Bring out the cashmere sweaters, plaid trousers, and wool jackets! While it’s true that post-pandemic fashion has a new look, now is the best time to embrace it — especially the trendy accessories showcased in the winter 2022 runway collections.
This season’s theme is bolder and more eccentric than ever, aptly designed with the “new normal” in mind. From doubled-up belts and two-in-one bags to super-high boots and bedazzled high-knee socks, buckle up for winter. We explore the top ten accessories you need to ensure you’re bringing your A-game to #OOTDs. Grab your fashion diary and a pen — it’s time to take style notes from the runway.
- Doubled-Up Belts
The utilitarian accessory gets a major upgrade this season. We’re multiplying the lone belt into a myriad of styles while keeping its function intact — from belts layered together to outfits with belted trims, this is undeniably the season’s coolest accessory. Miu Miu’s twin belts, Louis Vuitton’s belt-on-belt look, Altuzarra’s dainty seashell charm belt, and Diesel’s deconstructed take are inspiring iterations you can try this fall. Nail the experimental trend by wearing two matching belts or looping them together and wrapping them around your waist for a modern twist.
- Two-in-One Bags
Do you remember Chanel’s double crossbody from spring/summer 2019? The double-bag look continues to gain popularity, with more designers showcasing different variations — Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato rope bags stylishly sit on the front and back, Altuzarra’s layered satchel shoulder bag offers ultra storage space, and Lemaire’s twin crossbody adds a chic criss-cross look that is sure to complement any outfit. Multiple bags on one sling offer more room to carry additional stuff when we’re on the go, and who doesn’t love extra storage space?
- Super-High Boots
A must-try footwear trend for cooler months, as seen at Isabel Marant, Giambattista Valli, Michael Kors, Brandon Maxwell, and Balenciaga. Super-high boots promise both warmth and elegance. Pair them with a mini dress, a blazer-and-skirt combo, and even refined evening wear. Opt for boots with high heels for evening soirées, platform heels for weekend brunches, or flat heels for long walks. Metallic and shiny boots are currently having a big moment, as are soft faux fur boots in muted colours.
- Bedazzled Knee-High Socks
Knee-high socks are the matching counterparts to high boots. Whether they’re emblazoned with gemstones, decorated with ribbon trims, embroidered with beads, or multi-coloured and multi-patterned, the idea is to elevate your look and create an eye-catching ensemble. Take notes from Simone Rocha, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Acne Studios, who encourage you to ditch ankle socks and try these instead. Team them with sneakers, stilettos, sandals, or even boots for a unique look.
- Menswear Ties
Add a menswear-inspired touch to your workwear wardrobe by borrowing the traditional tie from the boys. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Kenzo presented Windsor knots, long and thin variations, faux leather ones, as well as logo-embroidered ties. Wear it with the classic shirt-and-pant look or borrow sartorial inspiration from Raf Simons and pair your tie with a maxi dress and knee-high boots. The key is to keep it firmly tied for a formal finish and choose a print or a texture that complements the rest of your outfit.
- Faux Fur Accessories
Furry and fluffy accessories in soft textures and exaggerated shapes are a must-have for this season. From shoes to bags to hats, your new fluffy friends will ensure you’re comfortable and cozy on cool evenings and late nights. Take your pick from Gucci’s protective fluffy headgear, Off-White’s oversized furry handbag, Rick Owens’ thigh-high fur boots, and Versace’s fur bucket hat. In terms of colours, the brighter, the better. Play with neon hues, saturated tones, and a pastel palette before venturing into monochrome black and white.
- Stacked Bangles
Dramatic and statement-making bangles are calling for everyone’s attention. Decorate your wrists with bracelets and cuffs in metallic shades, handwoven textures, and interlinked chains, as seen at Chanel and Saint Laurent. Mix and match or stack them. Wear your arm party with maxi dresses, tweed suits, flirty skirts, and figure-flattering gowns for a classy look. The key is to pair bold pieces with minimal outfits so your accessories can do the talking.
- Luxe Hiking Boots
Walk your talk this season with hiking boots that mean business. Uncompromising on comfort, the quintessential pair will take you through the urban jungle’s sleet and slush. Seek ideas from Tod’s sturdy waterproof suede ones, Salvatore Ferragamo’s leather buckle-strap style, Christian Dior’s futuristic fishing boots, or Chloé’s multi-hued outdoorsy shoes that are perfect for city walks.
- Sophisticated Baseball Caps
The runway presented a wide array of caps — embroidered, textured, printed, sequinned, logo-emblazoned — leaving you with multiple options to choose from. Givenchy’s matte black version lends a metallic illusion, Gucci’s logo-printed cap includes a studded leather detail, and Coach’s iconic printed cap makes for an ideal, all-season accessory. Wear it with athleisure-inspired outfits, laid-back sportswear, tailored suits, and even skirt-and-blouse sets.
- Nostalgic Hobo Bags
Reminiscent of the noughties, curvy handbags are back and in a big way. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Marine Serre, Diesel, Fendi, and Off-White are redefining the classic bag in various ways. Choose your go-to handbag from shiny leather iterations, monogrammed pieces, see-through PVC styles, sequinned variations, and crumpled satin embroidered hobo bags. When it comes to size, pick from mini bags, regular-sized ones, and oversized versions that will cater to all your carrying needs.
Shweta Gandhi | Contributing Writer
