The results are in: New York Fashion Week did not disappoint.
The biggest trend of all for fall? Taking in all the collections to hit this year’s runway, it could very well be a classic and classicly underrated earth tone. Then again, tons of designers proved that playful, well-placed details are about to be everywhere. This fall and winter will also be an opportunity to layer like never before. And keeping with the times, couture and comfy will finally collide.
Whether it’s ultra-trendy or uniquely timeless, upcoming 2022 trends offer up forward-thinking and fun-loving looks in harmony. From futuristic prints to retro fabrics you thought would never return, designers delivered many elements of surprise. They also gave us versatile looks that can cleverly carry over for spring and summer. So let’s get to the catwalk and see what’s in store.
Confidence never goes out of style, but a little fashion experimenting couldn’t hurt. Whether you try these trends or not, wearing what feels true to you is always a good look.
The Cinched Waist
Fall is always a time for layers, but designers are focusing on adding structure to autumnal staples in various ways this year. For instance, pair a voluminous skirt or a long trench coat with a bold, waist-cinching belt. Or try the same trick atop your puffiest coat.
During New York Fashion Week, belts of all varieties emerged as a major trend. Designers’ main focus was drawing attention to the waist in dramatic and inventive ways, no matter the means. So start sinching.
It’s All About Brown
From interior design to fashion trends, brown has been having a magnificent resurgence in recent years. As colors go, it may also prove to be this year’s biggest street style star. Fashionista.com has declared “brown is the new beige.” So fully lean into this moment. From creamy chocolate to toned-down taupe, any hue will do. Just find your perfect shade (or many shades) of brown and hit the town.
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Bustiers and Corsets
Take a deep breath, ladies. And then blame Bridgerton, if you’d like. Thanks in large part to binge-worthy period pieces, boned undergarments began their comeback in 2021 and continued to tighten their grip. Flash forward to 2022 NYFW, this shapely trend is back with an elegant vengeance.
With fall and winter in mind, corsets and bustiers were layered and laced up all over the runway. Chances are, they’ll be coming to a city near you very soon. If they haven’t already, that is.
Statement Pink
When it comes to NYC street fashion, hot pink is hot again. But as we learned during fashion week, it’s all about using this sizzling pop of color wisely whilst making a bold statement. From Michael Kors to Carolina Herrera, countless designers were trying on Elle Wood’s signature power color for size. This fall and winter, so should you.
Layered Sheers
If it’s sheer, it’s in this year. Sheer dresses, skirts, shirts, and sleeves = sheer perfection. Eckhaus Latta, Kim Shui, and Christian Siriano all seemingly agree. Obviously, this trend might not be the most-fall or winter friendly by itself. But it’s a wonderful opportunity to layer your look in chic and creative ways. Then come spring, you can evolve your look with the same sheer pieces.
Head Turning Tweed
2022 will be the year of mixing and mingling textures. Making it the retro splash almost no one saw coming, tweed is on the up and up. Mark my words on this one. Prabal Gurung, Dauphinette, LaQuan Smith, Dion Lee, and Christian Cowan were some of the biggest names to put their unique spin on this wooly, twilly trend. And now, it’s your turn.
Micro Minis
If you’re a fan of your legs, you’re in luck! This year’s trends aren’t just about striking a pose in a striking look, they’re all about striking a balance in extremes. This one’s no exception, but designers gave us some exceptional ways to pair it. To even out all the oversized coats, blouses, bags, and blazers in 2022, the micro-mini will be trending heavily this fall and winter. Just don’t forget the tights!
Day Sequins
Sparkle and shimmer are no longer just for special occasions or evening outings. Sequin-covered pieces and glitzy accessories have made their way from the runway to the streets. Sure, Bronx and Banco stuck strictly to cocktail dresses and party attire, but designers like Carolina Herrera and Altuzarra offered up glittery details for everyday wear. And I’m not mad about it!
