Working at a fashion website has its benefits. We spend day in, day out inspecting the collections and trawling the internet for the items that are absolutely worth sharing with you. As you know, if you’re a regular reader, we try to cover a range across prices and brands—that might include picks from the high street we’ve seen our fellow fashion editors and influencers loving, investment buys that are truly worth your hard-earned cash or impressive lesser-known pieces from smaller independent brands we keep our eyes out for.
The positive of this is we have a very good idea of what is going to work the hardest in a wardrobe. With budgets more considered and trends less predominant these days, finding those useful hero pieces is more important than ever. The collateral of this situation is that, as you can imagine, we end up with rather long wish lists for ourselves—and you can bet they’re full of the best of the best pieces around.
So as we head into the New Year, I asked our editors to whittle down their wish lists to just five items they want to buy in 2022 so I could share them with you. They came back to me with pieces that range from timeless classics to bolster their basics, like Hannah Almassi’s American Vintage midi skirt and Joy Montgomery’s COS trousers to fun statement pieces like Remi Afolabi’s Nanushka top and the tiger-print Reformation boots at the top of my list. Of course, our personal styles differ, but we all agree these are considered purchases ready to elevate your wardrobes in 2022.
Keep scrolling to see what we picked and why.
HANNAH ALMASSI, EDITOR IN CHIEF, UK
I'm on the hunt for the perfect suede or leather jacket you can throw on over everything. This one just might be it… if I remortgage my house!
I'd been looking for a chic and grown-up way to do the cut-out trend, and I think this is it.
For those days when a black roll-neck is just too boring…
Making that slow transition from chunky and comfy flats back into "work" shoes? I'm in the same boat and therefore opting in for a pair of low-heeled Mary Janes. These will do nicely.
I'm trying to restock my wardrobe with plain things, as it's currently one big mess of prints and nothing is working together. So I've just bought this and think it'll be one of those items that I'll pull out time and again.
EMMA SPEDDING, EDITOR, UK
A classic I know I'll wear for years.
I'd love to wear this with knee-high boots.
My dream leather jacket.
I wish I could dress exclusively in Totême in 2022, but seeing as that won't happen, I'd love to own these trousers.
Finally, I want to add something to my wardrobe from Kai Collective in 2022.
MAXINE EGGENBERGER, ACTING ASSISTANT EDITOR, UK
I’ve long wanted to add something Totême to my wardrobe, and this versatile jacket feels like an excellent place to start. I know I’ll wear it right through until spring with everything from slip skirts to jeans.
Call me predictable, but I exclusively carry black handbags. And Wandler’s Georgia is the next I’d like to have on my arm.
I’m already a big Dôen fan. Right now, I can’t get this shirred dress out of my mind. I’m planning on wearing it with chunky boots and a quilted coat.
A magpie through and through, I always have a piece of jewellery on my wish list, and now I'm gearing towards investing in heirloom pieces—jewellery intended to be passed down from generation to generation. This is the piece I’m setting my money aside for. Maybe check in with me in 2023 to see if I’ve finally saved enough for it.
Cable-knit jumpers make up a good portion of my knitwear, but I find this Ganni option—complete with a built-in scarf—impossible to resist.
JOY MONTGOMERY, SHOPPING EDITOR, UK
It might be niche, but I'm a big fan of this season's sailor-top trend. I'll be styling this Moschino iteration with white jeans and track-sole Chelsea boots.
I am fully on board with the return of knee-high boots. They're practical, elegant and oh so cosy. Oh and they will pair nicely with my new vintage black miniskirt.
If you haven't heard of Cawley Studio, go check it out now. I currently have my eye on the brand's lust-worthy checked shearling jacket. Dreamy.
The moment I saw these trousers on the COS A/W 21 runway, I knew they were right up my street. I'll be embracing the slouch by sizing up and wearing low-slung with loafers and a luxurious cashmere roll-neck.
For some reason, purple used to be one of those colours that I couldn't get on board with, but then along came this Other Stories knit, which has well and truly made me change my tune.
REMI AFOLABI, VIDEO CONTENT CREATOR, UK
Who can really resist this gorgeous green coat from Jakke? A real statement piece! I could throw this over any simple outfit and always look good.
I have a very long list of items I would love to own from Nanushka, but this printed velvet shirt is definitely one of my favourites. It’s a standout piece I know I could wear casually or dress up for a special event.
What drew me to these Bottega Veneta trousers are the zip details. I recently tried them on in-store and fell in love with the fit and incredible quality of them too.
I’ve been coveting this Musubi bag for a while and can’t get enough of the sage green version. It just looks like the perfect everyday bag for me!
I’ve become a big fan of the half-zip sweater style. I love the shade of green on this one from Weekday. (Can you tell that green is my favourite colour?)
EMILY DAWES, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, UK
I'm a sucker for a Totême coat, and this latest one just looks so cosy.
Most of my wardrobe consists of neutral basics, so these will add a fun bit of print to both everyday and evening looks.
My search for the perfect grey crew-neck knit is over! Pangaia's version uses recycled cashmere too, so I can feel good about investing in this one.
I've got loads of weddings (and hopefully some holidays) this year, and a Ciao Lucia dress is top of my list to wear to them all.
I've had my eye on this chequerboard knit for a while. I'll be wearing it with shirts and polo necks underneath for now and on its own with wide-leg trousers come spring.
Next: The 8 Biggest Handbag Trends We're Bookmarking for 2022
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