The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, exploring cult items from heritage brands, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space, and doing deep dives into the investments pieces that are worth it.
(Image credit: Jil Sander; Peter Do; Miu Miu)
On the spring/summer 2022 runways, there were a number of trends to emerge that are already dropping at retailers and are set to be everywhere, from the street style scene at fashion month to the closets of celebs and fashion insiders. While trends such as micro miniskirts and bold colors are already taking off, there's a quieter trend—or, rather, anti-trend—that I predict will define how people shop and dress in the upcoming season: low-key luxury.
Recently, there has been a rising demand for seasonless, wearable staples and elevated everyday essentials that are pared back, minimalist, and ultra luxe. It makes sense that we're seeing this now. Throughout the pandemic, there have been fewer occasions to wear trendy, occasion-specific items, and there has instead been a growing interest in stealth investment pieces—just look at how Hermès bags took off more than ever in the past year.
In their spring 2022 collections, designers tapped into the way women are getting dressed now, dialing into easy, polished outfits. Peter Do showcased relaxed separates in luxe satins and raw linens, Celine introduced updated takes on its wildly popular Triomphe motif, and Miu Miu debuted its sneaker collaboration with New Balance that is set to be one of the cult buys this season. And with the upcoming launch of Phoebe Philo's new label, I only expect to see the movement continue. Ahead, you'll find the luxury-fashion shopping buys to wear now and for years ahead.
Celine
Oval acetate sunglasses
It's easy to see why these Celine sunglasses are nearly sold out.
HommeGirls
Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt
It doesn't get cooler or more classic.
Khaite
The Danielle High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
White jeans instantly read as luxe. Invest in a style with a relaxed silhouette.
Saint Laurent
Monogram Penny Loafers
Penny loafers are the more streamlined cousin to chunky loafers.
Totême
Baseball Cap
This Totême baseball hat is giving me Succession vibes.
Prada
Cleo Brushed Leather Mini Bag
The mini Cleo is a perfect, understated evening bag.
Loulou Studio
Noro Leather Wide-Leg Pants
Relaxed wide-leg pants are a key buy for this season and beyond.
Rolex
Datejust Watch
A serious investment piece.
The Row
Half Moon Leather Bag
The Row has mastered stealth luxury.
Victoria Beckham
Striped Cotton Shirt
You can count on having this button-down in your closet forever.
Loewe
Amazona 23 Textured-Leather Tote
The Loewe Amazona bag originally debuted in the '70s and is now being reintroduced in 2022, but it looks just as relevant as ever.
New Balance x Miu Miu
574 Denim Sneakers
The cult New Balance x Miu Miu sneakers fashion insiders can't get enough of.
Bottega Veneta
Ribbed Silk Shirt
I want to live in ribbed knits.
Celine
Triomphe Shoulder Bag
If you're looking for the perfect anti-trend bag to wear every day, this is it.
Lauren Rubinski
Medium 14-Karat White Gold Necklace
Just stunning.
The Frankie Shop
Joya Oversized Wool-Blend Turtleneck Sweater
Kendall Jenner
approved.
Totême
Organic Cotton-Jersey Tank
A great closet is stocked with great staples.
Savette
Symmetry 19 Leather Shoulder Bag
I'm naming Savette the on-the-rise bag brand to invest in.
Pleats Please Issey Miyake
Pleated Funnel Neck Top
Pleats always read as sophisticated.
BY FAR x Mimi Cuttrell
Glossed-Leather Slingback Pumps
Every pair of shoes from the BY FAR x Mimi Cuttrell collection is stunning.
Gucci
Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag
Another bag that was recently reintroduced, the Gucci Jackie first debuted in 1961.
Veda
Black Bess Leather Trouser
If you're going to invest in leather pants, make them wide-leg trousers.
Hermès
Vache Liegee Birkin 35 Ebene
The investment bag.
Prada
Wool-Blend Polo Knit Top
This shade of yellow was everywhere on the spring runways.
Bottega Veneta
Cotton Midi Skirt
I'm betting on maxi skirts as an essential buy.
Totême
Embellished Suede Mules
The perfect flats do exist.
Frame x Ilona Hamer
East Side Overcoat
Ilona Hamer designed a stunning collection for Frame, and this tailored coat is a must-buy piece.
Eres
Les Essentiels Asia Swimsuit
It doesn't get more luxe than an Eres swimsuit.
Totême
Oversized Leather Jacket
Leather jackets are on their way back in, and I think this modern shape is perfect.
Peter Do
Oversized Stretch-Wool Blazer
Peter Do is a master of directional suiting.
Peter Do
Pleated Stretch-Wool Wide-Leg Pants
Tailored to perfection.
Prada
Triangle Logo Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps
Prada's slingback pumps have carved themselves out as new classics, and this mesh style feels particularly fresh.
Bottega Veneta
Removable Sleeve Crepe Trench Coat
A beautiful take on the classic trench coat.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cable Knit Cotton Polo
Ralph Lauren's cable-knit sweaters are classics for a reason.
Khaite
August Leather Hobo Bag
The just-in bag from Khaite everyone is talking about.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany
Co., and her style has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.