The fall 2022 season found designers in the four major fashion capitals reflecting on the state of the world. The result? A new set of trends — from reimagined sportswear to reworked denim — to welcome a future where we resume our pre-pandemic lives, hopefully with wisdom gained from the past couple of years.
With Miu Miu’s viral low-rise miniskirts, the love affair with Y2K fashion continues. Diesel’s denim-clad models and Loewe’s jean shoes signal a new era for the timeless textile. Elements inspired by motorcycle racing were introduced; blazers were tailored to project a sense of gravitas; and lingerie-style pieces like sheer bras and corsets were designed to be seen. And for those of us who feel the return to normalcy is too abrupt, there’s no shortage of blanket silhouettes that don’t sacrifice style or comfort.
Each trend marks a fresh start after an extended time of uncertainty. While some edge toward the avant-garde side (see Gucci’s sporty corset and Yohji Yamamoto’s deconstructed denim shirt), the majority of them are surprisingly wearable.
Ahead, get inspired by new sporty silhouettes; cool denim pieces; cozy knit ensembles; bold low-rise skirts; sultry lingerie looks; edgy moto separates; and sharp blazers. Read on for the top seven runway trends of the fall season.
Reimagined Sportswear
Unveiled during Milan Fashion Week, the Gucci x Adidas collaboration signalled a major shift into expanded sportswear. Tracksuit-inspired pieces combined Gucci’s house codes with Adidas’s classic sportswear aesthetic. Elsewhere, Tory Burch pushed the envelope with a neon-green track jacket, while Louis Vuitton suggested layering your polo shirt over a dress for an instant dose of cool. Thanks to these designers, sportswear has never looked so chic.
Reworked Denim
Just when you thought every denim iteration has already been made, Diesel comes up with belts as denim skirts. Fashion designers continue to mold the textile into new shapes, from Yohji Yamamoto’s oversize shirt to Loewe’s over-the-top denim boots. Considering the timelessness of denim, it’s poised to surface on runways every season, but we can totally get behind these reimagined silhouettes.
Blanket Silhouettes
Designers are channelling that feeling of never wanting to leave bed, especially on a cold day, with blanketed silhouettes on the fall 2022 runways. Still retaining their sense of comfort while appearing fashion-forward, Acne Studios’ shredded look and Vaquera’s oversize knit sweater bring comfort to the street like never before.
Micro Skirts
Following the popularity of Miu Miu’s low-rise skirt released last season, creative director Miuccia Prada brought back the 2000s-inspired style in a sporty fabric and tennis-inspired silhouette. Brands like Coperni and Off-White offered their own iterations, signalling that the Y2K fashion trend is here to stay.
Motor Gear
A new crop of edgy pieces dominated the Paris catwalks, making a case for wearing motorcycle gear off the bike. Dior’s utilitarian jumpsuit looks straight out of a “Mad Max” set, while Balmain’s leather minidress could double as Armor. Prada’s leather jacket and Ambush’s shearling coat feel appropriate for everyday wear, while Blumarine’s lavender set and Oscar de La Renta’s electrifying two-piece make polished options for a night out.
Power Suiting
This season, designers are reimagining a time-honoured, workwear staple: the blazer. Fashioned into skirt sets or statement coats, this season’s designs recall the sharp-shouldered power suiting of the ’80s. Exhibit A: Peter Do’s larger-than-life blazer that feels almost like a moving work of art. These sharply tailored blazers merge a sense of practicality with undeniable gravitas — just in time for our return to office life.