New Yorkers Are Already Over These 5 Trends—Here's What I'm Seeing Around the City Instead
Note: I am not here to make a lofty declaration that anything is passé! I'd like to think we're past those lists of what's hot and what's not. Collectively, it feels like we're doing so much better—shopping more thoughtfully and not just giving in to those invasive thoughts that try to convince us we need the latest thing to feel stylish. But even if we don't blindly worship newness, fashion isn't static. It has a habit of adapting to the real world as we go about our lives, and we love to see where it's going.
It only takes a New York minute for a trend to evolve into something new. With so many damn people on rotation in this city, it can perpetually feel like something is on the rise—but what I'm enjoying at the moment is how many current trends don’t feel entirely new. Some you could go so far as to call wardrobe staples (perfect if you have a classic style) yet they still have a buzzy moment. Others are trends we've dabbled in not so long ago that are bubbling back up (much to the delight of everyone who invested last time around). From gentle evolutions of this season’s trends to the reintroduction of others that will feel familiar, here’s the very latest on the fashion vibe in NYC.
A Little Less: Leopard Print
A Little More: Snake Print
Don't get me wrong—there is still *plenty* of leopard print denim on display, not to mention all the faux-fur coats. But New York Fashion Week confirmed that snakeskin is the animal print that's definitely on the rise, both on the runway and on the street. I mean, since when did we argue with Khaite?
A Little Less: Boho Ruffle Blouses
A Little More: Everything Else '70s
Those Chloé-inspired ruffled blouses haven't been quite as prevalent as I expected, given how quickly they sold out everywhere from Mango to Net-a-Porter. (Perhaps they're just hiding under winter coats for now.) Instead, I'm seeing the '70s inspiration manifest via high-waisted denim, retro eyewear, and vintage-inspired faux-fur and shearling coats.
A Little Less: Brown Suede
A Little More: Elegant Black Bags
Brown suede is certainly still a huge trend, especially as far as shoppers and totes are concerned. But the rise and rise of classic, elegant black bags (ideally with a little gold hardware) is impossible to ignore.
A Little Less: Rodeo
A Little More: Elegant Fringe
There's still a little Western something going on, but it's evolved into a very downtown vibe. Fringing was everywhere, feeling expensive rather than festival-ready thanks to minimalist pairings with polished suiting and tailored separates.
A Little Less: Burgundy
A Little More: Cheery Hues
Cool, neutral outfits punctuated with deep burgundy seem to be giving way to slightly less serious outfits punctuated with hues that feel spring-ready. Don't get me wrong—burgundy is still a vibe, and as it turns out, it also pairs perfectly with these pops of more energetic blues, reds, and happy pastels as they peep out from underneath your trench.
Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
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