Most Wanted

New York Fashion Week is officially in full swing. With a host of independent brands showing alongside more established names on the schedule – not to mention a new appointment at Proenza Schouler (Diotima’s Rachel Scott) and a second outing for Veronica Leoni at Calvin Klein Collection – it feels like an especially exciting time for fashion in the city.

Set to present its spring/summer ’26 collection at 7pm on Saturday, Khaite is always a highlight of the season – designer Catherine Holstein has built a collection of cool-girl staples that speak to New York minimalism, but with a slightly more directional point of view. Take this stretch-knit ‘Melina’ maxi dress, which comes in a figure-skimming silhouette with a distinctive U-shaped halterneck and is one of NET-A-PORTER fashion editor Kristen Neillie’s favorites.

“I often turn to Khaite for extra-special pieces that take next to no effort to style, but always deliver maximum impact,” says Neillie. “I adore the color and slinky shape of this maxi dress and will be wearing it to several fashion week events this season with an oversized blazer and Toteme’s croc-effect leather slingbacks,” she adds. For just a touch of color, add the label’s ’90s-inspired ‘Kye’ bag in glossy burgundy leather and a matching manicure.

It’s no secret how obsessed we are with leather jackets this season, and Rùadh’s ‘Haddow’ style is the latest to top Neillie’s wish list. “A leather jacket is one of the few pieces that can be worn year after year and only gets better with age. When I set eyes on this jacket by Rùadh, I knew I had to have it. It’s chic, versatile and polished enough to wear day or night,” she says.

Made in the USA and designed in the most beautiful oxblood shade, the jacket has sporty raglan sleeves and a shirred waist that defines the classic bomber shape. The best part? It’s quilted inside for additional warmth and loose enough to accommodate layers – essential when temperatures begin to dip. Follow Neillie’s advice by wearing it with Maria McManus’s barrel-leg ‘Bow’ jeans and retro sneakers on weekends. As for finishing touches, David Webb’s jaw-grazing ‘Twiggy’ clip earrings in hammered 18-karat gold and Tom Ford Eyewear’s oversized sunglasses are the perfect picks.

Browse more in this week’s New In.