19 Cult Pieces I've Bookmarked for Autumn 2022

At Who What Wear, we’re constantly on the lookout for new cult items—especially those with staying power. Whether they've taken centre stage on the runway, been spotted on our favourite street style stars or popped up again and again on our Instagram feed, there are some pieces that we know have that special something to hit the big time. 

And with a new season come myriad new possibilities of what these cult items may look like. So what’s the criteria? It goes without saying that these pieces need to be as timeless as possible despite their trending nature. They might’ve exploded onto the scene fervently, but they’re certainly not the type of thing you'll only wear once. They’re exciting, but not too trend-driven. Wearable, but not boring. Most importantly, they are the pieces you love, invest in and then bring out year after year. 

While this edit is formulated with mostly luxury pieces, there are some more affordable hits among the designer names too, as well as smaller brands that I can’t stop thinking about. From printed maxis to logo-emblazoned platforms, there’s something here for everyone. 

Plus, for each piece, I've included some styling tips on how to make each piece work for now and beyond. Whatever you’re buying, try to think about how the item will blend into your wardrobe, and if you’re just using this list as inspiration, pick up on any colours, silhouettes and tips that you can apply to what you already own. 

Scroll down to shop the 18 cult buys for autumn 2022 that I believe are truly worthy of the attention they’re getting. 

1. HERMÈS CHYPRE SANDAL

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662296222913-main

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Style Notes: Fluffy footwear is going nowhere. Hermès's Chypre sandals have become a classic in their own right, but fashion people are swapping the leather pair for shearling-lined styles for the colder months. They're particularly good with socks. Wear with oversized tailoring for a cool yet easy look. 

Shop the sandals:

2. BALENCIAGA CAGOLE IN DENIM

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662296372125-main

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Style Notes: The resurgence of noughties and Y2K fashion has meant that the fashion set can't get enough of Balenciaga's Cagole shoulder bag. While the pink is definitely popular, it's the denim that is cementing itself as the cult style of the season and is easier to pair with more looks than a vibrant colour. 

Shop the bag:

3. THE FRANKIE SHOP CARGOS

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662369573130-main

(Image credit: @EMMAROSESTYLE)

Style Notes: These Frankie Shop cargo pants will be the perfect foundation of many a trans-seasonal look. Like Emma, style with a simple vest top and layer over a blazer. Add heels, trainers or tuck the hem into chunky boots. 

Shop the cargos:

4. CAREL PUMPS

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662369614184-main

(Image credit: @VICTORIAPTRSN)

Style Notes: It's no secret that this autumn, French girls are loving Carel's pumps. Choose from red or black, heeled or flat, before pairing them with just about everything in your wardrobe.

Shop the pumps:

5. COS WAISTCOAT

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662390672712-main

(Image credit: @DEBORABROSA)

Style Notes: Waistcoats are so popular right now, and this COS style has more than earned the cult label. Wear it with wide-leg trousers, jeans or midi skirts. 

Shop the waistcoat:

6. JIL SANDER LOGO TEE

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662369642022-main

(Image credit: @SYMPHONYOFSILK)

Style Notes: This logo-emblazoned tee has been all over the Who What Wear team's Instagram feeds recently. I love it worn with loose tailored trousers and a sleek leather belt. 

Shop the T-shirt:

7. GANNI COWBOY BOOTS

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662297878802-main

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Style Notes: It would be wrong to not include cowboy boots on this list, and after intensive research, it's clear that it's these knee-high Ganni boots that are the hero pair.

Shop the cowboy boots:

8. TOTÊME MONOGRAM SET

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662369842786-main

(Image credit: @STEPHANISEBROEK)

Style Notes: How cool is this satin co-ord? Choose from ivory, black or orange, and wear either together or as luxe separates. 

Shop the shirt:

Shop the trousers:

9. RÉALISATION MAXI DRESS

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662369780606-main

(Image credit: @HUESOFWHITE)

Style Notes: Chances are you've already spotted this zebra-pint maxi dress on some of your favourite fashion influencers. I love the fluted sleeves and formfitting silhouette. Pair with heels, trainers or knee-high boots before layering over a coat or blazer. 

Shop the maxi dress:

10. CHANEL PLATFORMS

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662298200884-main

(Image credit: @BETTINALOONEY)

Style Notes: Chanel platforms. Need I say more?

Shop the platforms:

11. BY MALENE BIRGER KNITTED DRESS

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662371028927-main

(Image credit: @TANICEELIZABETH)

Style Notes: Malene Birger's knitted skirts and dresses are proving to be a huge hit this season. Add lashings of jewellery, and keep the rest of your look simple. 

