The Best Looks at New York Fashion Week 2018

Take a look at the latest news from the New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2018 

One of the most highly anticipated events in fashion around the globe is New York Fashion Week. Fall/Winter 2018 was no exception! Fashionistas, designers, models, celebrities, professionals, and curious bystanders from across the country (and the world) gather in the city to get the first look at the next season’s upcoming trends. The event itself is as much of a spectacle as any of the runway shows. What’s being worn on the streets is often as influential as what’s being worn on the catwalk. 

The public used to have to rely on fashion magazines for their fashion week recaps, but thanks to social media we now can be instantaneously connected to the latest trends and goings on. This of course has tremendously impacted the fashion system, especially in regards to the buying cycle. Fashion weeks showcase looks for the upcoming season, meaning that bright looks for spring and summer are shown in the dead of winter. Previously, this meant that buyers for major retailers put in orders for fulfillment in time for the next season. Now that the general public has increased accesses to fashion knowledge, the system has had to adapt to meet instantaneous demand for new garments. 

Many designers now offer their new collections for purchase online simultaneous with their runaway debut. With the wheel of fashion trends turning faster and faster, the future of the fashion week model seems uncertain. New York Fashion Week 2018 saw lots of designers offering solutions to the problems inherent in contemporary fashion. Here’s a recap of some of our favorites trends to trickle down from the runway this season. 

• Romantic Ruffles

Bring on the poet sleeves, ruffle details, and flowy silhouettes. This trend carries over from spring/summer, when we saw more emphasis on revealing off the shoulder numbers. For fall, look for blouses that give the perfect hint of a historical period drama heroine vibe. Ruffles were everywhere at New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2018, not only on tops but everything from trousers to overcoats and accessories. This trend has also been huge among off duty models and Instagram’s elite It Girls, so you’ll be in good company when you rock it. Ruffles are a wear trend that can transform a simple look into a romantic and ethereal ensemble. For contrast, style a romantic blouse with some distressed denim. Add trousers or a mid-length skirt and you’ve got an adorable office appropriate look. A general rule is, the bigger the ruffles, the more minimal the accessories. If you’re going for a statement sleeve, keep everything else sleek and chic. 

• Prairie Dresses

Continuing in the vein of ruffles, dresses that combine a 70s prairie dress feel with a slight Victoria vibe are coming in strong this season. Look for (again) ruffles and a print with a small motif (like a plaid or floral ditzy) to keep this vintage inspired trend modern and out of the realm of retro. This is a sweetly feminine look, but you can add some grunge elements like chunky shoes or a choker to balance things out with a bit of edge. 

• Plaid 

If there’s one fabric destined to be everywhere this fall, it’s plaid. Obviously, plaids get their moment every year when cold weather rolls around, but this season’s trend is about stepping outside of basics flannels and checked scarves. For a unique take, try mixing plaids in the same outfit or incorporating brightly colored plaid, like yellow or magenta. We love this mixed plaid bustier dress because it can work for polar opposite looks, from a grungy 90s vibe to a timeless British heritage feel. Styled with ripped tights or fishnets, chunky boots, and a leather jacket; you’re ready for a rock concert. On the other end of the spectrum, a camel trench coat, ankle boots, and big sunglasses will instantly transport you to the streets of the chicest neighborhood London. 

• Fall Florals

If you’re a big fan of florals, this is going to be your season! Instead of being relegated to spring and summer, this year we’re taking florals through the winter. To wear this trend right, steer away from the dainty pastel florals and reach for print in brights or jewel tones with graphic contrast. Likewise, save florals that have a tropical or jungle vibe for the warmer months. To make your look work for the fall/winter season, pair your floral with more subdued pieces. This red ruffle sleeved top would work great with dark denim or an ochre yellow skirt. For a look that edges into avant-garde, pair your fall florals with plaids. Artful pattern clashing is always an ideal way to stand out from the crowd. 

Overall, New York Fashion Week 2018 has definitely confirmed that you don’t have to be a slave to strictly seasonal trends. Just because the leaves are changing and there’s a chill in the air doesn’t mean it’s time to be covered head to toe in jewel toned knits. We saw a lot of bright colors on the runway this season, like yellow and magenta, which previously would have been unexpected for this season. Pantone’s color trend report for fall features bold and unexpected hues, so this year is a year for busting out your brightest looks on the coldest days. 

With more and more democracy and diversity coming to fashion, old rules and conventions are slowly being broken down, so wear white after Labor Day and florals in the dead of winter! If nothing else, take this as a license for complete self-expression and fashion freedom. Buying wholesale tops, bottoms, dresses, or outerwear for retail or a boutique? Check out some of the best for a selection of hot trends and dedicated staples.