The 5 Biggest Takeaways from New York Fashion Week
PC: @toryburch x @yesly
And just like that… another New York Fashion Week has come and gone — one of four major fashion weeks, and I’m happy to report we’re off to a good start. I’ve already touched on a few trends here and there, like the rise of clasp purses and stylish cuff bracelets, but I’m skipping over accessories for now and focusing on what to expect in the ready-to-wear department. I will say, though, that while some runway shows got me excited for the future, others felt a little repetitive and dare I say… overdone? There’s an ongoing debate in the fashion world about whether or not “quiet luxury” has overstayed its welcome. And while I did see some pieces that promised a little more pizzazz — a little more personality — others felt like the same old wardrobe staples we’ve seen, and re-seen, and possibly grown some fatigue over… and that’s coming from someone who lives for minimalist fashion.
It was going to be an odd NYFW to begin with. Some big names (Proenza Schouler, Ralph Lauren) didn’t even participate this season, while many other notable names didn’t even have a creative director onboard. On the other hand, we saw some major returns to the scene, like Calvin Klein, who showed for the first time in almost seven years. So while it was perhaps not your traditional NYFW, it was still momentous in its own unique way.
There’s no denying that the world of luxury is hitting a bit of a roadblock. With big spenders dwindling, there are designers who choose to go the path of security and curate high-quality essentials that shoppers can repeatedly wear and keep forever. Then there are designers who turn the other direction, and create designs so unique, they pump fresh life and excitement back into our current dull world. It is your choice, therefore, to decide which road you’ll follow down. I’m here to organize some of the key trends coming out of NYFW so that it’s easier for you to make that decision.
1. Big Suiting
Let’s start with our northern star: office staples. I wasn’t just YSL who emphasized top-to-bottom suiting as a key trend last season — Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Tory Burch, and Thom Browne all came out this February with their own version of feminine suiting. And while sure, a blazer is hardly anything new, the freshness comes from the styling we repeatedly see. Rather than pairing blazers with a mesh skirt, we’re giving them the matching suit trouser, the necktie, or the baggy button down. In other words, we mean big business here.
2. Baby Blues and Pinks
I was excited to see a little color return to the runway (at least something other than red or burgundy). The runways are predicting two unusual hues for fall, and they are baby pink and blue. While we see the pink act as a stand-alone color, the blue makes cheeky appearances underneath earthy sweaters or oversized blazers.
3. Drapey Neck Coverings
Scarves, cardigans, and coats! Everything serves as a neck covering now. I’m particularly loving the outerwear with the attached drapey neck — something originally popularized by Toteme. But whether you’re tying a sweater over your shoulders or slicking a thick scarf across your décolletage, the trend is loud and clear: drapey neck coverings are in.
4. Better With Leather
We’re giving a big thumbs up to leather, especially leather gloves! Leather made a big return to runway this season in the form of jackets, gloves, and jumpsuits, and I’m quite excited for the comeback. From Brandon Maxwell to Khaite and even Michael Kors, little accents of leather made each outfit just a tiny bit edgier.
5. Low-Rise Is Still Leading
If anybody thought it’s time to go back to high-waisted jeans, think again. Low-rise pants still lead the way and to be honest, I prefer it like that. There was no shortage of low-hanging pants and drapey skirts that hang off the hips. Just take a look at Tibi’s runway show, or even Coach, they all say, low-rise stays.
