what to wear
Written By Hallie Abrams
Fall/Winter trends and why they’re important
Let’s do a quickie lesson on why, even if you’re not a “trendy” person it’s helpful to know about what is trending style wise. The last thing I ever want my clients or readers to feel is that they need to chase every trend that is out there. Chasing anything, but especially trends is a horrible feeling. It’s like the horse running around the track trying to catch the carrot that is dangling in front of them but never quite gaining any ground. Just to repeat I DO NOT ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO CHASE TRENDS.
However, empowering yourself with the knowledge about what is trending, that can be important. Why? Because, then you know what is trending, you can pay attention to the trends that are gaining traction And more importantly, pay attention to the trends that resonate with you.
There will always be trends that are a hard pass for you. Maybe because it doesn't align with your personal style. (Which BTW, do you know what your personal style even is? Take my easy style quiz to find out). And maybe what’s trending doesn’t flatter your body shape. Or is not in sync with your current life roles. Those are all important factors to keep in mind.
And, also, perhaps there are ways to incorporate pieces and parts of those trends into your wardrobe to help you feel modern and current, without being over the top trendy. There is a fine line between looking like you’re trying too hard and slapping every trend on your body at once AND looking like you’re stuck in a previous decade. Both fashion and style evolve over time, and it is the subtle infusion of trends that allows one to look timeless yet current.
So instead of looking at this as a mandate about what you need to wear or buy for this next dual season (meaning fall/winter). Rather approach it as an FYI. My personal cheat sheet for you about what is trending, and how to integrate it into your current wardrobe.
Leather
A trend that often accompanies the cooler weather is leather. And it’s been seen on the runways season after season as well. The big difference for 2022/23 is that this season there is a lot of leather on leather. Meaning a leather jacket AND pants. That’s the new twist.
You are going to see anything and everything when it comes to leather… tops, jacket, pants, shorts, suits, dresses and leather accents too. The good news is that it does not need to be genuine leather in order for it to feel current. We’ve come a long way from pleather, baby. The new versions of “vegan” leather aka, fake leather, are all kinds of supple. So your pocket book will be happy too, because faux leather generally comes at a better price point than its genuine leather counterpart.
On the runways we saw tank tops and miniskirts from Bottega Veneta. And designers like Miu Miu, Alaïa, Khaite, Versace, Alexander McQueen, and Acne showed a ton of leather on leather layering for this fall/winter season.
Alexander Mcqueen + Bottega Veneta
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White Tank Tops
The popularity of the white tank top skyrocketed this year. It’s an easy piece to wear and add to your wardrobe that will have a lot of impact. These tank tops are not exercise tops. They’re more of a ribbed tank. Like the kind my grandpa used to wear under his dress shirts. In the 90’s they went by a name that is now politically incorrect with the initials WB, probably because they were worn by men in movies that were not nice to their wives.
The silhouette of this white tank is important because it balances the volume we are seeing in pants and skirts these days. It goes back to my fashion rule of ONE. Where in order for an outfit to look proportional ONE part needs to be looser and ONE part tighter. Think about it, ribbed tank and skinny jeans (that is a silhouette stuck in the early aughts). But a ribbed tank and a wide leg trouser - that is current and fabulous!
From a celeb standpoint we’ve seen Hailey Bieber, and Gabrielle Union rock this trend. And on the runways, this little white tank took center stage as shows such as Prada, Chloe and Bottega Veneta.
Chloe + Prada
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Maxi Skirts, Dresses and Even Jackets
In terms of hemlines, we are seeing maxi and micro mini’s (thank you Y2K) becoming a thing. However, IMHO the part I found most alluring and also easiest to incorporate with maximum impact is the long jacket or duster.
Maxi skirts and dresses are often resigned to the warmer months (probably because of practicality - who wants their skirt to drag in the snow). But this season try a maxi with a heeled or high boot. It can feel cool and modern.
And if you’re more of a jeans/pants person, try the maxi trend with a long sweater or jacket. The hem does not need to drag on the ground. But it should ideally be below your knees and close(ish) to your ankles.
For you petite folks worried about being too short, let me say this… Try it. You might be surprised. Often, having a longer line from shoulder to hem can create visual length and stature - you’d be pleasantly shocked.
