TQE’s Style Guide to NYFW’s Hottest Trends

First things first: the most pervasive trend on the runways this fall was bold, bright red. In a clear move away from the Barbie pinks of summer, brands from Bottega to The Row to Tory Burch leaned on red hot accents to liven up their spring collections. While a red shoe or bag is always a safe bet, I say embrace the bold and go for a signature item that you can build your fall wardrobe around. I love this Santos by Monica mini skirt’s bright tomato red. Dress it down this fall with a white tee and trench or go all in and get the entire matching set. Either way, its commanding shade of red is guaranteed to make you stand out.

Oversized bags littered the runways – great news for over-packers like me, and perfect timing for stashing an extra sweater or scarf in your purse this fall. Gabriel for Sach is one of my favorite discoveries this fall, making beautifully crafted, timeless bags in Barcelona. Their Flat Large Leather Terra bag is roomy enough to fit the oversize trend, but its ingenious design allows it to lie flat on both the shoulder and as a cross body, letting you stow away your essentials while maintaining a sleek silhouette.

The second biggest trend both on and off the runway was silver, especially in accessories. New York’s tastemakers were rocking every style of the metallic hue, from polished silver sequins to weathered silver leather. I’m obsessed with up and coming Scandinavian brand Nunoo’s bags, and fell in love with their Silver Helena mini bag at a fashion week brand presentation. Made with beautiful materials in trendy shapes, Nunoo is my new go-to for affordable, on-trend bags.

Another key trend was a sense of romance. Bows, ruffles, and soft feminine shapes echoed across many collections. Even while presenting a SS24 collection with a clear climate change / apocalyptic bent, Collina Strada found a way to incorporate romantic shapes and textures (think ruffles, satin corsets, and bows). I love this Collina Strada asymmetrical dress for fall because its hemline makes for a perfect way to show off an autumnal knee high boot, while its texture is a subtle way to embrace the hyperfeminine romance trend!

Sheer layers were incorporated into the presentations by brands  like Philip Lim, Khaite, and Altazurra. Wear this ephemeral Chan Luu blouse alone with your favorite bralette (as shown), or use it as a buildable layer to wear under or over slip dresses.

Leather was all over the runway in the form of more classic outerwear, oversized bags, and apparel. While I’ve always wanted to pull off leather pants like the ones on display at the Bottega show, this fall I’m finally investing in a statement leather jacket. With an eye toward sustainability, I sought out a vegan option. It was love at first sight when I laid eyes on this vegan leather bomber jacket from No. 6. Its vegan leather is unbelievably buttery and the faux fur collar adds a playful pop of green to the flattering cropped silhouette.

Plunging necklines were a key theme at the Tory Burch show, where models paired low cut dresses with long coats. The Vida Top from Reformation features a daring, low neckline with a sweet halterneck bow. While it comes in several colors, I’m embracing  the classic black for its versatility and staying power in any capsule wardrobe.