As summer draws to a close and temperatures start to drop, I can’t help but look forward to the new season ahead.
Even if you prefer the warmer months, you can’t deny the charm of autumn/winter and all it brings fashion-wise. Think snugly knitwear, sparkly partywear and statement coats that unapologetically turn heads, whether you’re in your hometown or on holiday.
From rainbow suiting to glam goth, I’ve uncovered the best AW22 trends that were showcased on the biggest designer catwalks earlier this year. Here are 7 you need to know about to level up your fashion game in the coming colder months.
1. Y2K Hurray
Firstly, if you think the Y2K TikTok-inspired trend that dominated Spring/Summer 2022 is going anywhere for Autumn/Winter 2022/23, you’d be sadly mistaken.
That’s right — low-rise trousers, crop tops and cut-out dresses are here to stay, so don’t donate that glittery halter-neck just yet.
We saw these key pieces at AW22 shows such as Supriya Lele, Connor Ives and Nensi Dojaka. They’re fun, youthful and give me all the nostalgic feels. WBU?
Even so, the jury’s out when it comes to their practicality for the freezing temperatures ahead. Low-rise trousers may need to be teamed with oversized jumpers. Then crop tops and cut-out dresses may have to be layered with woolly coats and accessories to make them just as functional as they are fashionable.
2. Preppy Chic
AW22 sees the return of preppy style that would make the likes of Blair Waldorf from the original Gossip Girl jealous.
Whether it was pleated miniskirts at Miu Miu, Peter-Pan collars at Paul & Joe or knee-high socks at Burberry, the designers were having a field day with upper-class schoolgirl detailing.
Speaking of miniskirts, they proved a particularly popular piece, coming in all colours, fabrics and accents. My favourite? The checked varieties courtesy of Charles Jeffrey and Marine Serre, which created the perfect preppy-punk fusion.
3. Re-Energised Knits
I know what you’re thinking: “Knitwear for Autumn/Winter? Groundbreaking!” That said, I’m not just talking about the understated knits we’ve seen in seasons past.
No, I’m talking about the loud-and-proud jumpers, cardigans and knitted dresses we saw all over the AW22 catwalks. Dsquared2 displayed playful patterns in the form of quirky layered ensembles, Louis Vuitton showed off Fair Isle oversized sweaters and juicy hues featured in abundance at the likes of Stella McCartney.
In terms of hero separates, twin sets, jumpers, cardigans and knitted dresses — pretty much anything goes. Why not experiment with the diverse array of knitwear in the NA-KD apparel collection for AW22, from bold-toned one-pieces to elegant neutral twin-sets. I’m in love.
4. Rainbow Suiting
Another of the AW22 trends that demonstrates just how much dopamine dressing is sticking around is eye-popping tailoring. Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen and Gabriela Hearst are in agreement: the brighter the suit, the better!
Some of these sharp two-pieces had even sharper shoulders (Lemaire) and others were an oversized fit (Versace), but all styles were undeniably fabulous.
And the colour of the season? No other than Elle Woods-inspired fuchsia, as spotted at Valentino. “Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed.”
5. Make It Maxi
Maximalism is a major theme when it comes to AW22 fashion trends (haven’t you noticed?). This also translates to garment lengths and relaxed fits.
In fact, body-swamping maxi dresses, coats, skirts and jumpers are more than acceptable, bringing drama to fall and beyond. The Row, Altuzarra and Saint Laurent are just a few of the collections that paved the way with these larger-than-life silhouettes.
A bonus? Floor-sweepers are great for keeping the heat in when there’s a chill in the air.
6. Glam Goth
Gothic motifs reigned supreme in this season’s shows, sparking one of my favourite AW22 trends. (I’m an alternative music lover.)
If you opt for slick black outfits, you won’t go far wrong. Dior and Balmain showed dedication to military-influenced corsetry, whereas, black leather had a standout moment at Givenchy and Dolce & Gabbana. Shiny combat boots were even spotted at Alexander McQueen.
Keep in mind that a black accent just simply won’t do. Head-to-toe looks are preferred, taking inspiration from Khaite, Celine and Chloe. In other words, the encouragement to embrace the dark side has never been more prevalent (and welcome).
7. Disco Queen
Lastly, would this even be an AW22 trends edit without mentioning sequins? Given that the Christmas party season is pending, I’d be a little surprised if we didn’t see any kind of glitter on the Autumn/Winter catwalks.
“But what kind of glitter are we seeing this year” I hear you ask? Well, it came in the form of full-length, figure-hugging frocks at Rick Owens and sparkly-trimmed shirts and bomber jackets at Elie Saab.
However, the hero separate for me had to be the silver sequinned coat at Dries Van Noten that would constitute the ultimate party cover-up.
Whether it’s in the form of a dress, top or outerwear following the lead of 16Arlington, Halpern and Erdem, don’t be afraid to shimmer this season. You are a diamond, after all.
AW22 Trends: The Takeaway
In the wake of a particularly warm summer filled with heatwaves, excess sweating and barely-there fashion, I’m ready to change up my wardrobe in preparation for Autumn/Winter. (Anyone else?)
Although more modest themes, like preppy chic, were juxtaposed with equivocal prominence, one thing’s for sure when it comes to AW22 trends… Maximalist fashion is the near future!
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