Posted on 2nd October 2022.

The world's most iconic brands may be in the middle of showcasing their spring/summer 2023 forecasts at fashion week, but before we get there it's time to rewind a little bit.

After what was an unbelievably - and actually quite worryingly - hot summer, many of us are starting to admit that (brace yourselves, sun worshippers) we're actually very ready for autumn.

Of course, as is the way in this industry, the fashion world has been prepping for the new season ever since AW22 Fashion Week wrapped in February this year, giving us the first official glimpse into what our autumn/winter 2022 wardrobes will look like. Nothing like being prepared, eh?

Yep, while most of us were dreaming of putting together our summer looks bursting with dreamy cottagecore dresses, major sandals and statement sunglasses, New York, London, Milan and Paris had their sights set firmly on autumn. 

For those of you with your finger on the pulse in the sartorial world this sneak peek into your future #lewks won't have come as a surprise, but for others it no doubt seemed a tad premature.

But what can we expect to be dominating the fashion landscape post-summer?

Fans of fuchsia will be pleased, because full-on Elle-Woods-approved takes on the look - we're talking head-to-toe, quite literally - will finally be everywhere, with the shade even dominating headwear.

Talking of which, hoods are going to be big news. And no, we don't mean those big cosy hoodies that you lived in over lockdown, but rather the tight-fit iterations which are worn in lieu of a hat, and offer up a super streamlined silhouette.

For those of you looking for subtler style tweaks next season, babydoll dresses, sliced cut-outs and fringing are all great ways to tap into the hottest autumn fashion trends.

Keen to get ahead? Scroll down for your first look at the 14 trends that will be dominating wardrobes the minute autumn hits.

1. Y2K FLESH-FLASHING

No doubt influenced by Euphoria's 90s and Y2K sartorial references, the fashion world has falling head-over-heels for nostalgic fashion. The Gen Z style set, in particular, cannot get enough, and there were several looks shown on the AW22 runways that were seemingly made for TikTok. You might need the next month to gear up for this one, because it's all about flesh-flashing crop tops, skimpy minis, low-rises and sheer elements that are deliberately more playful than sexy.

2. ELLE WOODS FUCHSIA

Not one for those devoted to a ‘tonally neutral’ look, for AW22 we'll all be needing a good pair of sunglasses as neon pink takes over our wardrobes. In fact, it's so hot right now (well, come autumn) that Valentino's entire collection was devoted to the hue. Officially Elle Woods-approved, these are head-to-toe looks - quite literally - and require little more than a bit of courage to pull off. 

3. SLICK NEW HOODS

Hoods - and not the ones attached to your favourite loungewear - have been creeping into some of the world's chicest wardrobes over recent months, but as of autumn we're all going to be wearing them. Ideal on those days where a morning hair wash just doesn't fit into your alarm-snoozing agenda, these are generally slim-fit, knitted numbers and look particularly great with a full monochrome look.

4. FLARED LEGGINGS

Both flares and leggings have been back on the fashion radar for several seasons now, but come AW22 the two worlds collide to create a super chic, streamlined look. Elevating the humble legging to become more of a statement piece, these look great worn with a heeled sandal of an evening but can also be worn with a flat sandal or even a chunky trainer for a more casual daytime look.

5. XXL FRINGING

Fringing comes and goes on the trend-front, but next season it's back in a big way. A very big way. Think mini skirts with enough fringing to qualify them as a maxi and sweaters with enough fringe-width to ensure continued social distancing. Just avoid pairing them together… We said XXL, not OTT.

6. MICRO MINIS

That's right, spring/summer's micro minis are going absolutely nowhere come autumn, and while you may need tights - or even a legging situation à la Richard Quinn - to render them viable once winter hits there's little in the skirt arena that will overtake them on the trend-front.

7. SLICED CUT-OUTS

As we're all well aware, cut-outs have been big news for several seasons now. But while they seemed to be only getting bigger up until now, things get a little more subtle once AW22 rolls around. More of a slice than a chunk, cut-outs are becoming thinner and longer, offering more understated peeks at the skin as opposed to the gaping gaps we're so used to seeing.

8. LIGHT TIGHTS

Tights in winter are often more of a necessity than a considered aesthetic decision, but we'd hazard a guess that almost every pair you own is black. Sure, some might be patterned, but very few of us experiment when it comes to the colour spectrum. Next season, however, things get a whole lot more angelic, with light - often white - tights coming to the forefront. Pair them with hyper-feminine babydolls and mini dresses to really show them off.

9. CLICHÉ CLASH

Fuchsia may be the colour of next season, but when it comes to colour pairings they don't come much cooler than red and pink. The cliché clash we were all advised to avoid before we'd even hit our teenage years, this rebellious statement adds a certain edge to the typically saccharine shade.

10. GOWNS GO CASUAL

Make no mistake, there's nothing ‘casual’ about these mega gowns per se, but it's the styling of such pieces that see them fall into a more approachable category. From pairing them with bomber jackets, to layering them beneath chunky knits or atop slim-fit roll-necks, it's a great way of making your very fanciest pieces work for more low-key plans.

11. OPERA GLOVES

Gloves were a really key accessory on the AW22 runways, and none more so than the super dramatic, over-the-elbow opera iterations. The perfect way to add a bit of sartorial drama to even the simplest evening gowns, as soon as events start to hit your calendar next party season you'd be wise to snap up a pair or two. Not only are they a very easy accessory to elevate your look, switching them up is also a great way to get more wears out of that classic LBD.

12. RUNWAY BRIDE

Admittedly speaking to a slightly smaller market, several runways were closed this season with a bridal look. From mini dresses (see, also, white tights once again!) to silk slips and one-shouldered statements, these finale moments championed individualism and served up as real inspo for brides-to-be. After all, there are an awful lot of us post-pandemic…

13. HIGH-OCTANE BUSTIERS

Just in time for party season, super sexy bustiers are back on the fashion map. With everything from sheer panels to tailored leather and corsetry details, if you were looking for a sign that high-octane fashion is back then let this be it. Pair these with cigarette trousers for a timeless date night look, or wide-legs for a more fashion-forward statement.

14. BABYDOLL DRESSES

A timeless classic that many people wear season-after-season, the babydoll is never necessarily out of fashion but for autumn/winter 2022 they're very much in. Go for wide silhouettes, puffed sleeves and super mini hemlines. Paired with white tights (obviously) and chunky boots, it's a super easy every-day piece to throw on that'll look instantly chic.

Source: Glamour Magazine