To those who thought New York Fashion Week was dead, the standout looks that came from the fall 2022 runways in the past six days have proven otherwise. The odds were certainly stacked up against the American sartorial set this season — with marquee names like Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford missing from the calendar — but the city prevailed (doesn’t it always?). The NYFW trends are as alluring as ever, and we can’t wait to cop each and every one of them.
While quasi-post-pandemic dopamine dressing — which, according to Pinterest, encompasses “feel-good fits with an electric kick” — was undoubtedly on display with the highlighter hued collections of Christian Cowan and Staud, there was also a noticeable shift toward sophisticated neutrals that could’ve been plucked straight off a mood board titled “NYC Skyline.”
Taking cues from the current cultural climate (the Matrix! the Metaverse! Manhattan!), NYFW’s designers were clearly tuned into the hot topics du jour, joining the conversation with their leather-laden, digitally-infused collections. For arguably the most viral moment of the season, LaQuan Smith tapped a newly single Julia Fox to rock a party-ready black dress with cutouts that has since been dubbed “the ultimate revenge dress” — but not before a moment of silence in honor of the late André Leon Talley. Fresh takes on face coverings were also introduced in the form of nose-grazing turtlenecks by Alaïa that could replace your mask come fall 2022.
Some collections were centered around elevating office attire for impending in-person returns (three cheers for The Row), and others tailored fantasy for our new reality: pieces by Altuzarra paid homage to mermaids; Zimmerman looked to the stars, while Simon Miller traveled to Mars. Say what you want about the fate of NYFW, but the clothing for fall/winter ‘22 speaks for itself, with many garments threaded with that signature don’t-mess-with-me attitude that’s innate to their New York City surroundings. Risks were taken, rules were broken, and we’re following suit by testing out the resulting styles way before the fashion clock strikes fall.
Ahead, check out the top 10 runway trends from New York Fashion Week, along with inspired pieces that you can shop right away.
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NYFW Fall 2022 Trend: Avant Apocalypse
With the return of The Matrix taking hold of the zeitgeist, fashion is reacting with layered leather ensembles, dark trenches, and tiny sunglasses. Christian Siriano, Khaite, Alice & Olivia, and Maison Rabih Kayrouz all got the avant apocalypse memo.Photo: Courtesy of Christian Siriano.
Staud Laurel Skirt, $, available at Staud
Good American Better Than Leather Good Icon, $, available at Good American
Paper London Venus Trousers in National Pleather, $, available at Paper London
Nanushka Asayo Belted Vegan Leather Midi Dress Shirt, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Collusion Unisex PU Longline Coat, $, available at ASOS
NYFW Fall 2022 Trend: Maxi Skirts
The seasonless staple no one saw coming? An ankle-grazing skirt. First, we saw floral, boho versions on the spring/summer ‘22 runways, then on JLo (she opted for a patchwork denim situation), and now across the fall/winter ‘22 runways courtesy of Altuzarra, Jason Wu, Ulla Johnson, and more. From pleats and prints to pleather, the more material, the better. Buy one now for the spring that you can transition into the fall with the easy addition of leather boots and tights. Photo: Courtesy of Ulla Johnson.
Mara Hoffman Alejandra Skirt, $, available at Shopbop
Farm Rio Mixed Prints Maxi Skirt, $, available at Farm Rio
Free People Kenny Set, $, available at Free People
Maje Printed Cotton Voile Skirt, $, available at Maje
Madewell Plus Pull-On Tiered Maxi Skirt, $, available at Madewell
NYFW Fall 2022 Trend: Black-And-White Fashion
While post-pandemic fashion is embracing a sensory-loaded kaleidoscope of colors, the most basic pairing of black and white has been an unexpected source of creative inspiration for some designers. And in the hands of Lemaire, Alaïa, and Khaite, it’s anything but boring. Photo: Hanna Tveite/courtesy of Khaite.
Del Moment Wave Shirt, $, available at Del Moment
Everlane The Alpaca Waffle-Stitch Polo, $, available at Everlane
ASOS DESIGN Slim 90s Shoulder Bag, $, available at ASOS
Mara Hoffman Amy Dress, $, available at Mara Hoffman
EB Denim Two Toned Pant, $, available at Revolve
NYFW Fall 2022 Trend: Blanket Scarves
As we gleefully abandon quarantine life, there are parts of it that, according to designers like Brandon Maxwell and Gabriela Hearst, we might want to consider taking with us. Blanket shawls (à la Lenny Kravitz), extravagant scarves draped over coats, and hooded ponchos — the opening look for Kenzo — evoked the comforts of couch life in a high-fashion setting. It’s the next best thing to wearing your favorite throw.
Photo: Greg Kessler/courtesy of Brandon Maxwell.
