Fashion has been one of my biggest passions for as long as I can remember. Throughout the past few years, I have been an avid follower of Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and of course New York Fashion Week. So here are some of the biggest trends from NYFW, and my personal thoughts on them.
All Knitted Up:
Everything from sweaters to sweaters vests to even some cheeky knit tops were seen, but sweater vests reigned supreme. You may already be seeing this on Instagram thanks to a million influencers, but now that they have taken over fashion week thanks to Philip Lim, which you’ve probably seen a million times on Gossip Girl without knowing it, H&M (yes, I know) and Jason Wu, it’s safe to say this trend will at least last the whole year, if not the next few.Â
On The Fringe:
Fringe is one of those things that’s bold, but also quite timeless. That depends on whether you think 70s western or 20s flapper when you hear the word. Me, I think 20s flapper, which wasn’t the vibe seen at NYFW. So, if you instantly thought 70s western, then you’re in luck! However, it’s also very refreshed. Seen on everything from scarves to blazers to handbags to coats to clutches, designers will never stop finding new ways to use fringe. Everyone from current fashion fav Bottega Veneta to Jason Wu to Proenza Schouler (whose show features Kamala Harris’ stylish step daughter. Remember her epic Miu Miu coat at the Inauguration? I didn’t stop talking about it for a week) to Jonathan Simkhai, it’s safe to say fringe is obviously back. (Not to be negative, but it will also be out very quickly as usual. But it also comes back even quicker, so don’t throw it out if you buy some!)
The 80s Are Back:
Personally, I LOVE 80s FASHION! When it’s done right, it’s super bold, glamorous, and comfy. Designers have gone the more oversized comfy route or the Dynasty glam this fashion week. Prabal Grunug, who Camila Mendes wore to the last MET gala, and Markian, who Jill Biden wore at the Inauguration, showed off their love for the decade with big shoulders on one-sleeved mini dresses, dramatic formal wear, and dressy casual two-pieces.Â
We All Scream For Cream:
Not white, cream. It’s just white that’s slightly a hint darker. It was the neutral of fashion week. Personally, I wear more black than white, but if you are like influencer Meghan Rienks, or another Jill Biden fav Gabriela Hearst and are the exact opposite of me, then it’s your time to shine. Just be careful when you encounter coffee, pizza, or guacamole.Â
Cutouts Galore:
Apparently, the iconic Serena van der Woodsen keyhole cutout is back. Victor Glemaud and Jonathan Simkhai feature both on the upperboob and the underboob. I say, if you have the confidence, or the right bra, then go for it!Â
Mixin’Â Prints:
I have been working on mixing my prints and might I say, it definitely takes some risk, practice, and confidence. My tip: try to match a color, usually the majority color or the most neutral color to make your look more cohesive and less busy, as mixing prints can sometimes look like a toddler’s painting when done wrong. During NYFW, we saw plaids mixed with florals in R13 and plaid mixed with 70s psychedelic designs in Anna Sui. Verdict: plaid is the print to mix in 2021.Â
Layers on Layers on Layers:
Remember when we were all in elementary school and our moms put us in a long sleeve shirt underneath your super awesome Justice tee? Well, apparently our moms’ fashion efforts paid off, or maybe just mine, because layering is officially and actually on trend, minus the Justice monkey of course. This trend is probably the easiest to recreate. Buy some cheap solid color basic long sleeve t-shirts. I personally love H&M’s basics. Then find your favorite graphic tee, whether it’s a band tee, a concert tee, or just a university tee, and put it on top. Pair with literally any bottom, and you are set to channel what was seen on Maisie Wilen and PH5’s catwalks.Â
Puffy coats:
Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of this because I just prefer a sleeker coat, but puffy coats are one of the biggest trends right now. Seen with many colors and designs in shows from Jason Wu, Claudia Li, Marina Moscone, and Bevza, puffer coats just might be the coat of the 2020s.Â
Bridgerton:
Does this really surprise anyone? It’s one of the biggest things in pop culture right now, so of course we’d see it influence what we wear. It’s a little too girly for my taste, but designers have gotten creative when making Bridgerton style edgy. Specifically, I’m talking about Prabal Grunug’s epic hot pink two piece gown with a corset top and long Old Hollywood style black gloves. However, Markian and Shrimps have also aced the modern regency style. You can achieve it too with floral prints, bowties, and corsets, which came back into trend before the show aired. Thanks to my past with Scoliosis, I will never restrict myself like that again, but if you want to for the sake of style, all I have to say is take it off before you take a nap, unless you want to sleep astronaut-style.Â
Adobe. No, Not The Software:
Adobe is Pantone’s color of the year. Adobe is described as a sun dried clay, or brown. It’s been everywhere, and designer PH5 and influencer Niki Demartino will agree. Personally, I will not be hopping on this bandwagon because my heart will forever belong to the color black. Also, this color will definitely go out of style very soon. But, if you find a cute, cheap brown accessory or clothing item, I say go for it. It is technically a fashion neutral.
