11 Things People Were Wearing at NYFW
Trends on the runway, streets, and your eBay watch list.
After an informal poll of Long Live readers, this is what you wanted to know. And I’ll admit, as someone who started dressing models backstage at fashion week eleven years ago to someone who sometimes gets to attend, it’s a fascinating scene.
What’s as true now as it was then—the street style makes all of it worth it. I was stuck working on a writing project (hence partially reporting from my cool friends’ IG stories) for a lot of this season, but fear not, I’m here to outline eleven trends/styling tips/looks and how you can shop them on your own—mostly secondhand.
Midi Skirts
Name a more aspirational outfit that a midi skirt with movement pair with a matching top. There was lots of this happening, even on girls I saw in micro minis last season. I decided it was best to bring in an expert, so I got my dear friend and fabulous stylist, Taylor Hansen Hughes, to break it down for us.
“It’s smart for designers to create an investment skirt and pair it with an identical jacket (Khaite cheetah) or knit (Altuzarra black) because it allows you to create so many iterations of outfits from just the two pieces. Either of these would be fab on their own with a well-loved oxford or a slinky turtleneck tucked in.”
For those of us looking to revive our midi skirts at home, Taylor recommends playing with proportions. “Cropped knit + A line full midi skirt—perfection. Pencil jacket + pencil midi skirt—also fab. Styling midi skirts, like styling most things is almost always all about balance. I will almost always wear a shrunken cropped knit on the outside of a skirt and keep it untucked.”
Wear this midi from Rue Sophie the same way you would black trousers.
Or head to the opposite end of the spectrum for a little archival Prada from 2008.
For $50, you could pair this cotton J.Crew Collection midi with all your favorite summer tops.
It’s worth noting that La DoubleJ makes amazing skirts. This one is preloved from Vestiaire for $396.
Layered Turtlenecks
Hear me out. Turtlenecks were at base of almost 40% of the outfits I saw this week. The cold certainly plays a role, but again, fashion beats form. I found the look very charming. The trick? Opt for a bodysuit version or one you can tuck into your pants. Black is great, but so is a ribbed grey version.
Shopping cotton turtlenecks secondhand isn’t always fruitful, but I do have good luck with the Wolford Colorado style, which you can usually find on Poshmark for under $100, which is less than half of retail.
Here’s one on Vestiaire for $150. I guess these have gotten more expensive since I bought mine years ago? I feel confident it’s the kind of thing worth buying the best version of once.
I have this exact one (Large, $100) and love layering it under a striped button down in a very Man Repeller 2015 way.
Style-wise, why not pair yours with a big vintage tshirt on top? I promise it looks less “punk” than it feels. That, trousers, chunky loafers, you’re ready for a proper night.
Tall girl tip: thumb holes = longer arms. I’m not kidding! I also have this Commando one and it’s good, but I’m a little eye roll-y towards one size anything.
Real Vintage Fur
I was taken aback the number of furs I saw on the streets of Soho this year. Coming from someone who witnessed a PETA protest in 2014, it’s a real 180. I’m on the record as pro vintage fur, but generally avoid it because of 1. the closet real estate it takes up 2. maintenance 3. aforementioned PETA trauma. But it’s undeniably chic.
A petite fur accessory, like a vest or a collar, is a great place to start if you’re trepidatiously reaching for your grandma’s floor-length coat at the back of your closet.
You should get this fur vest relined (take it to Orchard Express and it’ll cost less than $100) but at $60…why not?
I love the grosgrain ribbon detailing on this $25 real fur collar.
Then again, this outfit rocks and I wish I could pull it off. I think going cropped in the body and long in the sleeves is an easy way for this look to feel fresh.
The contrast here feels super cool. It’s $220, but that’s still a deal for real fur in good condition.
Still prefer faux? I got you. This cropped faux fur beauty is from a brand called “Rave” and is $50.
You all know how I feel about a coat like this…it’s EV Catnip. For $1,000? A little expensive IMO but it sure is fab.
Tiny Buttons
Whether it be in Mandarin Jackets or asymmetrical suiting, I found myself drowning in a sea of tiny buttons. And loving it! A close friend who works with
explained how she planned to wear tiny buttons under a blazer and the concept struck me as simple and brilliant.
Contrast! More of it! Never enough! My favorite sweater has tiny buttons and I love the way it wears with my bold, shiny barn jacket buttons on top.
My favorite part about this? You probably have something with tiny buttons already in your closet. Or take this on your assignment to your nearest Goodwill over the weekend and I promise you’ll pass the test with flying colors.
I’m new to the brand Róhe, but this jacket is incredible.
I love this small fleece that’s $20! Feels quirky in a good way.
Here’s a sexy little $30 silk vest made to be worn with fabulous jewels.
Jackets That Fit Just Right
Hear me out on this one. There are oversized jackets. There are cropped or shrunken jackets. And then there are jackets that occupy a Goldilocks ideal of somewhere in the middle.
My preference has long been something oversized, but the huge blazer and baggy pants look was less commonplace this season. I saw more jackets that fit Just Right. Buttoned or zipped all the way (or mostly), they feel like structured tops in their own right.
Sorry, it’s time you know I love Pierce Abernathy’s outfits. This look outside of Calvin Klein is all the proof I need.
Get the Pierce look for $35 on eBay.
You thought I was done with zebra jackets? Not when this one is $25 I’m not!
For this look, try to focus on jackets that come all the way up to your chin versus blazer with lapels. Again, you probably have one of these in your closet.
Tall people! This is an XL long, insulated, and $35.
This is sincerely the last zebra jacket you’ll see in this letter. It’s $25 AND has a tassel.
