Pantone said 2022 would be the year of periwinkle: a soft, soothing shade giving baby blanket vibes. Maybe we could have used a swaddling palette after the past two turbulent years, but the breakout color trend of 2022 couldn't be farther away in spirit. It turns out fashion designers wanted something brighter, bolder, more energetic: They wanted hot pink.
Hot pink is the moment and has been the moment. Flashes of the shade reappeared in a big way on spring/summer 2022 runways from Alexander McQueen to Dior to Versace, trickling into collections we can shop now. It was also the choice shade for fashion month attendees injecting the proverbial pop of color into their street style: a hot-pink Coperni bag here, a magenta blazer there.
Lest anyone wonder if the shade could make it through a full 365 days, Pierpaolo Piccioli bathed the Valentino fall/winter 2022 runway in a custom, saturated hot-pink hue. "More than just a PR stunt, Valentino's unveiling of its exclusive shade of Pantone pink during Fashion Week was a flash of genius," Taylor Tomasi Hill, creative and fashion director of AI shopping platform The Yes, tells BAZAAR.com of the collection. "'Valentino Pink PP' might be the most recognisable shade, but pinks in general are seeing a resurgence—and it's so much more interesting than the same-old millennial pink."
The numbers prove hot pink's dominance: On the fashion shopping app Lyst, searches for pink items have increased by 24 percent in the past month—with a spike following the aforementioned Valentino show. The fastest-growing categories range from blazers (+34 percent) to dresses (+16 percent) to bags (+45 percent). Google Shopping stats echo those trends in an outside voice: Nationwide searches for hot-pink bathing suits, minidresses, designer shoes, and earrings all increased by more than 100 percent over the past month.
All those numbers say anyone can wear the shade of the moment, even avowed minimalists. Tomasi Hill says any flash of pink looks fresh paired with an all-black outfit or light-wash denim. To go bolder, there are ruffled minidresses and matching fuchsia shirting sets calling your name. No matter how you're thinking hot pink, you'll find your way into the year's defining color trend through the 19 pieces below.
Start your journey into all-pink-everything with this versatile mini-dress from Gauge81. Made from lustrous silk rendered in a striking fuchsia hue, this dress's thigh-grazing silhouette comes with flatteringly gathers at the waist. Perfect for both day and night.
It simply doesn't get more versatile than an oversized poplin button-down. When you've maxed out on Oxford whites and baby blue stripes, poppy pink is here for the same relaxed styling—with verve.
Hear us out: An everyday bag doesn't have to be a black laptop tote. Adding this woven leather bag—which has plenty of room inside for your phone, makeup, keys, and a Kindle—will give your spring outfits a much-needed energy boost.
The draping on Acler's satin shirt dresses is always so good, especially in a hot-pink poppy floral. Take advantage of the plunging neckline and pile on your favorite pendant necklaces when you wear it.
Once you slide on Larroudé's hot-pink mules, you won't want to take them off. Not only are they the color of the moment, but they're lined with memory foam for a wear-all-day fit.
Long after this color trend has come and gone, you'll be glad The Last Line's sparkly take made it into your ring stack. Layer it between solid gold bands to really pop.
Even the most color-shy shopper can appreciate how good hot pink looks in high-waisted bikini form. Bondi Born's square-neck top is supportive for all sizes—and it stands out in a sea of black one-pieces.
Ruffles and a short skirt put this poppy-pink dress at the front of our spring wedding guest wardrobe.
t's going to be another big spring (and summer) for coordinating button-downs and shorts. Bouguessa's linen set takes the look up a notch with crisp pleats and a look-at-me hue.
If the going-out top is making another triumphant return, we want it in hot pink. This cowl-neck tank dresses up high-waisted jeans or an ultra-mini skirt.
This magenta satin mini bag is the exclamation point your spring outfits are missing. Not every purse has to be practical.
Anchor your spring earscape with these mixed-material earrings. They pair best with circular diamond studs or a subtle gold ear cuff.
With a smocked-back bodice and breezy linen, this fuchsia dress is as comfortable as it is cool. You'll need it for the warmest summer nights ahead.
The clear acrylic straps on Cult Gaia's sandal make the magenta heel pop even more—ideal for slipping under a white sundress or your favorite summer jeans.
There's no better way to take the hot-pink trend into the workday than with a tailored magenta suit. Mango's has a relaxed fit we love, and it comes in extended sizes.
Dip a toe into the hot-pink trend with this color-block one-piece. Satisfied reviewers of all body types say this swimsuit is supportive and comfortable.
Slipping on this tiered midi dress is the closest you can get to a Tulum vacation without buying a plane ticket.
Take notes from street style and wear Coperni's hot-pink bag with a neutral suit. Its neon-hued leather pops that much brighter against a monochrome black or gray outfit.
Hot pink will still be everywhere in a few months, according to the fall/winter 2022 runways. This sweater will serve you well as a pull-on layer now and as a go-to sweater next fall.
A version of this article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US