Cult Gaia Izzie Knit Cardigan, $, available at Cult Gaia
Thakoon Chunky Scarf Turtleneck Sweater, $, available at Thakoon
Holzweiler Aster Check Hafnon Scarf, $, available at Holzweiler
Nap Loungewear Goatherd Camel Hair Wrap Coat, $, available at Nap Loungewear
Mango Vest with Side Opening, $, available at Mango
NYFW Fall 2022 Trend: Big Belt Energy
Since we’re no longer legally bound to our sofas 24-7, the vibe for outerwear — at least if NYFW has anything to say about it — is go big or go home. Not only did bouclé coats (Deveaux, Zero + Maria Cornejo) and voluminous jacket silhouettes (The Row, Alaïa) take center stage, but Tory Burch, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, and Proenza Schouler designed belts to be worn over it all for a little extra winter oomph.
Photo: Courtesy of Tory Burch.
Zara Stretch Belt, $, available at Zara
Hobo Embrace Belt, $, available at Hobo
Gianfranco Ferre Wide Leather Waist Belt, $, available at TheRealReal
Gap Classic Belt, $, available at Gap
Eloquii Wide Waist Bow Belt, $, available at Eloquii
NYFW Fall 2022 Trend: Suiting
The return to the office means a return to the power suit, and the options are bigger and better than ever. Sharp shoulders, oversized fits, and vintage shades of grays, browns, and, yes, black, are very much in, with the likes of Proenza Schouler and Paco Rabanne hopping on board this trend train. Meanwhile, Sergio Hudson and Christian Siriano offered options in electrifying shades of green and blue, respectively.Photo: Dan Lecca/courtesy of Sergio Hudson.
Storets Brianna Oversized Handkerchief Blazer, $, available at Storets
H&M Dress Pants, $, available at H&M
COS Single-Breasted Wool Blazer, $, available at COS
Maeve Oversized Button-Up Shirt, $, available at 11 Honore
The Frankie Shop Bea Boxy Blazer, $, available at The Frankie Shop
NYFW Fall 2022 Trend: Distressed Clothing
The Tumblr girl aesthetic is back, as is its affinity for ripped knees and distressed sweaters. Eckhaus Latta brought this mood to the runway by returning to the sliced-up appeal of pieces it debuted a decade ago. Altuzarra’s cropped sweaters also featured frayed edges, and Dion Lee dabbled in loosely threaded knits. Photo: Madison Voelkel/courtesy of Eckhaus Latta.
Sinéad O’Dwyer Exclusive Black Spiral Tights, $, available at SSENSE
Andersson Bell Pink Gradation Sweater, $, available at SSENSE
J.ING Dailyn Unisex 1pc Black Ripped Oversized Sweater, $, available at J.ING
BDG Skylar High-Waisted Baggy Jean – Deconstructed, $, available at Urban Outfitters
PSC Colorful Jumper, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
NYFW Fall 2022 Trend: Headgear Reimagined
From bonnets and baseball caps to balaclavas and beyond, designers are paying special attention to what’s happening around people’s heads. There were fuzzy hoodies at Christian Cowan, leather hats at Coach, Batsheva even made the case for an Ikea bag as a form of headgear. If it stays in place around your face, go for it.
Photo: Courtesy of Christian Cowan.
Jakke Hattie Bucket Hat, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
A.L.C. Daniel Baseball Cap, $, available at A.L.C
Shrimps Blue Bram Bonnet, $, available at SSENSE
Echo Dramatic Oversized Faux Fur Balaclava, $, available at Echo
Maje Knit Collar with Hood, $, available at Maje
NYFW Fall 2022 Trend: Regency-era Tops
The ripple effect of the Bridgerton boom is still being felt across the fashion industry, with corsets and high-necks continuing to pop up in shows and on social feeds alike. The puff sleeve is especially popular, with House of Aama, Paco Rabanne, Puppets and Puppets, and Markarian incorporating a hefty dose of arm drama and corset-inspired detailing into their collections. Photo: Courtesy of House of Aama.
Isabel Marant Jen Floral-Print Ruched Puff-Sleeve Blouse, $, available at Neiman Marcus
Collina Strada Chick Cardio Princess Top, $, available at Collina Strada
Dôen Jemma Top, $, available at Dôen
Ganni Cotton Shirt, $, available at Ganni
Pink City Prints Raspberry Vine Florence Blouse, $, available at Pink City Prints
NYFW Fall 2022 Trend: Lapels Made Lavish
Get ready to fluff things up when it comes to your outdoor attire. Coach, Helmut Lang, Hardware LDN, LaQuan Smith, and Proenza Schouler adorned jacket lapels with eye-catching, fur-like accents that’ll actually get you excited about going out into the cold. Meanwhile, Tibi added second collars to otherwise-classic shirts and coats.Photo: Jonas Gustavsson/courtesy of Proenza Schouler.
Reformation Lester Coat, $, available at Reformation
Zara Warm Wool Premium Coat, $, available at Zara
& Other Stories Faux Fur Collar Coat, $, available at & Other Stories
ASOS LUXE Vinyl Trench Coat with Faux Fur Trim, $, available at ASOS
Maximilian Curly Sherpa Collar Trench Coat, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
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