Live From NYFW: 6 Trends, Styling Hacks and Accessories You Can Start Wearing Now
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion is undeniable, and New York Fashion Week consistently serves as a potent barometer of its shifts. Last year’s embrace of stark minimalism – a palette of black and white, structured tailoring, and the ubiquitous polo shirt – felt like a deliberate reaction to the maximalism that preceded it. This season's departure, as reported in [Khaite Makes the Rules—6 Trends That Are Making a Comeback in 2027], signals a move beyond simple austerity, hinting at a re-emergence of previously sidelined aesthetics. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly definitive trends are fleeting, and that the industry is perpetually reinterpreting its own history. The shift isn't necessarily a rejection of quality or timelessness—those values remain—but rather an evolution toward a more nuanced and layered expression of style. Consider, for example, the discussion around footwear; many are questioning dated trends, seeking fresher alternatives as explored in [I Hate to Say It, But These Autumn Shoe Trends Feel Dated—5 Cooler Alts to Wear Instead].
What’s particularly intriguing about this season’s NYFW isn’t just *what* is trending, but *how* it's being presented. The emphasis seems to be less on overt statements and more on a quiet confidence, a subtle signaling of personal style rather than a slavish adherence to dictated trends. This aligns with a broader cultural shift towards authenticity and individuality, where consumers are increasingly discerning and less susceptible to fleeting fads. The influence of brands like Khaite, consistently setting the tone with their understated elegance, further reinforces this notion. The rise of "non-pants" trends, as detailed in [Sorry, Capris—Fashion People Are Wearing This Non-Pants Trend For Early Fall], while seemingly playful, also embodies this spirit of liberation and self-expression. It’s about finding joy in unexpected combinations and pushing boundaries within a framework of refined taste.
The move away from rigid minimalism also reflects a deeper understanding of how people actually *live* and dress. The polished, almost clinical aesthetic of last year felt increasingly disconnected from the realities of everyday life, particularly in a post-pandemic world where comfort and ease have become paramount. This season’s trends, while still rooted in quality and craftsmanship, seem to embrace a more relaxed and lived-in sensibility. There’s a sense of effortless cool, a feeling that these looks have evolved organically rather than being manufactured for a runway. This resonates with a consumer base that values longevity and versatility in their wardrobe, seeking pieces that can seamlessly transition from day to night, work to weekend. It’s a move away from disposable fashion and towards a more considered and sustainable approach to style.
Ultimately, the evolving landscape of NYFW suggests a future where trends are less prescriptive and more inspirational. The industry is moving towards a model where personal style takes precedence, and where consumers are empowered to curate their own unique looks rather than blindly following the dictates of the runway. The question now is: how will this shift influence the broader retail landscape? Will we see a greater emphasis on customization and personalization? And will brands adapt to cater to a consumer base that increasingly prioritizes self-expression over fleeting trends, or will the relentless pursuit of "the next big thing" continue to drive the cycle?
This time last year, New York Fashion Week was the perfect poster for minimalists: black and white colour palettes, polished polo shirts and timeless tailoring. This season, it's done a 180. That pared-back aesthetic pushed aside for punchy personalities, bold colours, statement shapes and design details that are already becoming so synonymous with each brand that their ownership is firmly staked on the catwalk. I'm calling it now: Ralph Lauren is singlehandedly bringing back the velvet duster coat—hooray for all of us bohemian-leaning lovers.
Add to that the countless street stylers being snapped, shouting hot dog vendors, never-ending car horns, and an incredibly cramped Strackers x Net-a-Porter Incredible Women party where none other than the Serena Williams walked past me (incredible woman, indeed), and five days actually feels more like two weeks. My nervous system may take a minute to recover. The sheer amount of fashion notes worth sharing overwhelming in itself.
So I bring to you just a handful of what we can all action right now. Tory Burch's declaration that big belt season may well continue (this time with a new take on the classic coin style). The street styler's strong love for fringe, even in the most unexpected of places. An even more statement-making way to style florals (more is more, according to Diane Von Furstenberg). And a supersizing of our office outfits à la Tommy Hilfiger, to bring a bit of playfulness back into the boardroom.
Below, your cheat sheet to kick off fashion month.
