…not a lot really!!!
Well of course, there’s lot of fabulous new clothing in store, but in terms of new trends for the coming season, much of it is familiar. There’s many a throwback from 70s, 80s, 90s and now the noughties have been rehashed for the present time. Proving that fashion is indeed cyclical.
On trend once again are statement collars, blouson sleeves, pussy bows and cut-outs from the 70s. There’s 80s power-dressing with oversized tailoring, cocktail dresses and chunky costume jewellery. From the 90s we have halter-neck tops, bias-cut slip skirts and leather blazers. And now the 00s are back with boot-cut jeans and (gulp) low-slung waists!!!
In fact most of what’s ‘on trend’ this coming season you will have seen before and most probably will have worn before. Combat trousers à la All Saints anyone? Grunge-style DMs and dresses? Preppy balloon-leg trousers? Yes – we’ve all been there… Some trends we would rather forget and are best left to Gen Zs, but others it’s nice to welcome back with slight adaptations to keep things modern.
More than ever my advice is less buying, more styling. Quite often what keeps style current is how you wear it. There’s nothing more fun, in my opinion, than a good try-on session and having a play with what’s in your closet. The seasonal wardrobe-switch provides hours of fun rediscovering packed-away gems and styling them for the incoming new season. Or is that just me?
Undoubtably there are gaps to fill. And even the most curated, capsule wardrobe needs an injection of something shiny and new. So here’s 5 key trends for AW22 that will instantly update your wardrobe – and more importantly go with everything else that’s already in it!
- Waistcoat
Wear it alone as a top, layer over a t-shirt or blouse, under a blazer or open over a dress for a more boho look. An androgynous piece, a waistcoat can offer sass or a more whimsical look. Along with oversized tailoring (see below), it’s hip and sexy all at once. Buy in a neutral colour and it will go with so many of your jeans, trousers and skirts. A simple, easy update!
Dress: Fat Face / Black Waistcoat: H&M / Beige Waistcoat: Zara / Trousers: M&S / Boots: Dr Martens Denim Waistcoat: Phase Eight / Boots: Mint Velvet
- Co-ord
If you purchase a co-ord this season – as in two pieces that co-ordinate together such as a shirt and trousers – it will undoubtably be your most hard-working wardrobe addition. Designed to look great together, the co-ord can be separated to wear with other items and the combinations can be endless. Plus if you opt for the patterned, satin variety it is not only comfortable (one step-up from PJs) but striking too.
Zebra Blouse: F&F Clothing / Zebra Trousers: F&F Clothing / Green Shirt: Zara / Green Trousers: Zara / Floral Shirt: Phase Eight / Floral Trousers: Phase Eight / Black Trainers: JD Williams / Gold Trainers: Mint Velvet
- Hot Pink
The appetite for pink has got stronger and stronger these last few seasons. But it feels like it’s reaching a pinnacle for AW22 with it’s most vibrant hue worn head-to-toe or combined with clashing colours like orange or red. If you don’t own a hot pink piece, then now’s the time to take the plunge and be as bold are you dare!
Knit: M&S / Dress: Jigsaw / Shoes: New Look / Blazer: John Lewis / Trainers: Office / Trousers: Zara
- Oversized Tailoring
If you already own an oversized blazer, this season you might like to add some oversized trousers to pair with it? Either wide-legs or balloon style – the more exaggerated the better! The mood is less City Slicker, more Annie Hall… but don’t stick to tweeds and neutrals, instead add some zing to your wardrobe and choose tailored pieces in Crayola colours.
Blue Blazer: Wallis / Blue Trousers: Wallis / Red Suit: Next / Green Blazer: H&M / Green Trousers: H&M / Trainers: White Stuff
- Leopard Print
Did it ever really go away? I think it lurked in the undergrowth for a season or two… but now it’s reared it’s head again! Universally accepted as a neutral, leopard returns to the forefront this AW. Wear it with everything – there’s nothing it won’t go with. Wear it head-to-toe; even clash your leopard prints! All Bet Lynch* connotations are well and truly out-dated.
Jumper: Mango / Shirt Dress: H&M / Jumpsuit: M&S / Bag: Oliver Bonas / Boots: Carl Scarpa / Skirt: Whistles
So which of the current trends do you already have in the back of your wardrobe?
If you’d like some tailored advice with your wardrobe – maybe how to restyle clothing you already own – please get in contact about my Personal Styling Services. I’d love to help!
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*iconic leopard print-wearing barmaid from Coronation St. (in the 80-90s)