Celebs and influencers are already wearing pieces that nod to the new season — and if you want a fashion-forward look that says you know what’s hot, you should too.
The runway delivered outfit inspiration in spades, and rather than dark and gloomy fall fashions, there’s an abundance of head-turning colours, joyful it pieces and some seriously sexy must-haves to take you into early autumn and beyond. The vibe from designers was very much about extending the Hot Girl Summer into winter — think playfully bold accessories and statement, OTT separates in colours that spark joy. AW22’s fashions scream extra; not just for event dressing, but for everyday wear too. Y2K-inspired style is going nowhere, and there’s a distinct mood of party fever in the air.
We suggest incorporating the below trends and standout pieces into your wardrobe now, before they dominate the new season.
If you haven’t rocked a citrus hued look this year, the good news is the brights trend is reigning unstoppable for AW22. Fashion Week saw Valentino collaborate with Pantone to produce a popping Valentino Pink shade you’ll see everywhere soon — meaning Barbiecore vibes are officially extended into winter. Pink was joined by popping hues of each primary colour — rich purple and highlighter yellow at Marques Almeida, lime green and orange dresses ruled at Alexander McQueen, while Prada, Richard Quinn and Halpern displayed head to toe separates in joyful colours guaranteed to lift the mood.
Insta-friendly items like Jacquemus’ Le Vague bag can be worn immediately, pairing with The Attico’s Jacquard Shirt Dress for a memorable getup worthy of an outfit post. Or, bring dopamine dressing into the cooler season with San Sloane’s knitted dress, until it’s time to rent zingy shades of outerwear in October. The future is bright.
Good news for the corset-lovers among us, not only is the bustier trend huge for A/W, any item that highlights the waist is a style winner. No matter the occasion, designers at February’s Fashion Weeks had midriff-enhancing items to share. At Versace, corsets made their daytime debut in denim (steal the look by pairing Ganni’s version over a white shirt with jeans) and came in satin for night. Burberry, Alexander McQueen and Carolina Herrera all paid homage to the perfect going-out piece – layering it over and under everything from evening dresses to suit jackets and trench coats.
However, the cinched trend is not solely about the corset. Prada defined a lacquer pink trench with a coordinating belt, while a number of designers added corseted waists into dresses, coats and tops. Dion Lee's utility dress is the perfect way to wear it now with serious 00s nods and higher hemlines, meanwhile we love the contrast of House Of CB’s satin corset worn with light denim Mom jeans for weekend brunches.
Designers Simone Rocha and Prada are guaranteed to offer a Big Bow Moment each fashion season, and the designers of New York, Paris, Milan and London are taking note. The ladylike trim was seen everywhere — worn as a skinny scarf on the necks of models at Miu Miu, oversized and 80s style at Bronx and B, on the waist of a baby doll dress at Coach and fashioned as a black crop top at Jason Wu. Those of you with your finger on the sartorial pulse will want to add this girlish adornment to your outfit ASAP.
If you dare to bare your midriff, Free People’s black bow top will bring a feminine, luxe touch to evening wear, so chic with slim black trousers. Or you could have a princess moment in Rotate Birger Christensen show stopping Natalie dress — pure drama. Even the most minimalist dressers can work the knotted detail though, opt for Loeffler Randall’s Gold Camellia sandals, a bow-adorned bag, belt or hair accessory.
Balmain, Loewe, Marques Almeida, Dries Van Noten and Lanvin all paid particular attention to decorative and oversized shoulder details this season. For a riff on power dressing, accentuate the shoulders in striking tops, jumpsuits and jackets — looking to shoulder-enhancing outerwear rentals later in the year. Thanks to Balenciaga in seasons gone by (and this one, no less) the oversized shoulder has been seen on stylish celebs like Hailey Bieber, Rihanna and Kendall Jenner. To take your cue straight from the runway, donning a full suit or blazer dress to the next big ‘do in your diary is a fashion power move.
Whether you opt for an oversized blazer like Havre Studio’s (we love styling these over evening wear for a playful contrast) or Ganni’s green blazer — know you’ll be referencing to the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and more. We love the proportion play of Jacquemus’ Soco Blazer, the shoulders accentuated by the cinched waist (ticking off two trends in one.) Whether you rent a pointed, rounded or padded number — anything extreme and geometric gets a big thumbs up.
Showing some skin, be it with flesh-baring cut outs or sheer fabric delights is the order of the season. Post-lockdown, being overdressed is no longer a dirty word, and the body positive movement is ensuring everyone knows they can rock a risqué after-dark ‘fit.
LaQuan Smith, Jacquemus, Givenchy, Miu Miu and 16Arlington all showcased style with serious sex appeal, upping the glamour stakes despite the inevitable cold weather that comes with A/W. Sexy is officially back – think sequin minis with lavish fur coats, exposed midriffs, bodycon and bedazzled everything. Soon, every It Girl’s wish list will be filled with crystals, feathers and sequins, so why not get a head start?
Don a disco-ready sequin number (may we suggest 16Arlington's powder blue dress), or twin the models at Poster Girl with Nué’s equally cropped top in gold. Or, opt for something barely-there like a dress by 2022's MVP, Nensi Dojaka, layered under an oversized blazer for a chic but wearable evening look. Heck, Dries Van Noten even made the case for a sparkling coat at their fashion week presentation, showing that no matter the item, you can still evoke the party spirit.
