Straight from the Streets of NYFW: 6 Trends Sported by Fashion's Most Stylish Individuals

      For some individuals, mid-September signifies the return to school and the commencement of football season. For those in the fashion world, it marks the arrival of another New York Fashion Week. As NYFW spring/summer 2026 concludes, the idyllic weather in NYC has allowed attendees to showcase their finest outfits—without worrying about puddles and umbrellas. While the runways showcased emerging spring trends, the fashion enthusiasts were also embracing the latest fall styles during the past week to explore the collections. I utilized my fashion-editor instincts to analyze hundreds of outfit photos to identify the trends that frequently appeared outside the spring/summer 2026 shows. Six trends stood out to me repeatedly, and they happen to be some of the most practical fall styles. Below, you can see them in real life on the streets of NYC and shop for these standout fall trends yourself.

      **Checks, Please**

      Stripes and polka dots can take a backseat—the quintessential print for fall is plaid. The fashion crowd incorporated plaid into their NYFW outfits through shirts, skirts, dresses, and outerwear, adding a preppy-chic vibe to each ensemble.

      **Shop Checked Pieces**

      - **Reformation**: Beck Plaid Trench Coat

      - **Favorite Daughter**: The Manor Cotton Button-Up Shirt

      - **ZW Collection**: Plaid Cape Skirt

      **Lace Everything**

      Among the street style trends I observed at this season’s shows, romantic lace was likely the most significant. Whether as a detail or as full outfits, the fashion crowd fully embraced this trend. For those seeking fall shopping inspiration, I highly recommend adding a lace piece or two to your collection.

      **Shop Lace Pieces**

      - **J.Crew**: Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt in Luster Charmeuse

      **Red Accent Sweaters**

      In recent seasons, there has consistently been a standout red piece, and for fall 2025, the trendy item appears to be the red accent sweater. The fashion crowd wore them draped over their shoulders, tied around their waists, and layered beneath outerwear while attending the shows. It’s an effortless way to introduce a splash of color to any outfit.

      **Shop Red Sweaters**

      - **Alex Mill**: Nottinghill Merino Wool Blend Sweater

      - **Banana Republic**: Lightweight Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

      - **Polo Ralph Lauren**: Cotton Cable Knit Sweater

      **All the Animal Prints**

      You might remember that last fall was dominated by leopard print. While it remains popular, this fall sees a resurgence of all animal prints. Outside the shows, besides leopard, I spotted snake, zebra, and cow prints. You can either subtly embrace this trend through an accessory or make a bold statement with a dress or jacket. Regardless, you’ll look stylish this season.

      **Shop Animal-Print Pieces**

      - **BLACK SUEDE STUDIO**: Arie Ponyhair Slippers

      - **KHAITE**: Lori Snake-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag

      **Column Skirts**

      While flared skirts are lovely, the dominating trend on the sidewalks of New York over the past several days has been column skirts. Think of them as elongated pencil skirts. In my opinion, it’s one of the most chic and elegant trends of the season, and I love seeing how show attendees styled them—often paired with basics.

      **Shop Column Skirts**

      - **FRAME**: The Column Denim Midi Skirt

      - **J.Crew**: Pencil Midi Skirt in Four-Season Stretch

      **Tan Outerwear**

      The trend of brown outerwear from last fall and winter remains strong, but the outerwear color I consistently saw on the streets of NYFW was tan. Whether it was a trench, barn jacket, or bomber (among other styles), tan was prevalent everywhere. Similar to brown, it’s an outerwear hue that exudes elegance with whatever you choose to wear alongside it.

      **Shop Tan Outerwear**

      - **Banana Republic**: Relaxed Suede Trucker Jacket