One thing that has become apparent to me since I started working in fashion is that I don't subscribe to a particular aesthetic. What I wear tends to depend on my mood. Some days it might be a T-shirt and trainers; other days I'm a dresses-and-heels kind of girl. But it's becoming clear that I might be in the minority. Fashion lovers can't help but form groups—not necessarily cliques, but more style by association—and you most definitely know the ones. There are the ultra-cool minimalist dressers who manage to look like off-duty models in the simplest of ensembles, the all-out partiers who are always adorned in sparkles and feathers and suited and booted power dressers who are always business first. We naturally become a community that just can't help but move in packs. Just look at fashion week street style for further proof.
With a whole host of new trends, colours and brands emerging for autumn 2022, what is next for the fashion gangs? Well, given the sheer variety of references to draw from, you needn't compromise your own style. There's something for everyone this season. Exhibitionists, minimalists, avant-garde print lovers and traditionalists, come as you are. I've thought about everything you'll see and love for the season ahead and the best way to showcase your style. And for those who aren't sure which group they fall into, even better. They get to make the most of them all, and variety is the spice of life.
So if you're in need of a wardrobe refresh, keep scrolling to find the key buys for your style club.
THE MODERN MINIMALIST
For fans of: The Row, The Frankie Shop, COS, Khaite, and Arket
No mess, no fuss. Modern minimalists appreciate the simple things—quality fabrics, tonal colour palettes and strong silhouettes. Knits and tailoring are a must for autumn, as are the kind of timeless investment buys they can wear for years to come. Minimalists will love mohair jumpers, wide-leg puddle pants and the boxy blazers and oversized tailoring that are key trends straight from the A/W 22 runways.
Every wardrobe should have at least one colourful cashmere knit.
It's official: H&M's wide-leg trousers come editor approved.
Leave Chelsea boots to winter trekking. These elegant ankle boots are all you need for the city.
Minimalists love practicality, and what better than a roomy crossbody that keeps your hands free?
THE FREE SPIRIT
For fans of: Chloé, Isabel Marant, Free People, Anthropologie, and Zimmermann
You needn't compromise your bohemian style for autumn, free spirits. Although summer feels like the obvious time to make the most of maxi dresses and intricate fabrics, autumn is full of the kind of textures and colours that you'll appreciate. Suede, chunky knits, corduroy and crochet are perfect for transitional weather and look good layered up with statement accessories, one of your strong suits.
It's too early for a heavy wool coat, so layer up under a lighter cotton jacket to enjoy the last of the balmy weather.
Yes, you can wear a maxi dress in autumn. Just add sleeves.
The fashion crowd at Copenhagen Fashion Week has assured us cowboy boots are this season's must-have style.
A soft, slouchy suede tote that echoes the best colours of autumn.
THE COLOUR CHAMELEON
For fans of: Dries Van Noten, Gucci, Weekday, Victoria Beckham, ASOS, Reiss, Gabriela Hearst
If your signatures are sharp tailoring, graphic prints and a kaleidoscope of hues, you're a card-carrying member of the colour chameleon crew, the brightest group on the block. If you enjoyed Barbiecore summer, get ready for an equally bold autumn: hot red, zesty citrus and strong blue are everywhere, particularly suiting, so grab your blazer and paint the town red. And yellow. And green…
Pair cobalt blue with all-black accessories for a confident, office-ready look.
Take notes from Janka Polliani, and layer a pink blazer over contrasting shades of green and red.
Reiss's latest drop, Life in Colour, is a celebration of bright tailoring, including these exceptionally flattering green trousers.
Want to know how to master colour-blocking? The starting point is a great statement coat.
THE PARISIAN IT GIRL
For fans of: Chanel, Maje, Balmain, Alessandra Rich, Zara, Jacquemus, Claudie Pierlot
It's been a good year for the Parisian It girl, with ballet pumps, miniskirts, co-ords and tweed back on the agenda. We've been looking to French style in an attempt to look as polished as the Parisians who manage to make it look effortless. This season, the polo-neck will be the most versatile thing in your wardrobe. Wear it under shirts, dresses and blazers. C'est chic, non?
The tweed jacket, made modern.
A soft, ribbed knit that you'll wear again and again.
Miniskirt fans, this one's for you. A tailored, wool mini that looks effortlessly stylish, especially as part of a suit.
The one thing all French girls' outfits have in common? A refined leather handbag to pull the look together.
Short hemlines call for long boots.
THE ECLECTIC ARTISTE
For fans of: Loewe, ACNE Studios, Casablanca, Ahluwalia, Monki, JW Anderson, Balenciaga
Always the first to know upcoming brands and the last to ever be described as boring, eclectic dressers dive headfirst into new-season trends. If you knew Schiaparelli before Lady Gaga and the difference between Christopher John Rogers and Christopher Esber, you've come to the right place. Your wardrobe is already likely to look like an art gallery, and autumn is the time to celebrate it, but don't forget to stock up on the basics that will last a lifetime. Plain knits, good jeans and an investment coat will work with all of the eccentric pieces you already own and will look just as good next autumn.
We're calling it: Loewe's new-season prints are going to be everywhere during fashion week.
The easiest way to wear two trends at once? Red-hot leather that's not for the faint-hearted.
This sculptural clutch is the definition of wearble art.
Is it just me, or are silver shoes everywhere right now? I can't think of a better way to step into party season.
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