passion to stand out, fashion trends are pointing towards ensembles that are functional and breezy, yet colorful and chic. Expect to see more color and easy silhouettes entering the runways of 2022. 

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Tommy Fazio

Tommy Fazio is a senior fashion executive with a unique combination of business and creative expertise who is currently leading the Fashion vertical at NuORDER, the leading wholesale eCommerce platform. Previously, Tommy led over 18 trade shows a year as President of Men's and Women's Wear at UBM Avanstar Magic (now Informa) and served as Men's Fashion Director at majors such as Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.