Shop the knitted dress:

12. LOEWE FLOWER SUNGLASSES

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662296213894-main

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Style Notes: Just because the end of summer is nigh doesn't mean sunglasses are off the cards. Loewe's flower sunglasses are everywhere right now. Pick a bright colour to add a fun touch to any knitwear-based look.

Shop the sunglasses:

13. RIXO LEOPARD-PRINT MIDI DRESS

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662297999309-main

(Image credit: @FRANNFYNE)

Style Notes: While zebra is having a moment, leopard print is still a fashion girl's favourite. We've seen so many stylish women rock Rixo's dresses recently. I love how it will work just as well with boots for autumn as it will with sandals for spring/summer.

Shop the midi dress:

14. GYLES & GEORGE HOROSCROPE KNIT

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662298333624-main

(Image credit: @CHRISSYFORD)

Style Notes: I love this British-based small brand for statement knitwear. Its horoscope sweaters are big news this year. Just decide between your sun, moon and rising sign.

Shop the sweater:

15. RAEY EXTRA FOLD JEANS

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662298406111-main

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Style Notes: Raey is a minimalist's dream. Wear these oversized jeans with loafers and a roll-neck or heels and an off-the-shoulder top to balance out proportions. 

Shop the jeans:

16. PRADA TANK TOP

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662297924008-main

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Style Notes: Prada's logo-plaque designs are so cool, and I predict the brand's vest-top version will be everywhere this autumn. Layer under tailoring or chunky cardis. 

Shop the tank:

17. CHANEL WELLIES

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662385202062-main

(Image credit: @THREADSSTYLING)

Style Notes: Have you ever seen something as chic as Chanel wellies? Already near impossible to find, shop them on resale sites or head into a boutique.

Shop the wellies:

18. LOEWE GOYA PUFF HANDBAG

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662385165824-main

(Image credit: @_JEANETTEMADSEN_)

Style Notes: As part of the Loewe's F/W 22 collection, the brand has launched a puffed version of the classic Goya handbag, and I'm obsessed. It's not quite available yet, but keep your eyes peeled.

Shop the bag:

19. MIU MIU BALLET FLATS

cult-buys-autumn-2022-302258-1662627228461-main

(Image credit: @RIKKEKREFTING)

Style Notes: You heard it here first, these Miu Miu ballet flats are the shoe of the season. I love the satin fabrication as well as the addition of the logo on the strap. Wear with straight-leg jeans and a blazer for a classic and chic look.

Up Next: This Sell-Out Designer Bag Has Just Been Upgraded (and Restocked) for Autumn

Poppy Nash
Managing Editor

Poppy joined the Who What Wear UK team as managing editor in 2022. After graduating from university with a degree in English literature, she worked for a number of print and digital publications, including Women's Health, The Times, Hello! and Marie Claire. In these roles she assisted the fashion teams with print content as well as digital shopping features, shoots and celebrity news.

Prior to Who What Wear, Poppy worked at SheerLuxe as the commercial content manager. There she oversaw all paid-for site content and inclusions, managed the visual assets and briefs for branded content, and ensured all content—whether editorial or commercial—was in line with overall brand guidelines and tone. She also supported the editorial team by looking after visual merchandising on site and reviewing the brand’s daily newsletters.

As WWW UK’s managing editor, Poppy spends most of her time looking after the content calendar and all output across the brand, in addition to working with contributors, supporting with social media planning, assisting with branded content and contributing to brand strategy. Poppy prides herself on being organised, and a keen eye for detail means she oversees the production of tentpole moments such as Who What Wear’s quarterly celebrity covers, the Wedding Issue, team shoots, events, industry-facing moments, gift guides and more. In addition to this, Poppy ensures processes across the brand are efficient and effective, and is always on the lookout for ways the team can work smarter, not harder! As someone who works behind the scenes (Poppy loves a spreadsheet!), you won’t find many articles by Poppy on site, but when you do there’s no doubt they will either be focused on dresses, handbags or classic high-street buys. Or better yet, all three!

Born and raised in London, Poppy is a true city girl. When she's not thinking about clothes (or raiding her mum’s wardrobe), Poppy fills her time walking along the river with her 11-year-old labradoodle, getting stuck in a good book and enjoying as many of the city’s amazing restaurants and bars as her purse will allow! Her favourite London spots are Caravel for dinner, the Ham Yard Hotel for a fancy pre-theatre drink, Daunt Books for a new read, 26Grains for breakfast and Coal Drop's Yard for a spot of shopping.