At Who What Wear, we’re constantly on the lookout for new cult items—especially those with staying power. Whether they've taken centre stage on the runway, been spotted on our favourite street style stars or popped up again and again on our Instagram feed, there are some pieces that we know have that special something to hit the big time.
And with a new season come myriad new possibilities of what these cult items may look like. So what’s the criteria? It goes without saying that these pieces need to be as timeless as possible despite their trending nature. They might’ve exploded onto the scene fervently, but they’re certainly not the type of thing you'll only wear once. They’re exciting, but not too trend-driven. Wearable, but not boring. Most importantly, they are the pieces you love, invest in and then bring out year after year.
While this edit is formulated with mostly luxury pieces, there are some more affordable hits among the designer names too, as well as smaller brands that I can’t stop thinking about. From printed maxis to logo-emblazoned platforms, there’s something here for everyone.
Plus, for each piece, I've included some styling tips on how to make each piece work for now and beyond. Whatever you’re buying, try to think about how the item will blend into your wardrobe, and if you’re just using this list as inspiration, pick up on any colours, silhouettes and tips that you can apply to what you already own.
Scroll down to shop the 18 cult buys for autumn 2022 that I believe are truly worthy of the attention they’re getting.
1. HERMÈS CHYPRE SANDAL
Style Notes: Fluffy footwear is going nowhere. Hermès's Chypre sandals have become a classic in their own right, but fashion people are swapping the leather pair for shearling-lined styles for the colder months. They're particularly good with socks. Wear with oversized tailoring for a cool yet easy look.
Shop the sandals:
2. BALENCIAGA CAGOLE IN DENIM
Style Notes: The resurgence of noughties and Y2K fashion has meant that the fashion set can't get enough of Balenciaga's Cagole shoulder bag. While the pink is definitely popular, it's the denim that is cementing itself as the cult style of the season and is easier to pair with more looks than a vibrant colour.
Shop the bag:
3. THE FRANKIE SHOP CARGOS
Style Notes: These Frankie Shop cargo pants will be the perfect foundation of many a trans-seasonal look. Like Emma, style with a simple vest top and layer over a blazer. Add heels, trainers or tuck the hem into chunky boots.
Shop the cargos:
4. CAREL PUMPS
Style Notes: It's no secret that this autumn, French girls are loving Carel's pumps. Choose from red or black, heeled or flat, before pairing them with just about everything in your wardrobe.
Shop the pumps:
5. COS WAISTCOAT
Style Notes: Waistcoats are so popular right now, and this COS style has more than earned the cult label. Wear it with wide-leg trousers, jeans or midi skirts.
Shop the waistcoat:
6. JIL SANDER LOGO TEE
Style Notes: This logo-emblazoned tee has been all over the Who What Wear team's Instagram feeds recently. I love it worn with loose tailored trousers and a sleek leather belt.
Shop the T-shirt:
7. GANNI COWBOY BOOTS
Style Notes: It would be wrong to not include cowboy boots on this list, and after intensive research, it's clear that it's these knee-high Ganni boots that are the hero pair.
Shop the cowboy boots:
8. TOTÊME MONOGRAM SET
Style Notes: How cool is this satin co-ord? Choose from ivory, black or orange, and wear either together or as luxe separates.
Shop the shirt:
Shop the trousers:
9. RÉALISATION MAXI DRESS
Style Notes: Chances are you've already spotted this zebra-pint maxi dress on some of your favourite fashion influencers. I love the fluted sleeves and formfitting silhouette. Pair with heels, trainers or knee-high boots before layering over a coat or blazer.
Shop the maxi dress:
10. CHANEL PLATFORMS
Style Notes: Chanel platforms. Need I say more?
Shop the platforms:
11. BY MALENE BIRGER KNITTED DRESS
Style Notes: Malene Birger's knitted skirts and dresses are proving to be a huge hit this season. Add lashings of jewellery, and keep the rest of your look simple.
Shop the knitted dress:
12. LOEWE FLOWER SUNGLASSES
Style Notes: Just because the end of summer is nigh doesn't mean sunglasses are off the cards. Loewe's flower sunglasses are everywhere right now. Pick a bright colour to add a fun touch to any knitwear-based look.
Shop the sunglasses:
13. RIXO LEOPARD-PRINT MIDI DRESS
Style Notes: While zebra is having a moment, leopard print is still a fashion girl's favourite. We've seen so many stylish women rock Rixo's dresses recently. I love how it will work just as well with boots for autumn as it will with sandals for spring/summer.
Shop the midi dress:
14. GYLES & GEORGE HOROSCROPE KNIT
Style Notes: I love this British-based small brand for statement knitwear. Its horoscope sweaters are big news this year. Just decide between your sun, moon and rising sign.
Shop the sweater:
15. RAEY EXTRA FOLD JEANS
Style Notes: Raey is a minimalist's dream. Wear these oversized jeans with loafers and a roll-neck or heels and an off-the-shoulder top to balance out proportions.
Shop the jeans:
16. PRADA TANK TOP
Style Notes: Prada's logo-plaque designs are so cool, and I predict the brand's vest-top version will be everywhere this autumn. Layer under tailoring or chunky cardis.
Shop the tank:
17. CHANEL WELLIES
Style Notes: Have you ever seen something as chic as Chanel wellies? Already near impossible to find, shop them on resale sites or head into a boutique.
Shop the wellies:
18. LOEWE GOYA PUFF HANDBAG
Style Notes: As part of the Loewe's F/W 22 collection, the brand has launched a puffed version of the classic Goya handbag, and I'm obsessed. It's not quite available yet, but keep your eyes peeled.
Shop the bag:
19. MIU MIU BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: You heard it here first, these Miu Miu ballet flats are the shoe of the season. I love the satin fabrication as well as the addition of the logo on the strap. Wear with straight-leg jeans and a blazer for a classic and chic look.
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