We’ll always savor long summer days, but, as autumn grows near, we welcome the mood shift — and cooler days — with open arms. The biggest fall 2022 trends have much to offer as we move from swimwear and sundresses in favor of chunky loafers and cozy layers.
From preppy wares to workwear-inspired standouts, there is something to satisfy all tastes and shopping impulses. A subversive attitude transpired in many designer collections from New York to Paris, offering a refreshingly rebellious take on closet staples. Think: deconstructed knits, re-worked tailoring, and lots of leather in the form of S&M and biker-style silhouettes. Similarly, a futuristic wave rippled through fashion month’s four cities with gritty, punk undertones influencing denim, dresses, cargos, and more. Plus, the official induction of the catsuit as a fearless approach to all-in-one dressing and trippy trompe l’oeil prints.
A flapper-era opulence emerged on the more glamorous end of the spectrum; rhinestones, sequins, and crystal-decked designs proved both extravagant yet effortless in tandem with everyday blazers and boots and the ultimate in glamour when worn in their scintillating glory. Outerwear underwent the extra treatment, too, from floor-grazing dusters to ultra-oversized puffers and supersized faux fur destined for statement-making days.
As for fall’s boot du jour, get ready for the over-the-knee revival to pair with the season’s micro-minis, ranging from classic block-heels to second-skin silhouettes doused in color and rugged moto styles. And while skin-baring Y2K-style dresses and skirts remain a fixture, prepare for maxi hemlines, spanning full-volume designs to slinky ’90s style shapes, to lure you in this season.
Ahead, a deeper breakdown of fall’s biggest fashion trends for 2022, complete with an edit to shop.
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Lots of Leather
Leather undergoes a daring refresh this fall, as S&M and biker-style pieces emerged (see: bucked and overly strappy shapes like at Khaite, Versace, and Roberto Cavalli), as well as sleek and tailored head-to-toe looks in elegant neutrals and vibrant colors (Tod’s, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, and Sergio Hudson), offering slick options for even the most edge-aversed. Photo: Courtesy of Khaite.
Nasty Gal Faux Leather Croc Embossed Oversized Blazer, $, available at Nasty Gal
Lita by Ciara Lace-Up Leather Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
FP Collection | Free People Rebel Leather Harness, $, available at Free People
Not-So-Prim Prep
While tennis, golf, and country clubcore aesthetics have ruled spring and summer, fall ushers in an edgier version of prep. The new vibe, led by Miu Miu and Rokh, puts a fresh twist on classics from pleated skirts and blazers to varsity staples like bombers and knits via luxe touches like leather and faux fur. Plus, asymmetrical and cropped cuts in the mix for added modernity and playfulness. Photo: Courtesy of Miu Miu.
O’Dolly Dearest Pleated Miniskirt, $, available at Nordstrom
Apparis APPARIS Tierra Vegan Leather Bomber Jacket, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Aritzia Assembly Sweater, $, available at Aritzia
Deconstructed Staples
With a rebellious tone often teetering into a raver aesthetic, tattered knits, disheveled denim, and frayed fishes appeared as more than mere accents but, instead, focal-point pieces styled head-to-toe, as seen at Acne Studios, Eckhaus Latta, Dion Lee, and Elena Velez. Consider these capsule closet staples 2.0.Photo: Madison Voelkel/Eckhaus Latta.
Eckhaus Latta Baggy Jean, $, available at Eckhaus Latta
R13 Distressed Oversized Sweater, $, available at FWRD
The Source Unknown Open Blazer, $, available at The Source Unknown
Extra Outerwear
Think beyond function with your fall outerwear. This season’s coats are made to make a serious statement as floor-grazing dusters, ultra-oversized puffers, and supersize faux fur and teddy coats reign. Look at the runways of Courrèges, Coperni, and Rick Ownes for proof. Photo: Courtesy of Coperni.
The Frankie Shop Anei Alpaca Coat, $, available at The Frankie Shop
Aritzia Laramie puffer, $, available at Aritzia
Missguided Missguided Plus faux leather trench coat in black, $, available at ASOS
Catsuits
After a gradual accession over the past few seasons, catsuits ranging from knitted to sheer and leather iterations (Dior, Hermès, Stella McCartney showed some of the best) are the ultimate conversation piece as fall’s fresh take on all-in-one dressing.Photo: Courtesy of Dior.
Marine Serre Moon Catsuit, $, available at Marine Serre
Norma Kamali Norma Kamali Long Sleeve Turtleneck Skull Cap Catsuit, $, available at FWRD
Brielle Velvet Burnout Catsuit, $, available at Brielle Belle
Slick Sportswear
Tailoring sees a modern and minimal approach for back-to-the-office dressing this fall, from cinched and spliced blazers like at Brandon Maxwell, Erdem, and Peter Do to timeless shapes deftly combined with plunging and cut-out shapes for a sultry skin show, like at LaQuan Smith.Photo: Courtesy of LaQuan Smith.
Nomia Cutout Drawcord Blazer, $, available at Nomia
COS Wide Leg Trousers, $, available at COS
Tibi Celia Drape Stella Pant, $, available at Tibi
Over-The-Knee Boots
Your favorite aughts-era boots are back, from thigh-skimming styles with a motocross edge to second-skin fits in bright colors and buttery-soft leather versions with timeless stiletto and block heels. Khaite, Victoria Beckham, and Isabel Marant debuted standout versions. Photo: Courtesy of Isabel Marant.
Staud Aimee Boot, $, available at Staud
Schutz Guily Up Over-The-Knee Boots, $, available at Nordstrom
Brother Vellies OTK Brandy Boot, $, available at Brother Vellies
Flapper-Era Opulence
From New York to Paris, shimmer, sequins, and rhinestones stood out from event-worthy attire (Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Sacai, and Miu Miu) to dialed-up daily wares like suits and denim (Cinq à Sept, Dries Van Noten, and PatBo).Photo: Dan Lecca and Jonas Gustavsson/PatBo
Zara RHINESTONE BOMBER LIMITED EDITION, $, available at Zara
H&M Sequined Dress with Fringe Hem, $, available at H&M
River Island Silver sequin flared trousers, $, available at River Island
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