39 Anti-Trend Pieces That Are Low-Key, Ultra Luxe, and Peak Cool

The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, exploring cult items from heritage brands, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space, and doing deep dives into the investments pieces that are worth it.

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(Image credit: Jil Sander; Peter Do; Miu Miu)

On the spring/summer 2022 runways, there were a number of trends to emerge that are already dropping at retailers and are set to be everywhere, from the street style scene at fashion month to the closets of celebs and fashion insiders. While trends such as micro miniskirts and bold colors are already taking off, there's a quieter trend—or, rather, anti-trend—that I predict will define how people shop and dress in the upcoming season: low-key luxury.

Recently, there has been a rising demand for seasonless, wearable staples and elevated everyday essentials that are pared back, minimalist, and ultra luxe. It makes sense that we're seeing this now. Throughout the pandemic, there have been fewer occasions to wear trendy, occasion-specific items, and there has instead been a growing interest in stealth investment pieces—just look at how Hermès bags took off more than ever in the past year.

In their spring 2022 collections, designers tapped into the way women are getting dressed now, dialing into easy, polished outfits. Peter Do showcased relaxed separates in luxe satins and raw linens, Celine introduced updated takes on its wildly popular Triomphe motif, and Miu Miu debuted its sneaker collaboration with New Balance that is set to be one of the cult buys this season. And with the upcoming launch of Phoebe Philo's new label, I only expect to see the movement continue. Ahead, you'll find the luxury-fashion shopping buys to wear now and for years ahead.

Up next: 10 It Pieces That Are Already Defining 2022

This post was originally published on an earlier date and has since been updated. 

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.