The “It” Colors: Green, Pink, & Red.
St. Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day were in the air at NYFW, and also Anna Sui and Staud’s runways because bright green and color blocking with pink and red was all the rage. I am totally down with the green, and I love pink and red separately, but I don’t think I will wear red and pink together. Just too lovey-dovey girly for me. If you are the lucky girl who’s girly and happens to be in love (whether that’s self-love, friendship or legit S.O. love), I say go for it! It does look great on lots of people. Just look at Mandy Moore, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Taraji P. Henson at the 2019 Emmys.Â
Velvety Goodness:
But don’t think it’s like the 2010s 5-minute lasting velvet trend. No, this time around it’s more nostalgic. Think Halloweentown and Twitches. The velvet seen during this fashion week had almost a 2000s witchy vibe. Maybe that’s because most velvet was magenta, purple, or cream. It’s also the perfect fabric to help you go from casual daytime to dressy nighttime.Â
Clogs?
Clogs are back. Yay!? Sorry, but they are just not my taste, but they sure look comfortable. I understand what Sandy Liang and Simon Miller are trying to do by making the “so ugly, it’s cute” shoe come back. I mean, slip-ons are always comfortable, but it’s just not for me. But if you like them, go for it! I’m sure your feet will love it.
Indigo Becoming A Neutral:Â
Indigo was the surprising new neutral of NYFW after being seen in shows from Jacquemas, Victor Li, and Bezva. I’d say if you want to try it, first go for a dark denim, because most of the Indigo color is used in western inspired style. It will also be something you can wear once Indigo isn’t the new black anymore.
Statement Tights:
As a huge Gossip Girl fashion fan, I am so excited that statement hosiery is back. I mean, remember Blair and Serena’s endless amount of patterned tights? Everyone from Prabal Gurung, Anna Sui, Victor Glemaud, and Collina Strada showed off their unique take on this timeless trend. Anna Sui, who is known for her bold and colorful designs, stuck to her signature with vibrant stockings. Victor Glemaud was inspired by NYC itself by making tights that mirror the NYC taxi aesthetic. Collina Strada mixed 70s with Regency and had super cool psychedelic floral tights. But my personal favorite was Prabal Gurung’s sheer polka dot tights, which you can find a super cheap dupe of on SheIn, Amazon or Madewell (which I own and I kid you not when I say these aren’t normal itchy tights and they are actually super soft).Â
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Grunge Is Back…Again:
Remember in the 2010s when everyone was tying flannels around their waist to get that 90s grunge look? Well, it’s coming back again. No, not the flannels around the waist thing, but punk plaids and edgy layering that make Kurt Cobain’s signature look go glam, that was seen all over NYFW, especially in Rosetta Getty’s line.Â
Dress (Up) to Impress:
As a whole, NYFW was surprisingly dressy and formal for a pandemic. Personally, I have started to dress up while home just for myself, and I think NYFW is on the same page. Fashion is all about self-confidence, and what says that more than dressing to impress yourself? It’s also a great time to try trends that have scared you in the past. If it does end in disaster, the only people you would have embarrassed yourself in front of would be your roommates.
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