The Ultimate 2022 Capsule Wardrobe in 9 Simple Buys

If you're a loyal Who What Wear reader, as I suspect you might be, you'll have already devoured our summer 2022 trend report, outlining every notable look, garment, and accessory we saw during September's fashion-month showcase. If this, however, is not the case, I suggest you take a look at it and meet me back here once you're up to speed.

Okay, now that you know precisely what the new collections look like, let's talk about how to channel them in real life. We know the runways present an exaggerated interpretation of the trends. Still, I'm always interested in seeing how I can realistically add them to my wardrobe and work them into my daily outfits—this is where my 2022 capsule wardrobe comes in.

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(Image credit: @ANOUKYVE)

Neutral tones are a fashion headliner this year. 

Below, I've taken the key looks from the summer 2022 shows and have pinpointed the nine pieces you need to stay on top of the trends for the season ahead. No, you read that right—you only need nine pieces to complete 2022's covetable aesthetic. These items are guaranteed to be huge for the foreseeable future, and if you ask me, it's never too soon to start test-driving what's next in fashion.

So keep scrolling to discover what you need in your 2022 capsule wardrobe and to shop my favorite finds for each category. 

1. OVERSIZE BLAZER

It's hard to call blazers a trend, as they're one of the most classic pieces you can own, but the oversize silhouettes seen at Stella McCartney and Jil Sander are absolutely worthy of that accolade. 

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On the Runway
(Image credit: Courtesy of Jil Sander)

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In Real Life
(Image credit: @SYMPHONYOFSILK)

2. MAXI SKIRT

It's been a long time since maxi skirts were so prevalent on the runway, but they just kept cropping up. Everyone from Chloé to Givenchy showcased them in their collections. There was, however, one commonality: They were all sleek and streamlined. 

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On the Runway
(Image credit: Courtesy of Chloé)

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In Real Life
(Image credit: @BASMA_K)

3. PLATFORM SHOES

Platforms are a trend that has been bubbling under the surface for a few seasons now, but make no mistake—they are very much back this year. Nodaleto has a new slingback silhouette I just know is going to fly, but you can also get your stacked fill on the high street should your budget not stretch that far. 

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On the Runway
(Image credit: Courtesy of Lanvin)

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In Real Life
(Image credit: @LUCIACUESTA_)

4. WHITE DRESS

Flocks of white dresses cascaded down the runways throughout the course of fashion month. Although they always make a comeback for summer, 2022's iterations are distinguishable by their cutouts, ruffles, and fancy fabrications like tulle and sequins. 

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On the Runway
(Image credit: Courtesy of Prabal Gurung)

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In Real Life
(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

5. BRA TOP

One of the more controversial trends from the spring/summer 2022 runways, bra tops were everywhere you turned. Worn boldly on their own or layered under shirting and jackets, how you style yours is entirely up to you. 

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On the Runway
(Image credit: Courtesy of Coach)

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In Real Life
(Image credit: @KITKEENAN)

6. SOMETHING FEATHERED

Feathers are synonyms with party season, but this year they're sticking around for spring. Pastel shades decorated the collections of so many designers—Gucci, Valentino, and Giambattista Valli to name a mere few. My favorite way to channel the trend is with a cardigan trimmed with the fluffy stuff. Though, Karen Millen's trousers are tempting too. 

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On the Runway
(Image credit: Courtesy of Giambattista Valli)

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In Real Life
(Image credit: @IMANLEILA)

7. PREPPY KNITWEAR

I've never been the sporty type, but I'm thinking of joining this fashion league. Cricket and varsity were the dominant knits on the spring/summer 2022 runways and will help you perfect the preppy vibe that overarches the season with ease. 

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On the Runway
(Image credit: Courtesy of Lacoste)

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In Real Life
(Image credit: @juliesfi)

8. LOGO BAG

Designers have been delicate with their branding on bags for a while now, but not for 2022. No, this is the year where in-your-face branding will make a comeback, and you'll want absolutely everyone to know where your bag is from. Gucci and Loewe have already mastered the look (as did Tory Burch on the runway), but I'm also enjoying the high street's take.

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On the Runway
(Image credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch)

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In Real Life
(Image credit: @monikh)

9. TROUSER SET

If you lived in your knitted set in 2021, rest assured this is a safe space, and you have nothing to feel ashamed of. Still, times are changing, and I'm going to do my best to wean myself off loungewear. Instead, I'll be investing in a sleek trouser co-ord for a simple but elegant outfit solution. 

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On the Runway
(Image credit: Courtesy of Nili Lotan)

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In Real Life
(Image credit: @AIMEESONG)

This post was originally published on Who What Wear UK. Next, Emily Ratajkowski Wore the Perfect '90s Trend If You're Not About That Miniskirt Life

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.