In an exclusive interview, Haute Living San Francisco spoke with Lisa Aiken, Fashion and Lifestyle Director, Senior Vice President for Neiman Marcus Group. Known widely for her chic personal style, Aiken is so much more than a fashion director…she’s an influencer! Immaculately dressed and accessorized, Aiken brings the latest looks from the runways and the streets of London, Paris, Milan, and New York to her 100,000 Instagram followers.
“The joy and playfulness that spring emulates is what our buyers and style advisors hope to deliver for customers when they enter our store or shop online to refresh their wardrobe.” — Lisa Aiken
Aiken says, “With the start of the spring 2022 season, we anticipate a sense of optimism and adventure as customers fill their calendars with upcoming celebrations and travels. I think that this season’s trends closely align with the shift in perspective as people embrace excitement for new possibilities and a general sense of optimism for the future.”
Here is the official list of “Neiman Marcus Spring Women’s Must-Haves for Spring 2022”:
- Tailored shorts
- Chain jewelry
- Chunky sandals
- Cropped tops
- The blazer
- Color-pop accessories
- White dresses
- High-waisted denim
HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO X LISA AIKEN
HL: What a fabulous list of spring trends. We absolutely love the sound of these looks that are trending for spring 2022. Indeed, everything seems spot-on for outdoor events—which continues to be the most popular way for people to gather together these days.
LA: We are seeing a lot of recent trends adapting to shifting lifestyles and this season’s trends are ideal for the outdoor gatherings and events that we are all looking forward to this spring – an opportunity to dress up!
HL: These trends are amazing for mix-and-match: the blazer with tailored shorts and chain jewelry and chunky sandals, for example. What else completes a great look for spring 2022?
LA: This season is all about versatile pieces that can seamlessly rotate and adapt to fit any occasion. I love pairing a blazer with high-waisted shorts for a more modern look, but you can also wear it over a cropped top for a more casual occasion.
Q: How might cropped tops and high-waisted denim be styled together in a look that clearly says 2022?
LA: Cropped tops and high-waisted, wide legged denim jeans are flattering, versatile pieces that effortlessly fit into any wardrobe. To bring your look into 2022, I would recommend layering an open button-down shirt or a loose-cut blazer over your cropped top for a more modern, polished look. Finish the look by adding a chunky sandal or a small block heel and always remember to add a belt.
HL: The blazer is such a classic, an item that adapts so well to fashion trends, from Dynasty-style shoulder pads to loose-fitting boyfriend casual. What will this year’s blazer look like?
LA: The blazer continues to be a wardrobe essential that can transform any ensemble into a polished look. This season, however, tailoring has evolved from more structured to a looser cut, allowing for ease of wear through the warmer months. We’ve seen a shift towards lighter fabrics such as linens and we style it over cropped tops and jeans or dresses to keep things light this spring.
Q: Can trendsetters and buyers at Neiman Marcus put their finger on anything that inspired this season’s looks or any of the individual items on it?
LA: The beauty of these pieces is how well they play together and can be mixed and matched to inspire style in all of us. The joy and playfulness that spring emulates is what our buyers and style advisors hope to deliver for customers when they enter our store or shop online to refresh their wardrobe. It’s all about having fun with fashion and feeling your most beautiful and confident.
Q: Can you tell us more about which “colors that pop” will feature strongly in accessories for spring 2022?
LA: This season is all about vibrant, bold, and brilliant colors. When it comes to accessories, you can never go wrong with pairing a bright, super-saturated statement piece with a neutral look to really reimagine the understated looks in your wardrobe.
Q: We say “yes” to the white dress. Tell us more!
LA: A white dress is a staple as we head into the warmer months. The fresh and timeless appeal of a breezy white dress revolves around its ability to be styled in a multitude of ways—whether that be a head-to-toe white or neutral look or adding in pops of color.
Lisa Aiken will visit Neiman Marcus San Francisco on April 21, 2022. For more information, email Lisa_Frisch@NeimanMarcus.com.
Images: Courtesy of Neiman Marcus Group