What makes a fashion item a “must have”? For some, it is the genius of people who dreamed up the design that makes it covetable, while for others it is the early adopters that give the item its enticing sheen. For the wise among us, it might be simply recognising the versatility of a piece, or its ability to speak to a trend and a moment in time.
Whatever the motivation behind the lust we feel for a single shoe, shirt or skirt, there’s no denying we’ve all experienced that inexplicable yet familiar magnetic pull towards an item.
2022 was no different, delivering its fair share of viral fashion moments that had every fashion girl exclaiming, “I don’t want it, I need it”.
Here we’ve rounded up a short list of the pieces every fashion girl wanted in 2022. For the impulsive among us, we advise you to view at your discretion (or cut up your credit card immediately, whatever you prefer).
1. The Prada Tank
When Kaia Gerber sauntered down the runway at the Prada F/W22 show in Milan wearing a ribbed singlet with the brand’s chunky triangle-plaque set into the chest, it instantly became the white-hot must-have piece for every “it” girl in town (and started a debate whether a tank top can ever really be worth $1,340.00).
2. The Saint Laurent Loafers
Le Loafer was a break-out star of 2022, celebrated for bridging the gap between winter boots and summer sandals as well as their ability to pair effortlessly with everything from jeans to shorts and shift dresses. You’ve most likely spotted the fashion house’s penny loafers without even realising it, but that’s sort of the point.
3. The Miu Miu Mini Skirt
Undoubtedly the look of the year, it’s adorned the cover of magazines, editorials, and our favourite celebrity style icons from Hailey Beiber to Nicole Kidman. The midriff-bearing, micro Miu Miu mini set is so iconic it has its own Instagram page (and obviously sold out in a matter of minutes).
4. The Miu Miu Ballet Flats
A quintessential example of 2022’s “Balletcore” phenomenon, this delicate iteration of the classic (yet still controversial) style comes complete with a Mary Jane-esque elastic strap across the top of each foot. Why have they struck a chord with the style set? They manage to hint at a youthful innocence and rebellion that embodies a certain level of cool confidence.
5. The Adidas Gazelles sneakers
This isn’t her first rodeo. In fact, the Gazelle has been a bonafide fashion shoe worn by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in the ’70s, Kate Moss and Oasis in the ’90s and Alexa Chung in the 2010s after Adidas relaunched the heritage style. The streamlined, delicate silhouette in suede is the antithesis of the chunky, ugly shoe trend of previous years and symbolises the sophisticated marriage of sportswear and luxury.
6. Overzied Blazers
The boxy blazer was a huge trend on the runway this year — as seen at Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and Michael Kors — and it’s easy to see why. The piece manages to feel relaxed and slouchy, while still adding a feeling of polished professionalism to a look.
Buy the best oversized blazers here.
7. Tailored Vests
While tailored vests started appearing on the likes of Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa in 2021 it wasn’t until this year that they became a fully-fledged phenomenon. Celebrated for its 90s-era glamour and versatility, the tailored vest has finally earned its place as a wardrobe staple.
Buy the hyped Frankie Shop tailored vest here.
8. Mini Bags
Not to be mistaken for the teeny tiny bag trend (à la Jacquemus) this trend is just as chic but a bit more practical. Some members of the style set have even started to Double bag it by pairing a mini with a biggie.
Buy the most on-trend mini bags here.
9. 90s-Style Fine Strappy Sandals
While it could be argued that barely-there sandals never went out of style, there’s no denying the power of anchoring an outfit with a timeless shoe. Dainty leather straps continue to dominate the runways and were seen at the likes of Dior, Paco Rabanne and Chloé.
10. Sheer Slip Dresses
Part of the elevated basics renaissance and the naked dress phenomenon that was front and centre at the F/W 22 collections, the sheer slip dress was one of the stand-out pieces from the pastel and pistachio-hued F/W22 Fendi runway in Milan. Everyone from Olivia Wilde to Camille Charriere has tried this trend and looked damn good while doing so.
11. Cowboy Boots
Egged on by the return of festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury after a two-year hiatus and dubbed as #Ranchcore, cowboy boots have undeniably been the statement shoe of choice for celebrities and fashion girls this year.
