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.

2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Anouk wears a neutral outfit

Photo:

@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. 

On the Runway
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Jil Sander oversized blazer

Photo:

Courtesy of Jil Sander
In Real Life
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Lorna wears an oversized blazer

Photo:

@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. 

On the Runway
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Chloé maxi skirt

Photo:

Courtesy of Chloé
In Real Life
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Basma wears a maxi skirt

Photo:

@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. 

On the Runway
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Lanvin platforms

Photo:

Courtesy of Lanvin
In Real Life
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Lucia wears platform shoes

Photo:

@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. 

On the Runway
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Prabal Gurung white dress

Photo:

Courtesy of Prabal Gurung
In Real Life
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Aniyah wears a white dress

Photo:

@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. 

On the Runway
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Coach bra top

Photo:

Courtesy of Coach
In Real Life
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Kit wears a bra top

Photo:

@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. 

On the Runway
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Giambattista Valli feather top

Photo:

Courtesy of Giambattista Valli
In Real Life
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Iman wears a feather-trim dress

Photo:

@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. 

On the Runway
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Lacoste cricket jumper

Photo:

Courtesy of Lacoste
In Real Life
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: @juliesfi wears a preppy knit

Photo:

@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.

On the Runway
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Tory Burch logo bag

Photo:

Courtesy of Tory Burch
In Real Life
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Monikh carries a Loewe logo bag

Photo:

@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. 

On the Runway
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Nili Lotan trouser co-ord

Photo:

Courtesy of Nili Lotan
In Real Life
2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Aimee wears a trouser co-ord

Photo:

@AIMEESONG