There is something downright magical about New York Fashion Week in September. Unlike its February counterpart, the fall shows ooze a certain excitement and freshness to the week that remains unmatched. Coupled with the past two years of restricted access and virtual shows, it was reflected in the elevated standard of street style this year. While the designers were hard at work to showcase the best they have for spring, influencers, editors, and celebrities alike were giving stunning glimpses into what we can expect this year.
The good thing is, that there’s a major trend for every facet of the fashion spectrum. Gone are the days of a monolith trend that overtakes the shows, instead fashion is back in the hands of the people. Wearability was the common thread across the array of designers that showed at NYFW. If the remote days proved anything, it’s to not discount the need for comfort in fashion.
As with every season, trends are about what you make of them. Not every trend is for everyone, but I believe everyone can find a trend that aligns with their personal style and makes fashion fun again.
Basics - Ultra 90’s Minimalism
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A notable trend making waves on the runways of cult favorites like Prada and Bottega Veneta is a nod to basics, literally. The looks focus on clean silhouettes that center on simple yet quality pieces, like a white tank top, classic pair of jeans, or nipped-tucked blazer. In lieu of the heavy layering that traditionally occupies the fall season, concentrating on accessories elevates the timeless look. Don’t get it twisted though, a basic doesn’t always mean basic. Like Abria, you can opt for a pop of color to modernize the trend.
Denim on Denim
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Coming off of the minimalist trend is the revival of denim-heavy outfits, a la the 2000s MTV Awards. Unlike early aughts though, the silhouettes are more modern, cleaner, and focused around dynamically playing with the traditional fabric. This trend is all about utilizing denim in a fun, innovative way, bringing the versatility of the fabric to the forefront.
Whether it’s pairing multiple denim pieces or rocking a maxi-length denim skirt, the options are limitless around this emerging trend. Whether you opt for an oversized shacket, a maxi skirt, or a patchwork handbag, this trend is easy to incorporate with anyone’s personal style.
The Longer The Better
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If the first half of 2022 was dominated by the tiniest of mini skirts, expect the second half to be an ode to sweeping, floor-length hemlines. Suit trousers that brush past the bottom of your heel, maxi-length skirts that dust your ankles; fall hemlines are going to great lengths. Inspiring designers like Victor Glemaud, Hanifa, and Jovana Louis exhibited collections that dynamically played with the longer hemline, in some cases playing with the symmetry to add a subtle sex appeal. There are a plethora of ways to incorporate this trend easily, whether you opt for simple or statement is up to you.
Perfectly Pretty Pastels
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In an unusual twist this year, the pretty pastels and ultra-feminine silhouettes of spring are here to stay into autumn and winter. A trend that typically fades with the greenness of the leaves, expect to see more lace details, feathers, fringe, and more notably, pale pink. A sister to spring’s IT color, Barbie Pink, pretty pale pastels are involved in the fall collections of big and small design houses alike.
Return of the Goth
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A stark contrast to the pastels of the Y2K, the resurgence of grunge is the silent star of the season. Following the viral “Teenage Garage Trend” on TikTok, the punk aesthetic of the 2010s is a microtrend that’s quickly gaining steam. Accessories like Doc Martins have been on the rise for years, but now designers are showing tons of distressed leather, harnesses worn naked, and smushed mascara. If you’re hesitant to embrace this new trend, pepper in pieces under layers or with more traditional silhouettes to experiment with the trend.
Nothing To See Here
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There’s no escaping this trend because skin is really, really in. Dubbed ‘revenge dressing’ in certain instances, this trend has a global appeal that has been percolating all year long. For the better part of 2022, there was nary a red carpet without a slew of barely-there dresses, jumpsuits, and mini skirts. The trend has officially made its way to the streets of fashion week, thus revealing itself as a trend that’s here to stay.
According to global shopping platform, Lyst, searches for naked fashion pieces jumped 430% over the last three months, trompe l’oeil body prints (or body illusion prints) specifically. Of the trends listed above, it’s the easiest one to adopt due to the lack of accessories one needs to pull it off. You must simply just slip it on.
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