How To Wear FW22’s ‘Look of Love’ Trend
A candy-colored style shift may be feminizing the fall collections, but Barbiecore needn’t be sickeningly sweet. Here, EMMA SPEDDING reveals the best ways to make a pink palette work for you – and your wardrobe – this season
Romantic dressing can manifest in many different forms, but in recent seasons it has centered around whimsical ruffles, delicate lace and soft, vintage florals. For FW22, however, many designers have turned to color instead, focusing on a palette that incorporates all the shades of Valentine’s Day, from heart-emoji reds to soft blushes, and a hot, hot pink.
Indeed, Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli became so committed to his own pink vision that he created an entirely new Pantone color, Pink PP, and showed his SS22 looks exclusively in black or his singular shade of magenta. It proved to be a bold statement in how pink can act as a foundation for any wardrobe.
Since then, the trend has earned its own catchy moniker: Barbiecore – and both Valentino’s fall ’22 collection and Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie movie seem to have inspired every celebrity from Lizzo to Anne Hathaway to have their own Barbie moment, further confirmation that we’re in a hot-pink era. Still not entirely sold? The great thing about this trend is that designers have presented endless ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe. While Versace went all out with a carnation-pink satin mini dress, complete with an in-built corset and push-up bra (surely a contender for Margot Robbie to wear on the Barbie promotional tour?), Sacai’s ruby and deep-red drop-waist maxi gown offered a modern take on the trend. Elsewhere, Stella McCartney took the Valentine’s Day theme one step further, showing a red lace bra and silky slip skirt underneath an oversized camel coat, while Molly Goddard led the way for romance with its signature pink-and-red tulle ruffled dresses designed to spark joy.
In short, you can wear this look head-to-toe in true Piccioli fashion, or, if you’re looking for something more subtle, just add one powerful burst of red or pink via an accessory. Keep scrolling for four chic ways to wear this love-filled look now…
Off-duty
Don’t be afraid to add color to your off-duty staples – after all, a vibrant sweater or accessory will instantly lift a classic jeans-and-sneakers outfit. A red handbag might sound like a bold choice, but this lipstick-red Valentino Garavani bag will be just as versatile as any black or tan tote. Meanwhile, a punchy knit is the perfect mood-booster, and you can’t beat Proenza Schouler’s tie-dye turtlenecks for a casual piece with directional edge.
Date night
Stella McCartney’s FW22 collection was filled with date-night styling ideas, including wearing one overtly ‘sexy’ item within an otherwise classic daytime look. The label’s scarlet satin midi is certainly a dress with wow factor, but it looks even more fabulous when paired with a relaxed tie-waist camel cashmere coat and white heels. Finish the look with Savette’s cult suede top-handle bag for extra style points.
Workwear
A trouser suit always looks put together, making it ideal for those days when you’re in a rush but need your outfit to make an impact in the office. Lafayette 148’s trouser suit goes big on color thanks to its pretty, primrose shade of pink, while the slouchy and oversized silhouette of the blazer and pants keeps it current and effortless. The key is to accessorize with relatively simple extras – polished loafers and a subtle chain necklace, for example, will ensure the look doesn’t veer into ‘overdone’.
Accessories
Add a little bit of love to all your outfits with on-theme accessories. Go literal with Lauren Rubinski’s beaded ‘Love’ necklace, or consider Dior Eyewear’s ‘DiorSignature’ sunglasses, which come in glossy pink acetate with gold-tone detailing. Of course, a red or pink bag is the easiest way to trial the trend, and both shades pair beautifully with an autumnal palette of browns and beiges.