While the rapid loss of lengthy, light evenings and a severe reduction in the number of Aperols it’s sociably acceptable to drink left me mourning the end of summer temporarily, my sudden realisation that it’ll soon be cold enough to live in winter coats and knitwear has left me basking in sartorial joy.
Autumn is, after all, any fashion editor’s favourite – so I’m no longer feeling sad about the dawn of a fresh new season. Rather, filled with that “back-to-school” buzz and desperate to level-up my layering game.
Helping me to celebrate the new season and all that comes with it is H&M’s Autumn/Winter 2022 collection. Unsurprisingly. With every trip around the sun, H&M can be relied upon to drop a smorgasbord of cold weather staples that feel fresh and wearable. Yet which are, most importantly, resistant to ever-changing trends. Because as we all begin to repel the idea of buying to wear once, investing in pieces that’ll stand the test of time is of increasing importance.
H&M’s entire AW22 collection ticks my every cold-weather-dressing box. Oversized blazers? Check. Wool coats? Check. Tailored trousers? Check. Leather trench coats? You bet. There are even a few wooly winter scarves, caps and oversized shoppers thrown in for good measure.
I’m particularly keen on the fact that the collection bridges the gap between day and night – putting those pieces that’ll take you from office to mulled wine in one fell swoop at centre stage. It’s a capsule collection, if you will, spotlighting knitted skirt and cardigan co-ords that can be worn with tights and black boots during the day – then bare legs and heels at night. Or women’s trouser suits that’ll look smart atop a roll neck in the office but just as chic as you head out for a boujee Christmas dinner.
There are a few mini skirts in the collection, too, which shouldn’t be dismissed as being strictly summer-appropriate. This £12.99 pleated mini skirt feels reminiscent of both MiuMiu’s famed micro-mini and The Frankie Shop’s twill iteration, while this jet black PU mini screams LVIR. Once again, both could be calmed by tights and a wool coat at the office, but make for epic party dress alternatives. You get the picture.
As for the colour palette? Bold, primary colours are at the heart of this collection. Oranges, in particular, a hue which has been donned on the AW22 catwalks at Carolina Herrera and Alexander McQueen. Case in point: this bright orange off-the-shoulder knitted mini dress which – paired with knee-high boots and an oversized clutch bag – will take daytime chic to new heights. There’s a bright knee-length coat cut in bright orange, too, if head-to-toe monochromatic dressing is your ~vibe~.
Of course, the H&M AW22 collection is set to sell out pretty sharpish, so if you want in, it’s worth acting fast. Scroll down to discover our full edit of favourite picks from the collection, or head to hm.com to browse the lot.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.