Even though the humidity is at an all-time high here in the UAE and we’re still experiencing those summer desert temperatures, crisp Autumn air with leaves starting to fall can only exist in our imaginations right now.
It is officially Autumn/Winter 2022 season and of course with that comes a new set of fashion trends trickling down from the designer catwalks and hitting the high-street stores quicker than that first leaf falling off a deciduous tree.
So get ready to layer up as cosy season is back – here are some of the top AW22 trends in the fashion stratosphere to look out for in stores and online.
Pink
Pink is certainly a timeless colour which always makes an impact and particularly now with the highly anticipated Barbie movie set to hit cinemas next year. In fact, Valentino dedicated their entire catwalk show to the vivid hue during Fashion Week this year and even patented their own shade – the PP Pink – which is a bright shade of fuchsia. Pink is hot this season and the colour to be seen in - in all of it’s wonderful hues.
Corsets
These waist-cinching accessories make a comeback every few seasons – we can thank Bridgerton’s Regencycore for this year’s revival. In addition, corsets seem to be having a moment on TikTok. Thanks to Gen Z’s love of the waist-cincher, #CorsetTok has over 5.6 billion views on TikTok and is proving a powerful influence on the catwalk. This season in particular sees corsets teamed with knits, roll-necks, crop tops, coats, and dresses. Also, expect to see corseted waists built into dresses as a major Autumn/Winter trend.
Birkenstock Boston Clogs
In case you haven’t noticed – an unexpected shoe style has become the ‘it-shoe’ of the Autumn. The Birkenstock Boston’s have cool-chick written all over them, have gone viral on TikTok and are absolutely everywhere – including on the feet of celebrities from Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber and Kristen Stewart to Hilary Duff, Ashley Olsen and even Kanye West. I’ve been on the hunt for my size, which currently seem to be sold out everywhere, (showing the power of TikTok virality) as I appreciate the comfort and value of Birkenstocks plus I’m eager to style them up with wide legged jeans and/or trousers, comfy socks and a neutral top – which seems to be the standard uniform akin to the clogs.
Plain White Tank
Basic? Yes. Wardrobe staple? Absolutely. Who knew this classic piece would be one of the ‘it’ items for A/W22! Perhaps a nod to the 1990’s and early 2000’s when simple white tanks were everywhere, as leading designers including Chloé, Bottega Veneta and Prada perused all over the simple top when A/W22 looks were showcased at the beginning of this year. What I love about this trend and catapulting the simple tank into a must-have – is that it is completely affordable and looks great paired with jeans, trousers and skirts.
Cowboy Boots
Dust off your Western nostalgia because western style has reached a fever pitch. From fringing and suede to cow-prints and denim – Western-inspired fashion is big news right now. Everyone from celebrities to street-style influencers are slipping into the cowboy boot and pairing them with printed floral midi-dresses, jeans and denim cut-offs. Be prepared to see these everywhere.
The Micro-Mini Skirt
The late 90’s and early noughties are still having a massive influence on the fashion set with the micro-mini up there as a firm favourite and here to stay after being seemingly buried in the Y2K archives – (lets just hope visible thong strings and low-rise jeans stay in said archives!). Super-short hems dominated the A/W22 catwalk shows plus current TikTok feeds, with fashion designers (plus high-street retailers) fully on-board to satisfy customer’s penchants for past nostalgia and the desire to show some skin. There seems to be a general feeling that women want to feel sexy again after being comfortable for the past few years in loungewear.
The Babydoll Dress
Another Y2K staple making a comeback is the Babydoll dress – circa Paris Hilton era. With those unmistakable statement puff-sleeves, the dress oozes cuteness and femininity in one. For those chillier UAE winter days, pair them with tights and chunky boots. These dresses also look great glammed up with a killer pair of heels.
Sheen and Sparkle
Who says sequins are only for the Festive season? Shiny materials took over the AW22 catwalks with designers showing a myriad of styles in iridescent sequin sparkles, glitter metallics, crystal mesh and oversized paillettes amongst others. Expect to see sequins and sparkly metallics in shades of silver, gold and black this Autumn, which will tie nicely in with the upcoming festive season.