The Autumn 2022 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy the Biggest Trends of the Season

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It's been a busy old year for fashion, and just when we had retreated to the safety and comfort of our favourite summer dress, the new season became imminent. Being stuck in the transitional period between heatwaves and thunderstorms has called for well-planned dressing, and with practicality controlling our daily outfit decisions, some of the whimsical fun of fashion has been lost. Sure, the puff-sleeved dress might be beautiful, but can I fit the sleeves into a sensible coat? And yes, the kitten-heeled slingbacks are the fashionable choice, but what happens if I'm caught in the rain? I'm sure that you agree there is a little bit of monotony in the current tried-and-tested uniform (T-shirt, midi skirt and sandals), so I immediately began looking optimistically to the autumn/winter 2022 runways for some inspiration, and this season is a good one. 

There's an eclectic autumn shopping line-up this year—from elegant, sweeping maxi coats to nostalgic, punky leather. And in this heady smorgasbord of colour, texture and references is something for everyone. (And if there is anything to lure us away from the same routine of sensible dressing, it's going to be found here.)

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(Image credit: Acne Studios F/W 22; Chloé F/W 22; Fendi F/W 22; Prada F/W 22; Versace F/W 22; Coperni F/W 22; Philosophy F/W 22; Gucci F/W 22; Etro F/W 22)

With that in mind, it's time to compile the ultimate shopping list for the new season. Below is a bumper roundup of some of the strongest trends to grace the runway and how you can shop and wear them now. In the mix, there are incredible high-street finds, one-of-a-kind designer pieces and everything in between. So whether you’re looking for something new to shake up your autumnal wardrobe or simply in need of the kind of investment buy that is guaranteed to roll around next autumn too, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for our autumn 2022 shopping guide, complete with everything worth considering for the new season.

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(Image credit: Chanel F/W 22; @aniyahmorinia; Alexander McQueen F/W 22; Bottega Veneta F/W 22; @caitlinmiyako@dinahansen)

I can't be the only one who has been counting down to leather season. And in fact, over 90 brands showed leather in their A/W 22 collections. We know where we stand with leather—it always looks immaculately polished and expensive and is the sign that the wearer has a good eye for quality. So whether you're looking for coats, dresses, skirts or trousers, there's leather for every occasion. 

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(Image credit: Blumarine F/W 22; Alexander McQueen F/W 22; Giambattista Valli F/W 22; @pomelokiwie; @ivycoco; Acne Studios F/W 22)

Barbiecore? It's not for everyone. Thanks to Valentino, Balenciaga and a little bit of Margot Robbie, pink has been everywhere for the last few months, but if bubblegum cute isn't your jam, it's time for something a little more fiery. Enter bold, confident, unapologetic red. 

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(Image credit: Dsquared2 F/W 22; @glamometer; Givenchy F/W 22; Diesel F/W 22; @emilisindlev; Celine F/W 22)

Every year, there is a marmite trend, one so divisive we know everyone in the Who What Wear office will either rush to buy it or politely avoid it, and this year's has to go to grungy denim. Depending on when you were born, you will have some sort of memory of baggy jeans. Either the '70s flares, the '80s mom fit, '90s hip-hop pants or noughties skater denim, but according to the runways, the bigger, the better always. Look out for jeans that are either low-slung and rest on the hips or the distressed, well-worn, baggy jeans that pool around the ankles. 

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(Image credit: Micheal Kors F/W 22; @estellechemouny; 16Arlington F/W 22; Balmain F/W 22; @chasemarieee; Coperni F/W 22)

It might not be arctic outside quite yet, but we're already dreaming about the soft, comforting cuddle-in-a-coat that only faux fur gives. This is a trend just as easily shopped in vintage and second-hand stores as it is on the high street, but whether you choose a retro-inspired longline coat or a cropped option, go for a statement colour like Balmain's dusty violet or Coperni's icy blue that is guaranteed to stand out from the crowd. 

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(Image credit: Chloe F/W 22; @kimturkington2; Acne F/W 22; Bevza F/W 22; @emilisindlev; Prada F/W 22)

What is there to add that hasn't already been said about the versatility of the white tank top? It's one of those pieces that everyone has in their wardrobe, and we wore it in myriad ways throughout summer and are taking it with us into autumn. It's the perfect way to navigate clammy weather, and as it gets colder, simply pop on a leather blazer and an embellished skirt à la Prada, and wear it into the evening too. 

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere; @honeybelleworld; @carodaur, Christian Siriano F/W 22; @dwfashion; Versace F/W 22)

Coat fans, this is one for you. If ever there were a time to prioritise what was going on over your outfit rather than underneath, it is now during the emergence of the maxi coat. Sure, we love bomber jackets, and quilted coats are always winners, but there is something about an ankle-grazing coat that always scores maximum style points. 

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(Image credit: Loewe F/W 22/Courtesy of Loewe)

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(Image credit: Gucci F/W 22; @modedamour; @alicezielasko; @lefevrediary; Khaite F/W 22; @aysha.sow)

We've been shopping the men's section for a while now, but this season really ups the ante. Take your cotton shirts, blazers and trousers, and supersize them. The idea is that all of your tailoring looks boxy and oversized. Take notes from Khaite's longline blazer styling (Hailey Beiber is sure to be wearing it soon), and add chunky loafers to complete the look. 

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(Image credit: Stella McCartney F/W 22/Courtesy Stella McCartney)

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(Image credit: @alwaysjudging@alyssainthecity, Philosophy FW22, Marine Serre FW22, @anaasaber, Acne FW22)

It's fair to say, the Y2K revival isn't all butterfly tops and glitter. In the early Noughties while half of the population enjoyed velour tracksuits, mini handbags and cropped tees, there was an edgier antidote to the saccharine style. Pop punk was the on the rise, and with it came fishnets, studs, and slashed band tees, but this time around punk has had a luxe makeover. Expect pleated minis, chunky hardware and of course, plenty of clashing prints. 

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(Image credit: 16Arlington; @ali_tate_cutler; Bottega Veneta F/W 22; @allisonmcnamara; Coperni F/W 22)

You'd be forgiven for thinking that sheer pastels were a spring/summer trend. This ethereal look lends itself perfectly to eveningwear, too, so we're backing it all year round. It turns out the key to making tulle and mesh a little more wearable is to allow the slightest suggestion of skin. Wear a fine top with a blazer like Allison McNamara did, or let a see-through dress be the finishing layer over a black bodysuit and shorts. 

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(Image credit: Del Core F/W 22; Dries Van Noten F/W 22; @thatsaleaf; Bottega Veneta F/W 22; @camillecharriere; Etro F/W 22)

After a summer of barely-there, strappy sandals, it's time to embrace the chill with wild abandon. Although the clothing may be sheer, the boots are modest, and in some cases, covering all the way up to the thigh. Ankle boots, we had a good run, but this is the year of the knee-high. 

Up Next, Autumn/Winter 2022 Trends: The 15 Fashion Looks You Need to Know About

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.