6 Trends, Styling Hacks and Accessories to Take From NYFW and Wear Now
1. New Take on the Coin Belt
Style Notes: Yes, Tory Burch had Alexa Chung and Emily Ratajkowski in the model line-up, but this new take on the silver belt still stole the show. Consider this new take on the coin belt your easiest way to make even the simplest of outfit feel far from boring. Big belt season is officially here.
Shop the Look:
Perhaps the most similar belt to the new Tory Burch design is this leather-backed Miu Miu pick. Both practical and polished.
Maje merges both silver and gold tones for those who'd prefer not to pick a metal.
For a bigger, bolder option, take a look as this hammered gold-tone disc belt.
Whether worn around jeans, skirts or dresses, this silver loop belt will instantly draw attention.
2. The Conversation-Starting Velvet Duster Coat
Style Notes: Of course, "hi", "hello" or "good morning" are the most common greetings when sitting down next to a stranger at the shows, but this week a new phrase has been just as popular: "did you see the Ralph Lauren collection?". The boho-baroque pieces causing the most commotion, this embroidered velvet duster coat especially.
Shop the Look:
Since Ralph Lauren's velvet duster took to the runway on Wednesday, this Free People style has been getting plenty of attention. And for good reason.
If velvet isn't quite your style. Rixo's satin duster coat boasts the same aesthetic with a lighter fabric.
Not quite olive, not quite gold. This high-lustre midi coat will make any look all the more striking.
This burgundy embroidered butterfly duster offers more structure than your typical duster coats, making it even better suited to cold weather.
3. Unexpected Everywhere Fringing
Style Notes: Now is the time we start to see the autumn/winter 2026 runway trends slowly trickle down into our actual wardrobes. First up: fringing, but not always on the pieces you'd expect. Out here in New York, the coolest dressers are wearing it across anything and everything you can think of: coats, blazers, bags, belts, jumpers, shirts and even more. Added drama in an instant.
Shop the Look:
Searching for a new winter coat? Simkhai's wool-blend fringe style certainly stands apart from classic black and brown designs.
Yes, it's sweater weather, and this tassel scarf neck knit is far more interesting than your classic turtleneck.
Fringe typically leans into Western styling territory. Here, Veronica Beard proves that can still feel relatively formal (and fun).
Isabel Marant's Oskan bags have long been a boho-lover favourite. This darker suede tone feels even better suited to the Autumn/Winter season.
4. Oversized Office-Wear
Style Notes: Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler, Tommy Hilfiger and Diane Von Furstenberg all made a case for more punchy workwear. One easy styling trick? Opt for the oversized. Think shirts, blazers, jackets and trousers that look like you've borrowed them from the boys—or taken them from Tommy.
Shop the Look:
Consider a cotton Toteme shirt a forever wardrobe staple.
The Frankie Shop excels so well at creating oversized coats and blazers, they're actually sometimes simply too big.
Roll up the cuffs on this oversized cotton shirt to add extra dimension to the outfit.
To truly lean into the oversized look, opt for these trousers in one size larger than usual and cinch with a belt.
5. Fighting Florals
Style Notes: Iterations of florals shift every season, from ditsy print to extra-bold and abstract—but here in New York, anything goes, especially when worn all at once. Take notes from Henry Zankov's Diane von Furstenberg debut (where DVF herself sat front row) and clash your chrysanthemums with your crocuses for a maximalist push on flower power.
Shop the Look:
Dries Van Noten is the brand all the coolest women are currently reaching for. This floral midi skirt is a personal favourite.
This belted shirt will pair just as well with white and blue jeans as it will clashing florals.
If you'd prefer to co-ordinate your florals rather than clash, consider this co-ord.
Note the gathered ring detail on this floral jersey, adding an extra touch of detail to any look.
6. Daring Double Denim
Style Notes: Double denim has long been a go-to styling trick, both easy and impactful—it's dubbed the Canadian tuxedo for good reason, after all. And even Anne Hathaway's a fan. But here in New York, the Y2K denim duo has been dialled up a notch, with colour-co-ordinating pieces in more attention-grabbing proportions. Think maxi coats, voluminous jackets, blazers and jeans.
Shop the Look:
This belted trench jacket is far more interesting than your everyday denim jacket.
Straight-leg jeans are quickly emerging as the shape to turn to this season.
This Alice & Olivia denim maxi coat is the exact one I've been spying across the street style set.
Few denim brands carry the same cotton-loving legacy as Levi's, and for good reason.
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