The clothes that defined the fall 2022 collections have an elegant sincerity: structured suiting, graceful maxiskirts, and simple tanks numbered among the compelling ideas. When it comes to getting dressed, it will be all about ease. So leave it to the accessories to get weird!
From chunky sneakers lifted from skate culture to fluffy hats and purses, the accessories that left a mark are stranger and more surreal than ever before. Some have obvious shelf appeal, like the heart bags at Simone Rocha and Chanel, others will take some getting used too like Loewe’s gigantic bow stilettos and Rick Owens’s fog machines. Even the totally pragmatic belt became a vehicle for experimentation: Miu Miu, Peter Do, and Altuzarra layered them two and three at a time.
Still, some classics prevailed. Over-the-knee boots were the dominant idea from New York to Paris, with Michael Kors, Courrèges, Etro, and Isabel Marant grounding their collections on thigh-grazing leather styles. Mary-Janes got a punky edge courtesy of platforms at Valentino and Versace, and the ever-more-popular hobo bag shape was revamped at Fendi, Gucci, Off-White, and Bottega Veneta. Here, a rundown of all the kooky, fun, essential accessory trends you’ll need to know for fall 2022.
Try a Mile-High Boot
You might need extra-long legs to wear this season’s best boots, with hip-bone-skimming styles appearing at Balenciaga, Sacai, Burberry, and more.
Double Bag It
When one purse is not enough, Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato rope bag or Altuzarra’s layered satchels are called for.
Trade Neutrals for Shine
From Prada’s metallic pumps to Tory Burch’s shimmering green shoulder bag, glitz was everywhere this season.
Go Gorp With Luxe Hiking Boots
Chloé, Christian Dior, and others are betting on outdoorsy, walkable boots.
Get the Net
Tulle netting isn’t just for weddings. At Off-White, Kendall Jenner sported a veiled cap with devil horns while Blumarine outfitted its glamazons with sexy face coverings in red and black.
Lean Into Fluff
Call it the Emma Brewin effect. The British milliner’s popular furry hats—beloved by Rihanna—were a pandemic sensation. Now brands the world over are getting in on the fluffy action with shoes, bags, and hats in soft textures and oversized volumes.
Multiply Your Belt
One leather belt simply will not be enough. Miu Miu doubled down, literally, on waist-wear with layered belts while Diesel turned belts into skirts themselves. The strappier the better.
Elevate Yourself With Platform Mary-Janes
Versace’s popular platform pumps have birthed a movement of sky-high, vampy-sweet shoes. Just be careful of uneven sidewalks.
Invest in a Classic Menswear Tie
A traditional tie works for all genders and occasions, proven by the Windsor knots at Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, and more.
Bedazzle Your Socks
Max Mara, Kiko Kostadinov, and Chopova Lowena built gemstones and ribbon details right into knee-highs.
Grab Yourself a Curvy Handbag
Noughties nostalgia has brought the hobo bag back, and Fendi, Off-White, and Marine Serre have some great ideas for how to modernize it.
Bat a Thousand With Sophisticated Caps
From Gucci to Coach to Burberry, the all-American baseball cap was the dominant headgear on the catwalks.
Wear Your Heart on Your Bag
Tender, heart-shaped bags appeared at Chanel, Simone Rocha, and Jil Sander—make sure to get yours before Valentine’s Day 2023.
Slip Into Some Skate Shoes
Sneakers have gone from clunky dad styles to 3D-printed morph shoes. But can anything really beat fashion’s fascination with skate style? Nicolas Ghesquière and Jonathan Anderson bet on the style at Louis Vuitton and Loewe, while Stella McCartney offered her own sporty take on the trend.