Generally, when hemlines go one way - either up or down - they tend to stay there for a bit, so feel comfortable that this won’t be a flash in the pan trend.
Fashion houses like Burberry and Emilio Pucci showed the maxi length as a dominant feature on their runways.
Burberry + Emilio Pucci
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Hot Pink
Hot pink - it’s everywhere! It’s fashion's color of the year. Not the official Pantone color, but more a product of TikTok’s much-discussed Barbiecore trend. And while you may not wear it head to toe like you’re seeing on social media, adding a pop of hot pink can make you both happy (think Dopamine Dressing) and current. Even adding a hot pink sweater over the shoulder of my all black outfit had a positive effect.
On the fall ‘22 runways, particularly the Valentino show, pink reigned supreme.
Molly Goddard + Versace + Valentino
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Oversized Button Ups
Oversized and re-worked button-down shirts have become a modern goto for the stylish set. What used to feel slightly masculine now has a borrowed from the boys, sexy, feminine appeal. There is something about the slouchy, effortless nature of these tops that make them work for all ages and sizes.
From a styling perspective, it is important to not get lost in the fabric. So make sure there is balance and proportion with the rest of the outfit. A tuck or a tie at the waist, a slimmer pant, or showing some skin are all ways to achieve that balance.
Balmain, Fendi and The Row all highlighted oversized bottonups on the runway this year.
Jacquemus Le Manteau + The Row
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Cargo Pants
Personally, this is my least favorite trend. Possibly because I’ve already been there and done that. But also because the pockets on the cargo pants feel too busy and draw attention to my less favorite body parts. That being said, I may be convinced in the future but for now, there are many other trends I’m happy to adopt. And I’ll leave the cargos to someone else.
Both Isabel Marant (who I LOVE) and Dior went strong with cargos at their fall shows. This is one of those hard passes for me personally. I tried it, as you can see with the pink cargos. And it just did not light me up. That is just for me personally. I could see someone else in cargos and think it’s amazeballs! So if this trend speaks to you, go for it. AND tag me in your pics, so I can be slightly green with envy that someone else can pull it off.
Isabel Marant + Dior
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Puddle Pants
Trousers are not anything new, although since I stopped working in an office, they’ve not really been on my radar. However, this style is trending with off duty looks as well, big time. A wide leg, slouchy trouser is being paired with sneakers and chunkier boots for a really cool, casual yet finished look. And the hemlines are going maxi, as in bug time puddling. That’s why they're called puddle pants.
Even if you’re not into the very exaggerated puddle hem, keep in mind that pant lengths are getting longer. THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT CROPPED AND ANKLE PANTS ARE OUT. It does mean, though, that when you get a new pair of pants, trousers or jeans, to think about keeping the length below the ankle and seeing how it feels. The way a wardrobe truly becomes versatile is by having items in different shapes and silhouettes that can mix, match and change things up. If it is all the same, all of the time, it becomes boring.
I could name every designer that had a F/W ‘22 show, because they all featured a longer trouser. Tory Burch, Stella McCartney, Max Mara and Saint Laurent are a few that stood out.
Saint Laurent+ Max Mara
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Suiting
As a woman that grew up watching Working Girl, I am a suit lover at heart. So I’m rejoicing at the plethora of suiting options available these days. For the last decade it has been torture finding suiting options for my clients. It was like Brooks Brothers or bust, so as a personal stylist I needed to get really creative. My clients that needed to wear suits for work, wanted details, femininity and interest. I am happy to say, my job has gotten a little easier (on this front) because it’s all available now. And at all price points as well.
Houses like Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Etro and Khaite lead the charge when it came to suits on the runway.
Etro + Khaite
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Embellishments
Sparkle is no longer reserved for the holidays or parties. This trend has been gaining traction the last few years. I think it’s in response to the pandemic and wearing sweats 24/7. As well as a carpe diem, attitude to dressing for joy. And embellishments absolutely, positively, 100% make everything feel more special.
So it can be an embellished t-shirt, suit or co*cktail dress - it’s all ok. Even more than ok, it’s GREAT!
Miu Miu showed crystal encrusted sheer dresses that are to die for! I’m hearing it’s on the top of all the fashion girls holiday wish lists.
