Photographer, Lukasz Pukoweic; Creative Director, Natalie Brewster; Fashion, Sophie Henderson.

Welcome to the new season

As the start of a fresh fashion season, September is the new January when it comes to our wardrobes. After months of lounging on sunbeds in bikinis and sipping cocktails in summer dresses, the dawn of another season marks our style resolution moment.

For Autumn/Winter 2022, the catwalk’s focus was on freshness, positivity and injecting dopamine-inducing colour. A new wave of exciting, under-the-radar designers debuted their collections alongside established fashion houses, showing us the Y2K trend still reigns supreme and the tailoring trend is heading out of office. This gave way to an assortment of micro trends, from noughties-inspired hobo bags to boyfriend blazers and technicolour tailoring.

It’s time to shed your summer skin and adopt your armour for Autumn/Winter 2022 with our breakdown of this season’s must-know trends.

Best in Business

Our out-of-office email replies may feel like a distant memory, but working nine to five never felt so good with this season’s pared-back approach to girl boss dressing.

Oversized suiting is where the trend has its biggest impact, with wide-shouldered blazers defining collections at Balenciaga and KHAITE Give a modern twist to sartorial flair by pairing relaxed tailoring from KHAITE with wide-leg jeans and kitten heels.

The corporate-chic accessories capsule also gets a contemporary rework this season with BOYY’s oversized bags and colour-popping trainers à la LOEWE Time to head to the boardroom, or the bar – we won’t tell anyone.

Left: Sunglasses, Bottega Veneta; Top,Khaite; Jeans, Mugler; Shoes, Balenciaga; Belt, Paco Rabanne.

Denim Dreams

Time to spill the jeans. Denim is going to be big for Autumn/Winter 2022. But before you dust off your signature skinnies, take note; this season is all about discovering a new appreciation for the timeless trend.

Keep things casual by making louche denim your first destination. Mugler, Balenciaga and Acne Studios lead the way with distressed styles and wide-leg cuts, while contemporary brands such as PAIGE and RE/DONE give a modern rework to classic shapes. To take on this trend with zeal, double up with a denim top or choose stamped house logo prints on staple pieces.

Left: Cardigan, Jeans & Bag,Blumarine; Shoes, By Far; Sunglasses, Dior.

Noughties Nostalgia

Fashion’s obsession with all things noughties shows no sign of easing this season. Under the guise of new Creative Director Nicola Brognano, Blumarine has transformed into one of the hottest labels paying homage to this iconic era of fashion. Among this season’s debuts are faux fur trimmed cardigans, embroidered jeans and teddy bear tote bags.

The Y2K revival firmly roots its foundations in the concept of inclusivity. This season’s catwalks from London to Milan placed a strong emphasis on body positivity and gender fluidity, so don’t be afraid to keep skirts short and jeans low slung.

But if the thought of baring acres of skin throughout the autumn months doesn’t appeal, accessories are an ideal entry point to achieve the noughties-inspired silhouettes. Whether you’re choosing a neon rework of Balenciaga’s Le Cagole or the pastel hues of Aquazzura’s mules, keep colours bright and add plenty of textures for top catwalk credentials.

Left:Blazer & Trousers, Victoria Beckham; Earrings, Jenny Bird.​

The Future is Bright

When life feels too serious, we can always rely on a spot of dopamine dressing to inject some colour – and fun – into our wardrobes. From neon hues to citrus spritzes, jump for joy shades dominated the runways for Autumn/Winter 2022. This season’s colours are all about fusing timeless tones and artful brights, reflecting our contrasting desires for stability and excitement.

Tap into the technicolour tailoring trend with fruity-hued suiting from the likes of Victoria Beckham, By Malene Birger and Alexander McQueen. Or consider allowing this joyful trend to guide you to a forever bag via Bottega Veneta, perfect for a shot of serotonin when you’re on the go.

Left:Peacoat, Stella McCartney; Bra Top, Cardigan & Skirt,Khaite; Shoes,Elleme; Socks,Falke; Earrings,Missoma; Bracelet, Alighieri.

Walk this Way

Once the shoe of choice for preppy Manhattan socialites, the classic loafer has had a masculine makeover this season. Established fashion houses, including Bottega Veneta and Marni sent smart loafers down the catwalk, while Gucci’s iconic horse-bit shoe is updated this season with canvas detailing.

Contemporary brands such as Elleme and GANNI are reimagining loafers with crystal buttons and ruffled details. This trend is best executed in black and cream hues, then embellished with tassels or golden plaques. Pair yours with long socks and a cropped blazer for a look straight from Miu Miu’s runway.

Left:Bag & Trench coat, Chloe.

Cutting Shapes

Slouchy, stylish yet oh-so-chic, a hobo bag is the perfect way to update your autumn accessories capsule. The It shape of this season is defined by a crescent silhouette and a relaxed posture, but the rules around how to wear this playful style are minimal.

If you’re a lover of less, keep tones neutral and opt for a bag in white, cream or beige hues. Adding in crocodile textures, teddy bear fabrics and candy crush colours are subtle ways of updating the classic leather look.

For a day-to-night take on this noughties staple, look to the likes of JW Anderson, Givenchy and LOEWE, who reinterpret the signature structure with chain embellishments and geometric shapes.

From the world's most established designers to the best cult names to know now, discover Harvey Nichols womenswear.

Photographer, Lukasz Pukowiec; Creative Director, Natalie Brewster; Stylist, Sophie Henderson; Model, Clea Beauret; Casting Director + Producer, Leila Hartley; Stylist, Chiao Chenet at BryantArtists; Makeup Artist, Caroline Fenou