8 Trends New York's Style Elite Are Wearing Right Now
Fashion month has kicked off with its first stop of the season: New York. While we naturally anticipate the moment when the torch passes to London, there’s always a palpable excitement when the first shots from across the pond begin to land in our inboxes. After all, New York Fashion Week sets the tone for the entire month, and if the first few days are anything to go by, this season is shaping up to be quite the spectacle.
To ensure you have insight on what the editors, influencers and celebrities are wearing to take in the shows, we enlisted the talents of not one but two skilled photographers, who have been pounding the pavement to find the best street style looks from the week. With their assistance, we’ve clocked countless ensembles we wouldn’t mind re-creating ourselves this spring, from the coolest accessory moments to the standout colour trends.
Knowing that you too like to have your finger firmly placed on the fashion pulse and get just as much satisfaction outfit spotting as we do, we’ve whittled down the key looks and trends you need to see from February 2022’s New York Fashion Week. Scroll on to see the street style trends that stood out during the shows.
1. FUN FEATHERS
Feathers are a recurring theme in fashion right now, so it’s no surprise that they were the embellishment and texture of choice during NYFW.
Look for bright tones to keep the look fresh and springlike.
Shop the trend:
2. CORSET TOPS
The Y2K mood was evident on the streets of New York City, where we spotted more corsetry-inspired tops than we could count.
Keep the look classy with neutral and monochromatic colour palettes and less-is-more styling.
Shop the trend:
3. CUT-OUT MAXIS
Maxi hemlines are a huge 2022 trend, and already, street stylers are tapping into it. Tick off two major looks in one by investing in a cut-out iteration.
Cutout maxi dresses were everywhere, even catching the attention of the celebrity set—hey, Nicky Hilton Rothschild.
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4. OVERSIZED BLAZERS
If you’re yet to invest in an oversized blazer, consider this the sign to do so. The cover-up of choice for the unexpectedly pleasant February weather, this is a staple you’ll wear right through until summer.
A cream or white blazer will give you every outfit you wear a refresh.
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5. OVAL SUNGLASSES
Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that can make the biggest difference to your look. Cue sunglasses—specifically white oval-shaped sunglasses, which dominated the New York Fashion Week street style scene.
Minimalists and maximalists alike are getting in on the white-oval-sunglasses action.
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6. COLUMNS OF COLOUR
Assuming you’re already up to speed on our trend report, you’ll know that columns of colour—wearing one shade top to toe—was a major look on the S/S 22 runways. Naturally, street stylers took note and paraded in a rainbow of hues on the NYC sidewalks.
We applaud the dedication of this look. How dreamy is that sunny yellow Prada Cleo bag?
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Style this dress just like the model—with pink strappy sandals.
7. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
One trend that isn’t going anywhere is wide-leg tailored trousers—the slouchier, the better.
The street style elite wore theirs with flat shoes—everything from trainers to chunky loafers.
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8. DECORATED PONYTAILS
Hats have been dominating the accessory scene for a few seasons now, but it would appear those in the know are reaching for hair embellishments once more to elevate their ’dos.
Whether it's ribbon intertwined in a braid or a sleek style accompanied by chains, decorated ponytails were all the rage at New York Fashion Week.
Shop the trend:
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
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