We’re loving…

❤️ Cargo trousers

It was only a matter of time before our beloved All Saints-era cargo trousers made a reappearance on the sartorial scene, and the metallic pairs appearing on the Tom Ford SS22 catwalk just cemented our love for them. Like a comfier, more casual cousin of the wide-leg jean, the cargo trouser looks equally fab paired with a white trainer (the chunkier the better) and a tee as it does with heels and a crisp shirt. If you’re worried this camo pair will make you look like an extra in TLC, try this dark brown leather pair from Hush, currently in the sale at £190.

❤️ Cut-outs

A trend best approached with caution (especially if, like me, a bra is a non-negotiable), cut-outs are getting more extreme for 2022 fashion. Think Liz Hurley’s iconic 1994 safety pin dress and you won’t be far wrong! If a full-body cut-out isn’t for you, upgrade your LBD with a top cut-out (just don’t go for cold shoulder – it’s the wrong side of passe), slashed sleeves or a peek of midriff. It’s a great way to add interest to a top or dress, and nod to the trend without going full Destiny’s Child.

❤️ Slouchy suits

Begone, fitted blazer and skinny cropped trouser! This year, the oversized trend hits our suits, with slouchy tailoring and sloppy jackets galore. Pair with trainers or chunky loafers (heels can look out of proportion), and a tube top if you’re feeling brave – dad shirt if you’re not. We recommend a bright colour like this poppy orange Arket number to keep the look fresh.

❤️ Platforms

The chunky sole has been around for a few seasons now, but this year we’re going bigger and better. Remember when the Spice Girls went everywhere in their Buffalo boots? That’s the level of verticality we’re talking here. This summer the sporty sandal is getting an upgrade to the platform mule or puffy slider – these Gucci platforms combine the trend with another 90s staple, logomania (also back this year, FYI).

❤️ Fruity lip gloss

Ahh, bring me my Lancome Juicy Tubes of yore. Now that masks are less prevalent, our glossy lips are back with a vengeance. Satin and gloss finishes have been trending for some time, but we’re going all-out with fruity flavours, glassy finishes and classic clear. Bonus points if they’re in a squeeze tube (like these from Honest Beauty, £16) or rollerball (hello, Nails Inc – £8).

We’re leaving…

😱 The whale tail

The low rise jean may be a subject of some debate at Muddy HQ (personally you’ll have to pry my high-rise denims out of my cold, dead hands), but one thing we’re all in agreement about is that the whale tail – aka, the look of a thong poking out on purpose over a low-rise waistband – can stay right in the 90s where it belongs. These ASYOU jeans from ASOS don’t even give you the choice of your own thong – it’s a denim design detail sewn into the jean. That’ll get you some looks down Tesco…

😱 Super skinny brows

No disrespect meant to those of us with naturally slim brows, but take it from someone who plucked them into oblivion the first time around to get the look of Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani et al – it doesn’t always grow back! By all means, go for a slightly more involved grooming regimen if Cara Delevingne-style face fuzz doesn’t appeal, but put the tweezers down before you hit the true 90s brow to avoid pencilling them in forever more. You have been warned…

😱 Abs abound

Look, it doesn’t matter how many Joe Wicks workouts I did over lockdown (that’ll be two, then), there’s no way my post-pandemic belly is ready for a low-rise jean + baby tee combo. A high waist trouser with a slightly cropped top, maybe, but the levels of stomach exposure as seen on the Versace SS22 catwalk are enough to make a girl feel dizzy.