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.
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.
White jeans instantly read as luxe. Invest in a style with a relaxed silhouette.
Penny loafers are the more streamlined cousin to chunky loafers.
Relaxed wide-leg pants are a key buy for this season and beyond.
You can count on having this button-down in your closet forever.
The Loewe Amazona bag originally debuted in the '70s and is now being reintroduced in 2022, but it looks just as relevant as ever.
The cult New Balance x Miu Miu sneakers fashion insiders can't get enough of.
If you're looking for the perfect anti-trend bag to wear every day, this is it.
Every pair of shoes from the BY FAR x Mimi Cuttrell collection is stunning.
Another bag that was recently reintroduced, the Gucci Jackie first debuted in 1961.
If you're going to invest in leather pants, make them wide-leg trousers.
Ilona Hamer designed a stunning collection for Frame, and this tailored coat is a must-buy piece.
Leather jackets are on their way back in, and I think this modern shape is perfect.
Prada's slingback pumps have carved themselves out as new classics, and this mesh style feels particularly fresh.
Ralph Lauren's cable-knit sweaters are classics for a reason.
Up next: 10 It Pieces That Are Already Defining 2022
This post was originally published on an earlier date and has since been updated.
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 content and 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, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, 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 assistant 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.
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