Last week, I packed my bags (meticulously, might I add), boarded a plane, and headed out for the Super Bowl of the fashion industry: New York Fashion Week. While the main prerogative is to gather info on what to expect in future seasons (all collections shown were for spring and summer 2024), a close runner-up is observing all of the impeccible street style.
If there is ever a time to wear exactly what your heart desires, it’s NYFW. For seven days, the industry’s most stylish run from event to party to runway show wearing their very best; nothing is too bold or too out-there, and absolutely everything is fair game. When you look around, it’s impossible not to feel the shift in everyone’s attire. The season’s hottest trends are on full display—and some new ones are predicted, too.
Just as what’s seen on the runways predicts trends, what’s seen on NYFW attendees does too, and there were definitely dominant themes that showed what the most fashionable are wearing right now. These were the top six street style trends I noticed during NYFW 2023.
1. All Silver Everything
Source: Daniel Zuchnik | Getty Images
If there’s one thing that was abundantly clear throughout the week, it’s that fashion people are head-over-heels in love with silver. From statement-making pieces—like silver knee-high boots, skirts, and bags—to smaller details like silver hoops and belt buckles, the metallic hue was definitely the most popular choice for street-style statements (myself included, given that I was stomping around in a double-whammy combo of silver pants and a pair of silver kitten-heels one day).
While silver is usually synonymous with the festive season and New Year’s Eve dresses, 2023 has made it wearable—and dare I say, versatile. Making even a subtle swap—like opting for silver ballet flats rather than black ones—makes a statement that’s inherently cool.
2. Denim on Denim
Source: Christian Vierig | Getty Images
Denim is obviously a mainstay in fashion, so how it’s worn is what makes it new and fresh—and in the case of NYFW, that meant wearing it from head to toe. Be a classic denim button-down with jeans in true Americana fashion, or a denim dress styled with denim boots (when I said head to toe, I meant it!), attendees didn’t shy away from layering denim on… and on, and on.
3. Vibrant Red
Source: Jeremy Moeller | Getty Images
If you thought “tomato girl” was a summer thing, well, guess again. Vibrant red—in more of an orange hue than a typical bright red—took NYFW by storm. Back in February when designers were showing Fall/Winter ’23 collections, there was a common thread of red on runways like Valentino and Gucci, and it’s proven to be the most coveted (and most daring) color of the autumn season. Street style looks were chock-full of it, from full monochrome red looks to more subtle pops of it with shoes and accessories.
4. Embellished Ballet Flats
Source: Jeremy Moeller | Getty Images
While high heel heights are a dime a dozen at NYFW, this year, the street style incorporated a whole lot more ballet flats, but in a way that didn’t sacrifice statement making. Mesh, Mary Jane, and crystal details made the basic silhouette stand out—especially this Alaïa pair that was seen being worn on repeat from fashion’s very coolest.
5. Monochrome Cream
Source: Christian Vierig | Getty Images
Monochrome is nothing new, but somehow, that was the beauty of seeing it repeated so much in this season’s NYFW street style looks. Particularly in shades of off-white and cream, monochrome looks were made interesting with the addition of metallic accessories, multiple layers, and lots of texture. The cherry on top? Monochrome sunglasses to tie it all together.
6. Drop-Waist Dresses
Source: Edward Berthelot | Getty Images)
Fashion is leaning heavily into romance this season, and drop-waist dresses are another notch in the trend’s belt. The style has proven to be universally flattering, as the low waistline helps trick the eye into thinking you have an extra-long torso that makes your silhouette go on for days. While they might feel scary—the placement of the waist might make them feel like a cousin of the low-rise jean trend—this year’s street style has shown that you definitely shouldn’t knock drop-waist dresses until you try ’em.
