From bold eyeliner to cozy knits, spice up your wardrobe with these ready-to-wear looks
New York Fashion Week just wrapped up, but the explosive looks that debuted on the catwalk are still burning in our minds. Despite the empty venues and virtual programming symptomatic of COVID-19, designers delivered killer looks for Fall/Winter 2021. Bold eye makeup, slouchy sweaters, and fringe are just some of the styles that made an appearance, and we've rounded up our top 5 looks making us downright giddy to get dressed! Even as we move into spring, many of these can be worn right now. So let's get started!
Courtesy of Alice + Olivia
Edgy eyeliner
The 2000s are back in a big way, which means the return of smudged black eyeliner. Models from Alice + Olivia and Sandy Liang sported messy kohl lids reminiscent of your angsty high school days. It makes sense bold eye looks would be in fashion, considering the ubiquity of mask-wearing and bare faces at home. Designers wanted to infuse a touch of glamour into lockdown life, and we are so here for it. Recreate the look at home by going for a heavy-handed cat-eye, or soften things up by smoking out the liner on your lids for a diffused effect. If black feels too harsh, brown or gray liner does the job.
Courtesy of Ulla Johnson (YouTube)
Chunky knits
If you thought runway trends were unwearable, think again. Chunky knits were found all over the runways of 3.1 Phillip Lim and Ulla Johnson, in a variety of styles: dresses, vests, and statement sleeves galore. We love seeing functional items like sweaters on the runway; not only are they functional for the chilly months, but they're easy to dress up and down. Want to upgrade your SAH wardrobe? Trade the sweatshirt in favor of a cozy pullover or cardigan—it will look chic without sacrificing comfort or warmth. We'll be burying ourselves in them all season long.
Courtesy of Proenza Schouler (YouTube)
Fringe
Not just for cowboys anymore! Fringe found its way on the catwalk, with Proenza Schouler and Jason Wu embracing the funky detail on slouchy jackets and coats. Both vintage and modern at once, it's the perfect statement-without-making-a-statement accent. Step up your spring transitional wear with an embellished jean jacket (always cool), or a full-length duster jacket for something unexpected. Just add a pair of boots and you've got yourself a bad-a** fit.
Courtesy of Staud
The color yellow
Probably the most surprising trend of the bunch, the sunny shade lit up the catwalk in a sea of autumnal plums and greens. It's a cheerful color that lifts the mood and comes in a variety of shades (lemon-yellow, butter, canary). Bright yellow sounds intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! It's all in the styling—try it in a simple silhouette, like a breezy blouse or button-up, paired with classic blue jeans and sneakers. If you'd rather dip your toes into brights, try a hair accessory or bag for that classic pop of color. However you wear it, you'll be sure to bring sunshine wherever you go!
Courtesy of Anna Sui
Nostalgia
Simply put, nostalgia was everywhere during NYFW. A yearning for past fashions was on full display—we love throwback trends from the various decades, like sky-high sleeves from the '80s or psychedelic patchwork prints (see Anna Sui). But it was also nostalgia for our lives pre-pandemic, too. The feeling of dressing up to go out could be seen in the runway's sumptuous evening gowns and kaleidoscopic colorways, the sense of adventure and fun that fashion is all about. This type of socializing seems like a far-away reality, but we can still channel that in our everyday wear, even if it's wearing oversized sunglasses to the mailbox!
What are your favorite fall/winter trends from New York Fashion Week? How will you be wearing them for spring? Let us know in the comments.
