As much fun as it would be to attend the NYFW shows, I’m not that cool. So I watch vlogs, follow Instagram hashtags, and browse the runway and presentation pictures on vouge.com to see what’s happening. It’s a great way to keep up with what’s happening in fashion, but it also provides a lot of outfit inspiration around the time we get a little sick of our winter wardrobe.
There are far too many designers to keep up with and not all of them appeal to my own sense of style. I picked these 31 looks based on what inspired me, and what feels achievable with my existing closet. I’d love to know what you think of my favorites and what NYFW looks caught your attention.
In no particular order, here are my 31 favorite NYFW looks.
Khaite
Let’s start with one of my favorite brands, Khaite. This is a New York fashion girl brand, and not everything is what I would consider “wearable”. But, there are some standout pieces every season that steal my heart and can be worn and reworn for years to come.
I am completely in love with this look. The graphic print top stole my heart the second I saw it. The ultra high-waist pants with the cummerbund are so flattering and a nice nod to menswear. I want to be this woman, and what’s great is that I feel I could be..
This look is very similar and a little more weekend cool. The cummerbund waist is something I noticed in a few other shows. Might be a trend in the making
The last look is more casual, with interesting details. The top could easily become a mini dress, and the fold detail on the pants is something I’ve seen other brands do in recent collections. Definitely a look for the Pinterest inspo board.
Pro Tip: Khaite is a VERY expensive brand, but you can usually find previous season items in the sale section on luxury retail websites and on the brand’s website. It’s still expensive, but it’s less expensive and the quality is very good.
Thom Browne
The first time I saw Thom Browne clothing I was not into it. It’s a very artistic and conceptual brand, which can make it difficult to see just how wearable the clothing is as it comes down the runway. As I’ve learned more about fashion and how to appreciate it as art, I’ve fallen in love with this brand. It’s a tailoring powerhouse with a preppy, American sensibility that I enjoy. If this is your first time seeing a Thom Browne creation, I encourage you to go watch the last few seasons and see how fun and interesting the clothes can be. It’s what fashion week is all about.
This coat is STUNNING. I love the contrasting trim and it’s such a classic statement piece.
A classic set, this is clueless with a Thom Browne twist. I do see these items in the sale section and I will be stalking them for the next 18 months to try and get them.
I’ve NEVER seen a coat like this and I will be looking to add it to my closet till the day I die. It’s so SO cool.
I don’t typically think of sexy clothing when I think of Thom Browne, but this is a great way to lean into the sheer trend. I think this is very well done.
Carolina Herrera
Here is another designer I look forward to seeing every season. Carolina Hererra isn’t the kind of clothing I would wear most days, but that’s only because I’m not fancy enough to dress in the styles they put out. The brand is known for its evening gowns, but it also does some really gorgeous tailoring and interesting shapes.
This coast and pant sent made my plaid-loving heart skip a beat. It’s exactly the kind of look I would wear to the office, Seattle anti-fashion be damned. I will be adding this to my mood board for the rest of my life and maybe someday I too will look this fucking chic.
This second look is very interesting. I enjoy how the ruffle texture contrasts with the pants and creates an elongating effect. The monochrome color allows that ruffle outline to speak volumes and it’s an excellent example of minimalist fashion being exciting.
Michael Kors
I’ll be honest, I’m a bit annoyed by how many looks I like from MK’s collection. It’s a great example of how marketing can breathe new life into a brand. When I was in college this was a hot brand, but like COACH (they appear in this post too) it got a little too commercial and popular for its own good. The last few years have seen it make a comeback and maybe that’s deserved. MK does make some nice clothing and, apparently, I am a reluctant fan.
This first look is very basic but something about the cut of the pants and that double belt made me sit up and pay attention. The color is great, the pleats are great, and there is something beautiful about such an effortlessly cool outfit.
If that last look was about casual cool, this is about being a stone-cold boss, and I love it. The belted blazer is a trend you will be seeing a lot of. The monochrome layers are perfect and the sense of confidence this outfit portrays is contagious.
The very 70’s academic look speaks to me. I’m a wide-leg pant kind of woman, and the layers are great for fall-winter. It’s an easy look to recreate. Again, note the belted blazer.
These looks are very similar and a great way to play with the transparent trend. The lighter look is very feminine and sweet with a hint of daring. The second one is how Seattle would wear this look. The all-black brings a little toughness to balance the feminine and the oversized puffer adds a casualness to it that is playfully irreverent and exceptionally cozy looking..
Monse
When I think of Monse I often think of clothes with a little more cool girl edge to them. It’s not as provocative as Dion Lee or as street-cool as Sacai, but there is something very cool about this brand that draws me in.