Belts For Fun Rather Than Function
If you happen to have some early 2000 belts tucked away somewhere, break them out, fashionista. Thanks to major names in fashion like Collina Strada, Peter Do, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Tory Burch, Altuzarra, the unthinkable has happened. Fun belts are trending again.
As noted, sinching proved to be a breakout trend on the runway. In turn, belts became equally as buzzworthy. And yes, I’m talking rope belts, chain belts, belly chains, and studded belts with dripping jewels that dangle almost to the floor.
Stacked Skirts
In the world of fashion, skirts tend to be consistently straightforward, rarely evolving into something we haven’t seen before. But the tides are turning and twirling these days. At NYFW, layered looks were all the rage, especially when it came to layering skirts on top of skirts. Try pairing a long, slinky skirt with a shorter asymmetrical number. Or put a pencil skirt under a flowy maxi for a futuristic fit.
Oversized Bags
If you like to throw your entire life into your bag and go, I come bearing good news. Big bags are back in a big way! Most notably, the oversized shoulder bag has already started swallowing its teeny tiny competition in one fashion capital after another. So stuff that thing to the gills and strut your stuff!
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Showing a Little Shoulder
Fashion forecasts had already predicted that shoulder-friendly looks will be in for Spring, Fall, and Winter. Almost every designer at fashion week confirmed that a hint of skin will be in. From slinky off-the-shoulder dresses to form-fitting tops with just one sleeve, each look proved that less will be more this year in a variety of ways; you just need to show a little shoulder.
Cropped Jackets
Long jackets are certainly not out, but cropped jackets are about to be more fashionable than ever. So get ready for the fall and don’t knock a cropped look until you’ve tried it. After all, cropped jackets are a great way to play with your proportions and show off the all-too-often seen parts of your cooler than cool, wintery attire.
In need of some inspiration? Here are 89 cropped jacket ideas for 2022.
Couture Crochet
Thanks to designers like Gabriela Hearst, Batsheva, Elena Velez, Ulla Johnson, clothes that look and feel handmade are no longer just for DIY projects or eternally thrifty looks. Officially, crochet and knit pieces have been woven into the high-fashion tapestry. Here’s where to snag this 2022 fashion trend on a budget, compliments of Femmestella.
Feathers
Last season, looks that subtly incorporated a feather here and there certainly flocked together. This time around, however, feathers weren’t just for adding flair; they were frequently the focal point. Soft, fluttery, and edgier than ever, designers like Bronx and Banco, Christian Cowan, and Lisa Von Tang elevated feathers to stunning heights.
Trench Coats
In my book, trench coats never go out of style. Season after season, they’re the perfect transitional piece. And because they’re such a timeless addition to any wardrobe, New York designers took a stab at creating something truly new out of the old, familiar trench. From silky white to worn leather or dark florals, trench coats are officially boundless this year. So if you’re feeling a trench coat, look for one with meta-pizazz.
Dressed Down Evening Gowns
In the mood to play dress-up again? Here’s your chance, glamour goddess. As we all know, fashion week is never complete without sensational collections of jaw-dropping dresses. This year, the trend will be mixing in low-key, seemingly casual details to bring that over-the-top gown back down to earth. Again, it’s all about balance (in extremes).
Hand Drawn Prints
If you see a print that looks like you could’ve drawn it yourself, it’s probably going to be trending this fall/winter. Collina Strada, Dauphinette, Colin Locascio, Simon Miller all debuted designs that will make you miss your crayons, but in the coolest, funkiest ways.
Bright Monochrome
You don’t need to work in an office to work a bright monochrome suit. This trend is incredibly versatile and appropriate for any occasion. Just ask designers like Gabriela Hearst. If you’re not into bulky blazers or sharp pantsuits, monochrome looks with spunky blouses, sleek skirt sets, and puffer vests will do the trick.
If you’re not ready to step out in full-on saturated brights, it’s okay to ease into this look piece by piece. But do give it a try this fall/winter.
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