Dior + Mui Mui
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Western
Something I have been seeing absolutely everywhere for Fall is western pieces. Cowboy boots, a big western belt, denim on denim, and even the big hats. As you know, this isn’t my normal style, but something about this trend feels really cool. A cowboy boot with a long dress, for example, is totally up my alley! This trend really adds a fun and modern feel to any outfit. Plus, I’ve seen some really fabulous and subtle cowboy boots that I have recommended to clients.
The western theme is always a big hit on runways like Isabel Marant and Etro, but so many other brands played with this trend for Fall 2022 runways. Prada was a surprising one and even Khaite!
Isabel Marant + Etro
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Fall FashionWinter Fashionfashion trendsleatherhot pinksuitingwhite tank topsmaxi skirtsmaxi dressesoversized button-upspuddle pantscargo pants
Hallie Abrams
Greetings, fashion aficionados! As a seasoned expert in the realm of style and fashion, my extensive experience in the industry allows me to delve into the intricate details of the latest trends with unparalleled depth. I've closely observed the evolution of fashion over the years, keeping a keen eye on runway shows, designer collections, and the pulse of the ever-changing style landscape.
Now, let's dissect the Fall/Winter trends highlighted in Hallie Abrams' insightful article on what to wear:
-
Leather on Leather Trend:
- A recurring theme with the onset of cooler weather is the prevalence of leather, but the 2022/23 twist involves pairing leather jackets with leather pants. This trend spans various clothing items, from tops and jackets to pants, shorts, suits, dresses, and even leather accents.
- Notably, the use of "vegan" or faux leather has gained traction, providing a supple alternative at a more affordable price point.
-
White Tank Tops:
- White tank tops have surged in popularity, distinct from exercise tops and reminiscent of the ribbed tanks popularized in the '90s. The key lies in the silhouette, balancing the volume in contemporary pants and skirts.
-
Maxi Skirts, Dresses, and Jackets:
- The article emphasizes the emergence of maxi and micro mini hemlines, with a particular focus on long jackets or dusters. It suggests experimenting with maxi skirts paired with heeled or high boots for a modern touch.
-
Hot Pink Trend:
- Hot pink takes center stage as the fashion color of the year, influenced by TikTok's Barbiecore trend. While wearing it head to toe is an option, incorporating a pop of hot pink, such as a sweater, can infuse a sense of happiness and contemporaneity.
-
Oversized Button-Ups:
- Oversized and re-worked button-down shirts are highlighted as a modern go-to with a borrowed-from-the-boys, sexy, feminine appeal. Achieving balance and proportion in styling is crucial, and fashion houses like Balmain, Fendi, and The Row showcased this trend on the runway.
-
Cargo Pants:
- Cargo pants make a return, with designers like Isabel Marant and Dior featuring them prominently in their fall shows. While the author expresses personal reservations, acknowledging that trends may resonate differently for each individual, cargo pants are presented as a viable option for those who connect with the trend.
-
Puddle Pants:
- The article introduces the concept of "puddle pants," referring to wide-leg, slouchy trousers with exaggerated hemlines. This style is particularly popular for off-duty looks, paired with sneakers and chunky boots.
-
Suiting:
- Suits have made a comeback, offering a plethora of options for women with details, femininity, and interest. Designers such as Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Etro, and Khaite lead the charge in showcasing diverse suiting options on the runway.
-
Embellishments:
- Sparkle and embellishments are no longer confined to holiday wear. The trend has gained momentum as a response to the pandemic, reflecting a "carpe diem" attitude towards dressing for joy. Designers like Dior and Miu Miu showcased crystal-encrusted sheer dresses on the runway.
-
Western Theme:
- Western-inspired pieces, including cowboy boots, big western belts, denim on denim, and large hats, have become prevalent for Fall. This unexpected trend adds a fun and modern touch to outfits, as seen in runways like Isabel Marant, Etro, and even Prada.
In conclusion, staying informed about fashion trends allows individuals to make informed choices, selectively incorporating elements that resonate with their personal style, body shape, and lifestyle. While the article discourages blindly chasing trends, it encourages leveraging trend knowledge to curate a wardrobe that is both timeless and current.
