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The 10 Commandments of New York Fashion Week Street Style
Teen Vogue’s Marina Larroude and Vogue’s Alexandra Michler. Photo: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images
New York Fashion Week is ground zero for getting a first glance at the trends we'll be seeing all season — both on the runways and in the streets, where editors, buyers, stylists and the like all pile on their most prized pieces in hopes of catching certain photographers' attention. Here, a primer on the most popular street style looks that ruled last week. Place your bets now on whether they'll pop up with the same frequency in Milan and Paris.
1. Life is a picnic. Don't forget your basket.
The Sartorialist’s Jenny Walton (left). Photos: Imaxtree
The biggest accessory trend to hit the streets during NYFW was straw basket handbags, channeling a sweet, retro vibe. Jane Birkin would surely approve.
2. A crisp shirt is always a good idea.
Eva Chen in J.W. Anderson, Mansur Gavriel and Brother Vellies (left) and Hedvig Sagfjord Opshaug in Johanna Ortiz (right). Photos: Imaxtree, Emily Malan/Fashionista, Imaxtree
Even better if it's blue-and-white, gingham or striped, and covered with flounces — as we saw en force out and about last week. One thing's for sure: these shaken-up shirts definitely aren't borrowed from the boys.
3. Track pants, obviously.
Photos: Christian Vierig/Getty Images, Melodie Jeng/Getty Images, Imaxtree
Sweatsuits have been on the come up since Demna Gvasalia sent couture-level sweats down his Vetements runway. During NYFW, we spotted scores of showgoers and models off-duty making the rounds in track pants — from high-end designer versions to Adidas Originals, and everything in between.
4. Pink is the hottest color.
Preetma Singh (left and right) and Giovanna Battaglia (center). Photos: Andrea Datre/Fashionista, Imaxtree (2)
For those of you who might consider pink to be too girlie, look no further than Flare fashion editor Preetma Singh, who opted for a rad highlighter-hued windbreaker that clashed just so with her green hair. Ditto goes for Giovanna Battaglia, who paired her metallic, pleated Gucci skirt with a matching T-shirt printed with the words "Pink as F*ck" on the back.
5. When in doubt, add a T-shirt.
Alexa Chung in Proenza Schouler, Liz Uy in Kaelen and Caroline Issa. Photos: Timur Emek/Getty Images, Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images, Imaxtree
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Slip dresses have been a major runway trend for a few seasons, and now we're seeing them pop up everywhere. The coolest way to wear one? With a T-shirt layered underneath for casual contrast.
6. Slip into something more comfortable…
Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz, Liya Kebede in 3.1 Phillip Lim and Ece Sukan. Photos: Timur Emek/Getty Images, Christian Vierig/Getty Images, Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
Fashion can't seem to get enough of leisurewear right now, as exemplified by the uptick in chic robes we've seen both on and off the spring runways. (You may recall Hanne Gaby Odiele wore a memorable white mink version on the Alexander Wang runway.) Whether worn as a dress, with a bathing suit (à la Rihanna), or styled like a jacket, this season has been a wrapper's delight.
7. Keep your cool in a white dress.
Kate Foley, Giovanna Battaglia and Tiffany Hsu. Photos: Imaxtree, Angela Datre/Fashionista, Imaxtree
New York experienced a blistering heat wave smack dab in the middle of fashion week, and nobody — not even the most important editors who get shuttled around in air-conditioned cars — were exempt from wilting. The antidote? Easy, breezy white dresses that kept street style stars like Giovanna Battaglia and Kate Foley looking fresh.
8. The higher the pants the closer to God…
Karlie Kloss and Danielle Bernstein. Photos: Chiara Marina Grioni/Fashionista, Imaxtree
One newish silhouette that caught our attention this week was the ultra wide-leg trouser, boasting ultra-high, rib cage-grazing waists. In the case of style stars like Karlie Kloss, this flattering shape only made their midsections look even tinier — as if that was possible.
9. Stay up on current events.
InStyle Germany’s Jan-Michael Quammie (left). Photos: Imaxtree (3)
The 2016 election is drawing closer, and the fashion set is responding with politically charged graphic tees. Whether they're addressing Hillary, Trump, #BlackLivesMatter, or feminism, now is the time to wear your vote on your sleeve.
10. Brush your shoulders off.
Soo Joo Park (right). Photo: Angela Datre/Fashionista, Emily Malan/Fashionista (2)
Insta-street style bait! The easiest way to look relevant this season is by tugging your shirt or dress off one shoulder — all the better to show off a killer clavicle. Do try this one at home.
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