The Fashion Forecast: 5 Things We Loved at New York Fashion Week

Last season, we heralded the arrival of the red knit after spotting it on stylish tastemakers at New York Fashion Week. And while red was still very much present on the fall/winter ’26 runways, there were two other colors vying for attention: purple and chartreuse. Chic New Yorkers such as Zoë Kravitz and Jennifer Lawrence have already shown us how to give winter layering a joyful lift with bold purple scarves wrapped nonchalantly over puffer coats and tailoring. NET-A-PORTER buying manager Lydia Zacharis is another early adopter of the shade and was photographed at the shows with a purple cable-knit sweater draped over the shoulders of a long black shearling coat, styled with a leopard-print skirt. Designers plumbing for purple next season include Carolina Herrera and buzzy newcomer Colleen Allen. Chartreuse, on the other hand, packed a punch at Kallmeyer, Ulla Johnson and Tory Burch, with tones ranging from citrus brights to glistening metallics. Accessories are always a great way to subtly incorporate color, so consider Khaite’s cult ‘Lotus’ bag in a rich purple, or go all in with Tove’s ruched chartreuse ‘Eira’ gown.

New Yorkers are not ones to be deterred by inclement weather conditions. Despite sub-zero temperatures and slushy streets, crisp white denim was unexpectedly ubiquitous. Archaic rules around white denim and its seasonal appropriateness have long been abandoned, so take yours out of the ‘summer’ section of your closet and style it with a leather jacket, a cashmere knit and ankle boots – the trick is to keep a few inches between the hems and the sidewalk. For bright whites, look to styles by Frame and Citizens of Humanity; for creamier tones, Nili Lotan and Agolde have you covered.

This trend made a return to the runways – think neat boxy jackets and prim pencil skirts – but the overall mood was less about perfection and more about playfulness with artisanal details from Proenza Schouler, unexpected textures from Tory Burch and edgier silhouettes from Khaite keeping looks modern and fresh. Channel the trend by styling Victoria Beckham’s wool-blend twill midi skirt with something fuzzy or slightly sheer on top and a kitten heel. Alternatively, try cinching Gucci’s tweed cardigan in at the waist with a skinny belt, adding Savette’s ‘Symmetry Pochette’ tote and a pair of statement earrings.

Designers really homed in on accessories this season and went to great lengths to show just how much character they can bring to an outfit. Ralph Lauren Collection pinned heirloom-worthy brooches on draped shawl jackets; Khaite topped everything from sheer lace to shearling with floral corsages; and Ulla Johnson, TWP and Khaite all opted for leather gloves in eye-catching colors and textures. Statement belts were everywhere, too – either knotted over dresses or cinched at the waist of skirts and pants. Meanwhile, off the runway, chic show-goers declared oversized aviator sunglasses the go-to shape for fall. Get ahead on your favorite styles with these standout pieces by Completedworks, Nour Hammour and Khaite – and consider your day-to-day outfits transformed.