I am very drawn to this pinafore dress. It reminds me a lot of the Prada version that came out a few years ago. I appreciate that this doesn’t have a visible logo and adds hardware for interest. It’s great for year-round wear and can be layered to create a variety of looks.
Monse did an interesting lapel detailing on their coasts this season which is echoed here in the halter neck and waist belting. Go look at the full show to see what I mean. I really like it. I’m going to call out halter necks as a trend in 2024. I am seeing them everywhere.
I love this look, it’s a cool girl take on a classic preppy style. I love the sweater-vest mini dress, and that coat collar is very interesting. This is an outfit I could wear tomorrow and feel fully myself in.
Ulla Johnson
I’ve gone back and forth a lot on my interest in Ulla Johnson’s clothes. I generally find the style to be a little too boho for me, but every few seasons I find a handful of pieces that appeal to me.
I am clearly loving a long statement coat right now (another coming trend). I don’t think this is as good as the others I’ve pointed out, but it got my attention and I think it’s a cool pattern.
I think the proportions are great and it looks so effortless. You could easily layer the top over a shirt (a la Sacia) and pair the pants with pretty much anything. Beautiful.
This look is another great option for the sheer trend. It can be layered over, under, or worn as is. I don’t think it’s too provocative. And that pattern is lovely.
LaQuan Smith
Here is a brand I never thought I’d look to, but this season Smith made a point of bringing in pieces that worked for the working hours of the day. The looks are styled with the brand’s sex appeal style but can be toned down and combined to go from the office to wherever you want.
This brown leather set is fantastic. The slit might be a bit high for the office, but you could get a little hook and eye added to make it work. And that shirt is so cool. I can imagine it with five different looks, easily.
This dress is such a beautiful color, and the asymmetrical halter is a fresh take on the neckline. I would wear this dress to every party and date night I could. 10/10
Alice & Olivia
Speaking of a party, I am an avid fan of Alive & Olivia because the brand captures a youthful joy in its clothing. The collections always offer a variety of party and professional options, always with an artistic touch.
The bright red sequin skirt isn’t quite my vibe, but that graphic sweater makes me smile, and I would wear the hell out of that red jumpsuit.
This look is a more playful version of the retro mod style I love. It’s a bit more aspirational for me but a look I might play with this coming year.
COACH
I told you we’d get to them. American heritage brands, particularly those that were popular in the late 90’s and early 00’s, have been making strong comebacks. COACH isn’t a brand I’d turn to for ready-to-wear, but I did see two looks that I liked.
This first look is a very cool juxtaposition of sportswear and formal wear. And the boots! Where is she going or where did she come from? It’s a great mashup.
This knit jumper is so fun, I couldn’t pass it up. I love yellow, I love the oversized fit, the layering,, and the duck is adorable. It’s whimsical and perfect.
Proenza Schouler
This is a brand I look at every season because I find their designs push the edge of wearable and because I think they do some killer staples. The collection this season wasn’t very appealing to me at this moment, but I do think it’s a good one to look to for coming trends.
The one look I really liked was a very casual set. She looks comfortable, stylish, and sexy. The draping of the neck is very nice and the skirt has a slit that could be positioned in the front or back, depending on how you want to show off your legs. I have a PSWL dress (their slightly more affordable line) and the quality is fantastic, so I have no doubt the material is as comfortable as it looks.
Gabriela Hearst
This is another brand I look at more to be aware of what is happening than because it speaks to my style. It’s a bit more boho than I gravitate towards but always has some great classics. I do love this knit dress. The cut-outs are tasteful and it looks like a very comfortable dress.
Tibi
This is more of a contemporary brand and not one I’ve paid much attention to in the past, but I am currently obsessed with the college letterman jacket, so it spoke to me. I think the proportions of this look are fun, and I like how they paired this sporty prep look with a sock and pump. It’s just fun.
Helmut Lang
Here is a 90’s brand I am new to. The newish creative director, Peter Do, has his own line that I’ve liked for a few years now and I’m excited to see what he does. Not a lot in this collection grabbed my attention, but this opening look was very cool. The texture is intriguing, and the layering of sheer tops with strategic panels is very cool. It’s one of the more unique and wearable sheer outfits I’ve seen
That’s my round-up for NYFW 2024. There are a number of brands that didn’t participate this year, opting for off-calendar shows or putting out look books. Staud, Veronica Beard, Theory, and The Row all did look books you should check out.
Let me know what looks you like best and what designers you think I should pay closer attention to. I’m excited to see what London brings us!
Rainy Day Rags 