Designers gave us a lot to look at in the fall 2022 collections and a glimpse into where fashion is headed this year. On one side of the spectrum, brands showcased light, pretty things. Among them were gauzy sheer dresses at Fendi, exposed silky lingerie layered underneath embellished cut-out pieces at Miu, high-glamour satin dresses at Saint Laurent, and romantic full skirts at Bottega Veneta.
On the other side, there was an angsty undercurrent that ran through the collections. Leather got edgier and more heavy-duty at Diesel. Grungier vibes were present at Khaite and Givenchy with moody looks centred on layers of black. Even bridal looks had a strong alt bend, with skimpy, voluminous gowns at Off-White and 3D feathers at Richard Quinn.
With so many contrasting ideas on the runways, it’s difficult to neatly wrap up the season, but one thing is certain: Creativity is percolating, and we’re entering into an exciting moment in fashion. Ahead, we’ll dive deeper into what is on the horizon with the 11 biggest fall/winter fashion trends for 2022 and the key buys to add to your closet now if you’re an early adopter.
Pretty Things
With shades of pale pastel pink at Burberry, slip dresses with layers of lace and sequins at Bottega Veneta, and lingerie visible underneath layers of transparent chiffon at Fendi, fall marks the return of hyper-pretty things. It’s a rethinking of romantic dressing, and there are many interpretations on the table. With all of the inventive pretty newness, it’s time to upgrade the simple slip that’s already sitting in your closet.
Grunger
Moody, angsty fashion manifested itself in the fall collections with looks that tap into ’90s grunge, with a dark, mostly black palette and pieces that embody an inherent edginess. Blumarine moved away from spring’s high-octane color into darker territory. Khaite debuted gritty looks centred on pieces such as draped maxi skirts. Givenchy even showcased heavy metal–inspired tees. The message is clear: Fall will be the time to embrace the grunge aesthetic.
Big Time Basics
Until this season, calling something as basic as a white tank top or a pair of black trousers a trend would have sounded bizarre. After all, the glory of basics is that they don’t come and go in the same way that trends do. Rather, they’re always in style. But that all changed when Mrs. Prada and Raf Simons sent models down the runway in tanks made special by Prada’s well-known triangular logo. Suddenly, everything we thought we knew about basics went out the window. After seeing elevated takes on the wardrobe essentials we once bought in bulk on Amazon on the runways at The Row, Bottega Veneta, and more, it’s now clear that the basics of yore are gone—replaced by their high-fashion counterparts.
The ‘New’ New Bomber Jackets
While spring has seen the rise of leather biker jackets in a huge way, thanks in large part to Prada, bomber jackets are the major outerwear piece to know about for fall 2022. Louis Vuitton opened its show with an oversize leather bomber jacket, Loewe showcased super-puffy versions, and Versace debuted styles in bold hues and upsized proportions. The common thread? Reimagined bomber jackets that are tweaked with directional proportions and unexpected details.
Corporate Dress Codes
If work-from-home life drew you to donate all your pantsuits, pinstripes, and poplin shirts way back in 2020, the fall 2022 runways will have you buying them back—in triplicate. Showcased at Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Ferrari, among countless other F/W 22 shows, were styles that were once only fit for a day at the office, ranging from neckties and eyeglasses to pencil skirts and three-piece suits. Oh, and briefcase bags are back (thanks to Prada’s S/S 22 handbag collection).
Extracurricular Activities
We haven’t seen the last of retro, sporty aesthetics on the runway it seems, a point proven by the number of sport references that were included in the F/W 22 collections. From soccer—sorry, football—scarves and jerseys at Off-White and David Koma, respectively, to motocross gloves and inflatable vests at Dior, fashion is continuing to lean into its sporty side, making styles seemingly created for extracurricular activities and fifth-period gym class.
Waders
Oh, you thought over-the-knee boots were gone for good? Think again. After a handful of years outside of the sartorial spotlight, extra-tall boots made a roaring comeback this season, showing up in nearly every single show on the F/W 22 calendar. But of all the various boot styles showcased, one stood out in particular: waders. Seen at Chanel, Dion Lee, Alaïa, and more, these wide-leg boots were akin to high-fashion fishing-wear—a look we’re prepared to get hooked on.
Floor Sweepers
Designers are going the opposite direction of this season’s micro minis with the floor-sweeping silhouettes that were everywhere on the runways. Maxi hemlines have already been on the rise, and designers made a strong case that all things long will be front and center this fall. Saint Laurent debuted a strong collection of long, flowing dresses paired with tailored jackets, and Ludovic de Saint Sernin dropped skirts to the floor, while Rokh made a case for the ground-grazing duster jacket. And who can forget the cascading blue gown set inside a winter tundra at Balenciaga? You won’t want to skimp on length next season.
Alt Brides
If you’re one of the many people who had to postpone their weddings over the last few years, here’s a reason to celebrate your delayed wedding date—that is, if you’re interested in a dress that’s slightly unconventional. On the F/W 22 runways, brands such as Off-White, Marine Serre, and Richard Quinn sent models (one being Bella Hadid clad in a high-low bridal gown and sneakers) down their runways wearing dresses fit for a bride who doesn’t do things the traditional way.
Big Clothes Energy
Proportions are getting wider and even more oversize for fall. Suiting was defined by genderless, upsized proportions and dropped shoulders at Peter Do and Louis Vuitton, full skirts reached new widths at Bottega and Brandon Maxwell, and Simone Rocha sent out a collection heavy on all things big and packed with volume. No matter what category you look at, the new proportions apply. It’s time to take up space.