Straight From the Streets of NYFW: 6 Trends Fashion's Coolest Dressers Are Wearing
For some, mid-September means back to school and the start of football season. For fashion people, it means it's time for another New York Fashion Week. NYFW S/S 26 is wrapping up, and the beautiful weather in NYC of late means the show attendees have had the freedom to wear their best looks—sans concerns about puddles and umbrellas. And while the runways have been filled with upcoming spring trends, the fashion crowd has been embracing all of the latest fall trends to view the collections over the past week.
I put my fashion editor sleuthing skills to work and examined hundreds of outfit photos in search of the trends that popped up the most outside the S/S 26 shows. Six, in particular, caught my attention repeatedly, and they happen to be some of the most wearable fall trends of them all. Below, see them IRL on the streets of NYC for yourself, and shop the standout fall trends for yourself.
Checks Please
Step aside stripes and polka dots—the It classic print of fall is undoubtedly plaid. The fashion crowd incorporated plaid into their NYFW wardrobes via shirts, skirts, dresses, and outerwear, giving their outfits a preppy-chic feel in every instance.
Shop Checked Pieces
Reformation
Beck Plaid Trench Coat
Favorite Daughter
The Manor Cotton Button-Up Shirt
ZARA
Plaid Cape Skirt ZW Collection
Lace Everything
Of all the street style trends I spotted at this season's shows, romantic lace was probably the most prominent. Whether as an accent or head-to-toe lace, the fashion crowd went crazy for the trend. If you want some fall shopping inspiration, I highly suggest adding a lace piece or two to your list.
Shop Lace Pieces
J.Crew
Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt in Luster Charmeuse
Red Accent Sweaters
For the past several seasons, there's been an It red piece, and the buzzy piece for fall 2025 appears to be red accent sweaters. To attend the shows, the fashion crowd wore them draped over their shoulders, around their waists, and as a layering piece underneath outerwear. There's no easier way to add a pop of color to your outfit.
Shop Red Sweaters
Alex Mill
Nottinghill Merino Wool Blend Sweater
Banana Republic
Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cotton Cable Knit Sweater
All the Animal Prints
As I'm sure you recall, last fall was all about leopard print. It's still very much a thing, but this fall, it's all animal prints on board. Spotted outside the shows (in addition to leopard) were snake, zebra, and cow print. You can go the subtle route and incorporate the trend via an accessory, or make a statement with a dress or jacket. Either way, you'll look incredibly forward this season.
Shop Animal Print Pieces
BLACK SUEDE STUDIO
Arie Ponyhair Slippers
KHAITE
Lori Snake-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag
Column Skirts
Flared skirts are lovely, but the trend all over the sidewalks of New York the past several days has been column skirts. Think of them as a longer pencil skirt. If you ask me, it's one of the chicest, most elegant trends of the season, and I love seeing how the show attendees styled them (more often than not, it's with basics).
