The Fall 2022 Runway Moments That Will Define Cool Style This Season

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(Image credit: Dion Lee; Diesel; Bottega Veneta)

With all things fall 2022 on the brain, I'm feeling more than ready to dive into the next batch of fashion moments that are about to define the coming season. Instead of taking a broader view, I'm actually eyeing a number of specific looks that graced the fall/winter 2022 runways and predicting that we'll see them everywhere.

You see, each season we look to the runways to determine the overarching trends, but if you really think about it, we can trace the defining elements of cool style at the moment back to a handful of specific looks, whether it was an article of clothing, a novel styling trick, color combination, or an overall mood that was evoked.

If you want to know what looks the fashion set will be adopting and re-creating soon, I suggest you start with the ones ahead. Consider this your crash course in fall 2022 fashion. These are the exact runway moments that blew up group chats and social media feeds when we first saw them during fashion month last fall, and now that we're looking ahead at the year in front of us, I can state with conviction that these looks will set the tone.

So, which trends should you prioritize and which items should you shop for? From the Miu Miu look that's bringing back the micro miniskirt to the rising biker aesthetic Dion Lee and McQueen are pioneering and the delicate sheer dresses worth adopting from Fendi, continue on the discover the eight popular fall 2022 runway moments to know about before they blow up IRL.

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(Image credit: Prada)

Yep, the humble white tank top will still reign supreme long after summer comes to an end, especially if Prada has anything to do with it. The fall runway featured a number of looks with the simple but timeless basic which were given a fancy upgrade styled with delicate sheer skirts and pretty patent pumps. If it's any indication, ribbed tanks are about to become the foundation of so many cool fall ensembles.

The key pieces: White tank top and delicate slip skirt

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(Image credit: Miu Miu)

If Miu Miu's spring runway singlehandedly shaped the fashion conversation around micro miniskirts, then I think its fall collection will have the same effect on a new It item: the ballet slipper. Styled with tall socks that were scrunched down around the ankle, ballet flats are officially entering the chat for fall (even if they never really went away in the first place). 

The key pieces: Pretty ballet flats, scrunched-up socks, and bowties

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(Image credit: Bottega Veneta)

The look from Bottega Veneta's fall lineup that stands out in my mind the most isn't the trompe l'oeil tank top and jeans made of leather nor is it the feather-trimmed full skirt. Instead, it's one that makes a much more subtle statement, but that I think will wield the most influence on our day-to-day ensembles this season. The look I'm talking about is number 47 featuring an understated slip dress with a contrasting sweater tied around the waist. With luxe basics and '90s minimalism as big influences on the way we get dressed, I'm predicting that this subtle styling choice will be copied and pasted by many.

The key pieces: Slip dresses and simple sweaters

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(Image credit: Diesel)

With new Creative Director Glenn Martens at the helm, all eyes are on Diesel. For fall, the brand went all-in on the motocross motifs and it signals the arrival of a new aesthetic: bikercore. Although moto details were present throughout, it was one particular look that got fashion people talking more than any other. Look 14 captures the sporty-meets-tough vibe with a cropped biker jacket, gloves, and a leather belt that cosplays as a miniskirt.

The key pieces: Moto jackets, low-rise miniskirts, and leather gloves

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(Image credit: Fendi)

On the other side of the emerging biker aesthetic is Fendi's pretty vibe. The fall looks were filled with beautiful translucent fabrics and soft shades of baby pink like this chiffon dress on Bella Hadid. I think we're going to see a lot more of these delicate and pretty dresses that emulate Fendi's collection.

The key pieces: Sheer dresses and ladylike shoes

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(Image credit: Khaite)

If you know me at all, you know I'm a sucker for great basics and Khaite is delivering on the perfect combination that I'll surely be copying at the first chance I get.

The key pieces: Relaxed denim and bowler bags

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(Image credit: Dion Lee)

If there's one overarching trend that will come to define fall 2022, it's the biker aesthetic. The runways were flooded with toughened-up looks that featured loads of leather and cool hardware. Head-to-toe leather ensembles are featured prominently, with pieces that go beyond the classic moto jacket. I love Dion Lee's version of the look with a zippered leather bustier top.

The key pieces: Alternative corsetry and moto-inspired details

Up next, eight micro-trends that seem random now but will be everywhere soon.

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.