The best fashion items of the year

Valentino Pink

Barbiecore meets haute couture – Pierpaolo Piccioli Fall 2022 head-to toe-collection in monochrome PP had us all salivating.

Arguably, the Fuchsia Pantone colour has epitomised 2022 and our desire to escape the dreariness of war, recession and climate change.

With the new Barbie movie directed by Greta Gerwig released in 2023, our crave for la vie en rose is unlikely to go away.

Oversized blazer

Loved by Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber and the rest of the fashion planet, the oversized blazer is showing no sign of losing its popularity.

Worn with leggings or maxi jeans, it brings a unique mix of tailoring chic paired with a touch of exaggerated proportions – a winner combo that will probably follow us into 2023.

​Chanel 22 bag

The lightweight quilted tote bag with its new Chanel signage has been on every fashionista's wish list this year.

Designed by creative director Virginie Viard, it has an irresistibly fresh feel and offers a welcome alternative to the micro-bag trend.

Unsurprisingly hard to get hold of, it can be found it on the resale platforms of the likes of Vestiaire Collective.

Miu Miu micro-miniskirts

When back in October 2021 we first saw the first Miu Miu micro-miniskirts, exposing ultra-flat stomachs and never-ending legs, we were tempted to roll our eyes.

But then Zendaya, Emily Ratajkowski and a whole set of fashion A-listers embraced the look. Now with its own Instagram account, and TikTok tutorials to make your own micro, the microskirt is here to stay.

Will the slightly more wearable long version become 2023's must-have?

Let’s hope so…

Ballet flats

Ballet flats – and their cousins Mary Janes – have staged a grand return this year. Think that's the pretty little girl look of the 00s? Think again. This year, ballet shoes have become the coolest versatile staple to add to your wardrobe and will most likely boot out your white trainers.

Miuccia Prada put them in the spotlight in her AW22 Miu Miu collection, styling them with chunky socks – the logo-strap satin version took the fashion set by storm – and Chanel paired them with thick tights. Slightly chunkier, with straps or pointed toe, they are ideal for the office or an evening out.

​Floor-length skirt

Mary Kate Olsen championed this latecomer to the 2022 icon items, and the floor-sweeping skirt is a great alternative to maxi-tailored trousers.

We love the whole Raey collection of maxis (wool or denim) and Khaite's denim number for laid-back outings.

Adidas Samba trainers

Adidas retro trainers have the knack of regularly coming back into our wardrobe as the shoe du jour.

Forget Stan Smiths, 2022 is the year of the Black Samba — the non-statement trainers per excellence.

Gazelle might do the trick as well, especially if they are designed in collaboration with Gucci or with Wales Bonnor.

Maxi trousers

Our love for very big, very wide trousers is not abating. From baggy jeans à la Balenciaga (though we are fans of the more reasonably priced Raey version) to high-waisted tailored trousers from the Row, they seem to match our need for being comfy and elegant at once.

Psst: We have just heard everywhere that skinny jeans might be back next year but we don't quite believe it…yet…

​White tank top

Worn by pretty much every single woman in London – according to our own research – the white tank top re-entered the spotlight thanks to Muccia Prada.

Our question: how were we managing without it?

​Birkenstock slippers

Love them or loathe them, the Birkenstock slippers are the one item that survived lockdown. Indeed, it seems that our feet are not prepared to give up the comfort they provide.

This year included some sold-out-in-less-than-a-second collabs with Dior and Manolo Blahnik.