Fashion and pretty things have always gone hand in hand. The two are practically one and the same. But until designers debuted their fall/winter 2022 collections back in February, the two’s connection wasn’t quite so obvious to the untrained eye.
From the overall ubiquity of baby pink—which isn’t traditionally included in a fall color palette—to the existence of micro-trends like floral appliqués (at Coperni), draped fabrics (at Stella McCartney), and crystal netting (at Miu Miu), fashion this fall is predicted to be pretty with a capital P. Unless you’re one of the few people who hates pretty things, this next bit will be an especially pleasant surprise: You don’t have to wait until September to get started on the season’s biggest trend.
Keep scrolling to shop the prettiest trend fall has to offer ahead of time.
At smaller brands such as Di Petsa and Khaite and established labels such as Stella McCartney and Loewe, exaggerated drapes reigned supreme for fall, with countless looks featuring billowy fabrics folded and twisted around each other in the prettiest of ways. Of course, the art of draping is hardly new to the fashion scene, but fall’s selection felt undoubtedly more intentional and delicate than any drapes showcased in past seasons.
It’s time to bring back your ’90s and aughts cowl-neck tops.
A slinky party dress will always impress.
This drapey skirt also checks off fall’s maxi-length trend.
Pretty doesn’t even begin to describe the various forms of crystal-netted fabric found at Miu Miu, Christopher Esber, MSGM, Elie Saab, and more for fall. The perfect mix of masculine and feminine tropes—the armor-like silhouette appeals to the more masculine side, and the crystal embellishments err more on the feminine side—this trend is nothing if not aesthetically pleasing.
As outlandish as it sounds, a crystal bra is the layering piece that everyone needs for fall.
This skirt is an instant showstopper.
Fact: You cannot go wrong with a piece from Diotima.
The lingerie-as-outerwear trend continues for fall with a more elevated and obvious spin compared to how we adopted it during the COVID lockdown. Back then, the lingerie trend mostly consisted of boxer shorts and bras being worn as tops. At most, we let our underwear peep through a sheer fabric or show above the hemline of our jeans. But Burberry, Erdem, Brandon Maxwell, and more took it a step up for fall, entering the boudoir and showcasing vintage-inspired lingerie meant to be worn on top of your clothes as opposed to underneath them.
Not all corsets are created equal. This one from Miaou is proof that some are simply better than others.
To be worn as a top, clearly.
Pretty with an edge.
I still remember when I saw this look from Bottega Veneta for the first time. Shocked by the visual appeal of its translucent sequins and how they displayed the electric-yellow slip underneath, I could tell instantly that it would stir up a major trend. And indeed it has. Showcased at 16Arlington, Nensi Dojaka, and Eckhaus Latta as well, sheer sequins are skyrocketing into popularity due in part to Hailey Bieber and Kate Bosworth, who both already wore the same F/W 22 dress by 16Arlington.
It’s giving Aquamarine vibes in the very best way.
Now to plan your next night out.
Everyone will be wearing this shade of pink (and various other pale hues) in the fall.
Skirts will, without a shadow of a doubt, play a huge role in our fall wardrobes this year. Mini and maxi styles alone are set to dominate, but there’s another silhouette gaining traction for the season that my colleagues and I found prettier and more interesting than the rest of the bunch: full skirts. Reminiscent of those worn in the 1950s, the voluminous A-line skirts found at Brandon Maxwell, Bottega Veneta, and Emilia Wickstead have an inherent vintage and hyper-romantic feel to them, making them a must in any fall wardrobe.
The perfect way to kick-start this fall trend in the summer.
Classic and stunning.
How gorgeous is this color?
Florals for fall are groundbreaking enough, but tiny floral appliqués? Now that’s inventive. Spotted at Coperni, Rodarte, Blumarine, and Alaïa (and those are just the highlights), this 3D trend is heading straight for viral status, especially since Bieber already wore one of Coperni’s flower-embellished F/W 22 pieces to a recent Rhode press event.
Get the look for less.
Every other bikini wishes it could be this pretty. Shop the matching Embellished Ruched Floral-Print Bikini Briefs ($550).
This dress lives rent-free in my mind.
Translucent clothing is about to hit its prettiest point, mostly thanks to Fendi’s F/W 22 collection. Filled with lingerie-like sheer slips and sets, the label’s fall offering was designed in pale shades of pink and green and paired with cashmere gloves and furry shawls. Stunning in its simplicity, the translucent trend is going to be huge come September, with the goal being to choose delicate styles and embrace the sheerness of silk and mesh fabrics.
