What are autumn 2022’s big fashion trends? Style expert Stacey Duguid has the answers

What to wear this autumn
Stacey Duguid,-Contributing Editor

With cooler, shorter days ahead, Sunday Times Style fashion expert Stacey Duguid looks to versatile design and pops of mood-lifting colour

I plan my new-season wardrobe around a jacket that works with my lifestyle, so finding the perfect one is a fashion priority come autumn. From the school gate to a client meeting, in the right jacket or coat, I feel pulled together. This season I’ll invest in a luxurious looking yet affordable coat, plus a well-cut blazer that feels modern and timeless. 

Last autumn I bought a roomy, unstructured blazer that worked well over sportswear; at the top of this autumn’s wish list is a slim-cut tailored version. I’ve always loved the simplicity of a black blazer and white T-shirt, especially worn with distressed jeans rolled up. But this year, I plan to pair my neat-fit blazer with a miniskirt and super-high black patent stilettos as evening wear. Depending on where I’m going, I’ll alternate that white T-shirt with a black silk negligee. Great for date night or dinner – adding shine beneath tailoring feels instantly dressed up. 

Popping pink and Yves Klein Blue… ooh la la, I’m in the mood to inject colour and joy into my wardrobe. The 1970s and 1990s have been heavily referenced on the catwalks for a while now, but this season it’s all about the 1980s. Enter sugary pink coats and electric blue hues. When meeting my agent or publisher during the day, I’ll wear colour-pop coats with mid-blue denim jeans that fit wide round the leg and high on the waist. Wider cut jeans feel modern, and after years of being emotionally attached to skinnies, I’ve finally stored them away – wearing those with a slimline blazer and stilettos would be way too 1980s, even for me. 

Autumn dressing for women

The 2022 fashion trends to know

My day begins with bustling two children out the door to school, so it’s essential that I can throw my coat over whatever I’m wearing. If that means going up a size, it’s worth it. Never get fixated on clothing sizes; always wear what suits you and makes you feel good. For me, this season, that means matching my outfit to my colour-pop coat. Known as colour blocking, it’s a styling trick I picked up years ago.

If you’re time poor but need to look elegant, wear one colour head to toe. Don’t worry about all of your outfit being the same shade. Instead, look for trousers, skirts and tops that are a few tones darker or lighter than the coat. Matching your handbag to your outfit is ever so chic, but don’t worry about matching shoes. 

Colour blocking works just fine with the hottest footwear trend of the season which, thank goodness, is still the sporty white trainer. Good news for all those morning dashes. Wherever you might be heading.

Bright colours for autumn

If you’re time poor but need to look elegant, wear one colour head to toe. Don’t worry about all of your outfit being the same shade. Instead, look for trousers, skirts and tops that are a few tones darker or lighter than the coat. Matching your handbag to your outfit is ever so chic, but don’t worry about matching shoes. 

Colour blocking works just fine with the hottest footwear trend of the season which, thank goodness, is still the sporty white trainer. Good news for all those morning dashes. Wherever you might be heading.

Top fashion picks from John Lewis Fashion Design Director Queralt Ferrer

‘Autumn is made for layering. The John Lewis Archive dress is a perfect foundation and goes wonderfully with a black blazer. Its design – based on a 1911 artwork in our archive – has intricate florals mixed with rich jewel tones to create a timeless and versatile print. Pair it with John Lewis Fiona white trainers, or the Patsey black leather boot when the weather turns cooler. And if help is needed, John Lewis Personal Stylists offer free sessions in store and virtually to find ideal pieces for you – whatever the occasion or budget. Shop our Autumn/Winter 2022 collection today – online, in store or by using our app.’

What to wear this autumn

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