The 6 Biggest Spring 2020 Trends Emerging From New York
Now that New York Fashion Week has come and gone, it's time to dig into what some of our favorite spring runways delivered. Unlike most of the collections in Milan and Paris, the shows that call New York home offer some of the most accessible and re-creatable runway looks. Maybe it's because the designers on the schedule tend to be a mix of emerging talent and contemporary labels as opposed heritage brands, but regardless of the reason, the S/S 20 runways at NYFW were flooded with outfit ideas and trends we could easily incorporate into our current wardrobes without expending too much effort or imagination.
It's hard to play favorites since there were so many S/S 20 NYFW trends that won our hearts. But if we had to choose, we suppose the following six are what we're anticipating the most. So when someone asks you what you're looking forward to wearing six months from now, you'll be able to coolly offer, "Well, since you asked, platform sandals, citrus hues like lime and tangerine, and an oversize tote bag are all on my spring shopping list."
Ahead, get your download on the coolest spring trends that are ripe for re-creating, and since we know you won't be able to wait for spring to actually arrive, we've included our shopping options so you can start wearing them now.
Platform shoes were all over the spring runways, and although the iterations were as varied as Tibi's sky-high clogs and Staud's colorful satin slides, one thing is abundantly clear: The coolest shoes will all be getting a literal lift for spring.
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The garish neon hues of the summer have officially given way to a new crop of fresh color trends. Citrusy hues, especially lime green, are poised to dominate this spring. Style them alongside neutral accessories à la Jonathan Simkhai or try a lime-green top to accent a floral skirt like the models at Maryam Nassir Zadeh did.
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Harnesses, garters, and corsets, oh my! Lingerie-inspired silhouettes were everywhere on the NYFW runways, whether it was a leather garter layered over a dress at Dion Lee or a chic visible-bra situation at Marina Moscone.
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Ready or not, oversize bags are gunning for a return. If the spring collections from Khaite, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tory Burch, and more are any indication, then the XL carryalls in the shape of shopper totes will be the biggest spring bag trend of them all (pun intended). The good news is that the trend is as practical as it is stylish. Throw your laptop, water bottle, and gym clothes in with some extra room to spare.
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For once, florals aren't at the forefront of the spring fashion lineup, and quite honestly, we're thrilled about it. Nothing against florals, but I think it's time another (equally as springy) print steps into the spotlight, no? Enter check prints. The classic pattern got a reboot for spring in pretty pastel colors with bold, oversize checkers. Picnic in the park, but make it fashion.
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Perhaps we were under-caffeinated while viewing the shows, but after seeing various floaty white dresses parade down the spring runways, we couldn't help but imagine that nightgowns were the inspiration behind these breezy creations. Whether or not they were intended for catching some z's hardly matters when they make for the most effortless spring outfit you'll wear.
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Next up: all the affordable items I spotted on the streets of NYC.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
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