With the changing season comes the chance to give your wardrobe a sartorial makeover and autumn’s latest drops will not disappoint. From Valentino’s eye-popping appliquéd spin on Barbiecore and Coperni’s much-hyped denim hybrid trousers to the chicest of silk scarves from Chanel and a pair of glittering Amina Muaddi pointy-toe pumps, fashion’s dream buys are big, bold and beautiful. Here, Flora Macdonald Johnston shares the new-season pieces and AW22 fashion trends she’s coveting this season.
The Sporty Beret
Gucci x Adidas
£345
One of the most exciting aspects of 2022 has been the collaborations between luxury and streetwear (Burberry x Supreme, Nike x Jacquemus…..). The glorious menagerie of high-low has made for some thrilling accessories – Adidas x Gucci’s fresh and playful take on the humble beret is a case in point.
The Leather Jacket
Louis Vuitton
£6,300
Is it a raincoat? Is it a flight jacket? I don’t care, it’s delicious. The slouchy frame and leather inserts of this Louis Vuitton jacket add a fresh aviation spin on the classic mackintosh. It also offers the best of both worlds – elemental protection and a chance to display your full outfit beneath.
The Backless Loafers
Hereu Studio
£338
Handmade in Spain, Hereu Studio’s penchant for making well-made leather shoes is undeniable – there’s a reason why they adorn editors’ feet at Fashion Weeks. These backless leather loafers are perfect for those not quite ready to commit to the chillier days of autumn just yet.
The Jazzy Ring
Bea Bongiasca
£1,100
Jewellery is moving away from minimalism with brands opting to clash colours in interesting pairings this season. Designer Bea Bongiasca is at the fore, fusing coloured gemstones with wiggly resin stems. Create your own shape combinations and colourways by stacking and adding.
The Flared Trousers
Coperni
£715
Coperni has taken traditional tailoring and ripped up the rule book. These denim hybrid trousers are the most hyped product of the season thanks to their slim fit and sudden vintage Levis flare, which makes for an incredibly flattering silhouette (even if it’s sartorially discombobulating). Style with boots and an oversized boyfriend shirt.
The Statement Sunglasses
Nanushka
£265
Whilst Nanushka are synonymous with their eco-conscious ready-to-wear, they make devilishly good sunglasses and all with bioplastic (a recycled form of acetate). This burnt orange pair has a 1960s vibe, but their thick arms keep it contemporary.
The Bold Heels
Amina Muaddi
£746
As the days get colder, get your happiness hit by sticking with bright, dopamine-inducing colours. Amina Muaddi’s bold pointy-toe pumps are super comfortable thanks to their martini glass-shaped heel and they’ll look oh-so-cool peeping out from the bottom of baggy low-slung cargo pants.
The Oversize Blazer
Acne Studios
£850
Acne has a knack for creating the ‘it’ blazer of the season – and they’ve encapsulated the mood we’re all after with their XXL boyish, boxy and oversized version – and that’s seriously cool looking comfort.
The Cowboy Boots
Aeyde
£572
Luisa Dames, founder of Berlin-based footwear label Aeyde, once told me she only ever makes a shoe if a woman can walk in them for 24 hours straight. Embracing this season’s Western trend, her new cowboy boot is highly stompable, while the colour palette of muted maroon and cream is suitably autumnal.
The Pearl Brooch
Pearl Octopuss.y
£164
Pearl Octopuss.y is redefining the realms of decorative jewellery. The ethos? Jewellery shouldn’t be confined to one place. Whilst a lapel is a fine place to wear a brooch, why not use this as an eccentric pearly cufflink? Now, that’s chic.
The Pink Dress
Valentino
£3,600
Barbiecore was arguably conceived at Valentino’s runway show earlier this year, which featured models in head-to-toe Valentino Pink PP, a custom shade created in collaboration with Pantone Color Institute. The eye-popping hue sent shockwaves of joy around the world but so too did the clothing. This dress with its perfectly squared shoulders, scallop neckline and applique flowers is high-octane in both glamour and fierceness.
The Silk Scarf
Chanel
£4,120
The classic printed silk scarf has long been ubiquitous in the chicest of wardrobes. The tried-and-tested accessory – always a favourite of Her Majesty the Queen – gets an update this season, with Chanel embellishing its ecru and navy version with twinkling jewels. Twist around a low bun for a chic hair accessory or style as a top beneath a trench or jacket.