Sweater As Belt
Sweaters as accessories. This is good news for those of us who have collections that protrude out of our closets. Wear your sweater as a scarf—that’s old news. But as a belt! Your knits have a new lease on life!
Here I am in a still for a Gap video I recorded last week. These pants are High Sport dupes. These flats are my favorite. The sweater in question is this. The bag is Tory. And you know this Argent shirt by now.
It’s generally easiest to pull this off with a thinner sweater, but the sky is the limit. Also, now’s a good time to try it with a scarf a la
.
Try something striped like this La Ligne cashmere sweater for $73 on Vestiaire.
Put your knot to the side. To the front! Who cares? This look is best served nonchalantly.
Picture this cashmere mint green number with a bright red coat…
Femme Menswear
This subhead sounds more eye-rolly than I mean it to. There was a lot of tailored menswear this year. I’m talking dramatic crops and sexy cuts. Lucky us! I love, love this kind of look—pulling lots of inspo for you here.
I didn’t expect to be referencing Hallie Batchelder either but here she is in culottes headed to Tory Burch.
This pair from L’AGENCE is a pretty good match for the shape from above.
Oh the Bode runway show. A thousand references. My big takeaway here—wear a ribbon with your suit, damn it.
And to be clear, nothing is stopping you from adding a flower to your tuxedo, either.
This midi mermaid style of skirt is so sophisticated. Mix your greys, people. And for all things good, wear your brooches.
Nothing beats a skirt suit in my book. This one is tweed and under $100.
You could try out the whole brooch thing with this $40 option.
Sheer Knee High Socks
Opting for tights? How boring! Why not bear the tops of your legs with some over-the-knee sheer socks? Ok, fine, it’s not the most practical, but trust me when I say practicality goes to die when it comes to NYFW after parties. I saw at least three people in socks like this and I’m happy to report: they looked amazing.
These are actually harder to find than you’d think. Here’s an Amazon pair for $6.
Another strong option, this one closer to $50 from Wolford and Doen.
80s Main Character Sunnies
Here’s the thing about having really cool friends: you get to see them incorporate major fashion moments into their personal style. Take Sarah Spellings, for example. Dear friend. Dog mom. Editor at WSJ. And wearer of these incredible Loewe sunglasses.
She got them in Dallas, where she’s from, and they feel so perfectly Dallas in the 80s to me. And they look amazing on her.
Here’s a pair to join the fun for under $250! I saw a ton of statement eyewear, but less in the tiny category, and more personality-driven.
I screenshotted this chic mom in her Cutler and Gross glasses on Tiktok.
Go bold with color and more classic with shape, if that suits you.
Sky Blue in Velvet and Suede
Blue is my favorite color. And in any given trend cycle, there’s usually a shade of it that’s in favor. I’m head over heels for this crisp, vibrant sky blue I kept seeing at shoes and outside of them.
We love
for a lot of things, but bringing this coat/dress to my attention is certainly on the top of my list.
You could take the vintage approach, as seen above.
Or opt for something a little dustier blue in the form of a blazer from Frame.
But this $70 velvet mini skirt from See by Chloe might be my favorite interpretation.
This might strike a chord with the Long Live audience, too. Great for dressing like you’re in a scene from Metropolitan.
But this color was not confined to velvet. Hardly! It came through in cashmere and cotton, but most noteworthy, in stunning moments of suede.
$50 for a blue suede trench coat!
A little Bottega clutch in an unforgettable blue for $500-ish.
Major Ruffles
I’m talking ruffles with some girth. Nothing mini about this look. Layering is half the fun, too. Look for a ruffle piece secondhand that’s lightweight so you can easily slip it under dresses and sweaters.
The effect can veer a bit clownish, but honestly, as long as it’s not polka dotted and you’re not wearing a red nose, it’s fine.
Can you tell this is a personal favorite? I might write a whole letter as an ode to this look, mostly because I find it endlessly inspiring.
You thought I was done pulling runway looks? Would you believe me if I told you I edited out three additional outfits?
Like I mentioned, the bigger the better here. I think the major ruffle detail in the collar PLUS sleeves is nice, but just one works, too.
This silk Lanvin top is perfect. It’s $150.
I find searching “Vintage ruffle collar blouse” to be the easiest starting point. This one combines both ideas from above for $30.
Belted Plus Big Coats
The good news: you likely have everything you need to try this recipe at home. First: start with a long wool coat. Next: tie a belt around your waist.
Isn’t it Bond girl chic? Pairing it with matching gloves is sort of diabolical in a good way.
You can apply this idea to a suit, as well! It’s all very mix and match. As long as your belt is big enough to fit over your coat, you’re gold!
Adore the buckle on this $20 option.
Honorable Mentions
A professional white tee that I can wear with a suit means a lot to me. Enough to spend $90 on! I’m not saying you have to for a great tshirt, but if you’re inclined, this is the best I’ve found.
I think Beni is the future of secondhand shopping online. I heard the founder on a panel over the weekend, and knew you all were the target audience.
I love the Hot Smart Rich universe, including Maggie’s new podcast.
Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, and shop my Notion template. Get matched at EV Salon. And if you want to partner on a future Long Live, email evan@communite.co x
Ok I feel very fashionable because last week I just had a 2 piece skirt and top set made in Hoi An,Vietnam - midi style, in a blue that matches the tones you have here and a pair of Palazzo pants. Also I bought a couple of silver brooches that look almost identical to what you have here at a vintage store also in Hoi An. thanks for this letter - it was so fun to read!
Tiny buttons? Sign me up! I love that kind of Goodwill homework, especially when my teenage daughter and I go thrifting together. Thank you for all of this inspiration, Erika!