While the fall collections were filled with plenty of frivolity and extravagance, they also featured a number of plain old wardrobe basics. So many, in fact, that we can’t deny the impact this “trend” is having. It’s weird, but some of the simplest clothing items in our closets are having a big moment. Perhaps it’s the answer to reaching our saturation points with trends or a holdover from the pandemic’s fixation on comfort, but either way there’s a definite shift happening. For fall, we’re paring things back and returning to the failsafe silhouettes that we know and love.
Counterintuitive as it may seem to call these simple basics a “trend”, here we are. The fall 2022 runways were amass with items like slip dresses and white tank tops, ballet flats and button-downs that are the foundation to so many of our closets. As with any designer iteration, these plain items are getting a fashion-y spin with luxe new updates. They may be humble, but these simple items are stepping into the spotlight this season.
We’re charting the path of 8 viral fall wardrobe basics from the runways to social media and of course, highlighting our favorite picks below.
Thanks to the pretty satin pairs Miu Miu sent down its runway, ballet flats are back in the spotlight this season (not that they ever really left).
Simple slip dresses are harkening back to the ’90s with floor-grazing maxi lengths and plain neutral tones.
Fall’s It piece, the heavy leather jacket, may be a buzzy item but the oversized motos and bomber silhouettes fall squarely into wardrobe-basic territory.
From the plain scoop necks at Bottega Veneta and Chloé to Prada’s triangle logo adornment, the humble white tank top is getting the fashion treatment.
Oversize button-downs are one of 2022’s buzziest basics and the fall runways are only confirming our commitment to the crisp shirting. And just in case yours were starting to feel stale, the collections offered plenty of fresh styling ideas.
After years of micro bag domination, things are getting practical again. Slouchy, oversized shoulder bags had a strong presence in the collections, so consider this your sign to upgrade from those canvas totes to something more luxe like a suede shopper.
While micro minis and maxi lengths aren’t budging, we’re noticing a rise in knee-length skirts—from silk slips to A-line shapes—and they’re about as repeat-worthy as they come.
