Shopping habits changed drastically in 2021.
As a continuation on the year before, DIY and home improvement became a priority.
Revival culture did too, in the form of Y2K trends and various TikTok inspired ‘cores’ that harked back to a time gone by, perhaps as a nostalgic yearning for pre-pandemic life.
Gifting also became more meaningful. When hugs weren’t allowed, presents had to convey volumes more love and personalisation than before.
So, what trends do Etsy experts predict will be big in 2022?
Dayna Isom Johnson, a trend expert, says: ‘As we close out another year filled with ups and downs, next year will be about finding balance in all aspects of our lives, from how we spend our time to the purchases we make.’
We’ve also had a big sustainability push towards the end of the year thanks to Cop26, so people will be entering the new year trying to find ‘lagom’, a Swedish philosophy about having just the right amount of something, rather than excess.
Emerald green
Green has been a strong recurring theme this year in fashion, beauty and homeware.
We’d argue it’s been bigger than Pantone’s colours of the year – yellow and grey – as people opted for sage and Kermit shades.
A balance will be found in emerald green, which isn’t as bright as Kermit but not so muted as sage.
The shade symbolises ‘harmony and growth’, according to Dayna.
‘We’re already seeing shoppers looking for ways to incorporate this hue, with searches for emerald green items up 64% and emerald green decor up 60%.
‘Even better, this rich and grounding shade compliments a variety of other popular colorways – from earthy terracottas and neutrals to luxe golds and silvers – making it easy to add into existing decor,’ she says.
Statement lighting
Etsy has seen a 344% increase in searches for 70s lighting in recent months, along with a 27% increase in searches for sculptural or decorative lighting, a 25% increase in searches for vintage lighting, and a 22% increase in searches for colorful lighting.
‘Equal parts functional and fashionable, statement lighting allows folks to spotlight their beautiful homes, while doubling as eye-catching artwork.
‘Many are already on the hunt for statement lighting – from sculptural pendants to standout sconces – that reflects their own personal style,’ Dayna says.
Colorful wedding celebrations
It’s goodbye to muted beige wedding colour palettes – searches for colourful weddings have risen by 223% already.
The joy of the big day is set to be reflected in the style of the wedding, from outfits to initiations to centrepieces.
Dayna’s tip is to ‘mix mood-boosting, vibrant shades with softer neutrals for a perfectly-balanced and playful-yet-elevated look’.
Pop-punk revival
This particular movement is part of the Y2K style revival we’re seeing unfold in fashion.
On Etsy, searches for spiked collars are already up 879%, alongside surges in searches for vintage plaid items (up 48%*), fishnet items (up 37%*) and studded belts (up 34%*).
‘Pop-punk is all about self-expression and autonomy, and millennials and Gen Zers alike are reclaiming this style movement and putting their own personal spin on it.
‘For those not ready to fully commit to the look, try adding just a few pop-punk pieces – like a mesh top, a pair of combat boots, or a vintage leather jacket – into an existing everyday wardrobe,’ Dayna says.
Dragons and mythical creatures
Dayna says this will be a big theme for children.
‘Parents want to bring back the wonderment that comes with simply being a kid.
‘Enter: dragons, fairies, and other mythical creatures. Through fairytale and fantasy-filled play, kiddos can escape to mystical and magical realities using nothing more than their imagination.’
Searches for fairy items increased 51%, mythical creatures or beast items increased 39%, and dragon toys increased 22%.
‘Best of all, these make-believe creatures are a great gender-neutral kids motif – which we’ll see on everything from nursery mobiles to toys to apparel, and more – appropriate for all ages,’ she adds.
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Shopping trends Etsy predict will be big in 2022 – from fashion to weddings