3 min read
New York Fashion Week kicked off one week later this year due to the shifting fashion calendar, and the not-quite-summer-not-quite-fall weather allowed for a master class in transitional dressing. The week started chillier than usual, which was a prime opportunity for editors, buyers, and other fashion week attendees to preen in their best fall outerwear.
New York style is rooted in practicality—this is a walking city, a city that’s always in a hurry, so even during fashion week, the outfits balance style with functionality. We spotted classic wardrobe staples like crisp poplin shirts and trench coats , and observed that the balloon pants and lace-trimmed trends are still going strong.
Of course, it’s all about how you put it together to make old trends feel fresh, and staples look brand new. Ahead, see and shop the best street-style looks from New York Fashion Week to inspire your own transitional wardrobe.
1. The Sleek Leather Bomber And Crisp White Button Up
Edward Berthelot
I’m a firm believer that everyone should own a white button-up shirt. It’s comfortable, easy to style a million different ways, making it a perennial wardrobe favorite for a reason. Here, stick to basics and style it with a leather bomber jacket and black trousers. Suede in all forms, from jackets and skirts to shoes and accessories, is still going strong this fall. Cuyana’s Celestia suede bag is small, yet roomy—ideal for storing your main essentials without being too heavy on your shoulder.
J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt
The Frankie Shop Viper Oversized Leather Jacket
Aritzia The Effortless Pant2. The Romantic Lace-Trimmed Dress and Polished Blazer
Edward Berthelot
We’ve seen the lace-trim fashion trend everywhere in 2025, and you can still wear your favorite pieces through fall with the right layering pieces. Style a lacy dress with a white t-shirt underneath and balance the sweetness with a crisp blazer.
Cinq à Sept Karlie Crepe Blazer
Hunting Season Small Raffia Tote Bag
3. The Classic Tweed Blazer and Layering Staples
Jade T. Belmes
Here’s a lesson in how to layer like a pro and a reminder to stick to your core wardrobe staples. Start with a tweed blazer, then layer a thin turtleneck and a crisp blue poplin shirt underneath. It’s an easy style tip for when the weather is cool in the morning, but warms up in the afternoon. Just strip away the layers as needed. I don’t believe in not wearing white after Labor Day; in fact, white pants and jeans are perfect for wearing year-round. A pair of white trousers, as seen here, helps to balance out the heavier, more autumn-leaning layers.
Lauren Ralph Lauren Glen Plaid Cotton Blend Blazer
Everlane The Luxe Rib Turtleneck
Now 29% Off
Dries Van Noten Pamplona Wide-Leg Pants
Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Poplin Button-Front Shirt4. The Menswear-Inspired Trench and Oversized Sweater
Jade T. Belmes
For an outfit that feels borrowed from the boys, take inspiration here by styling a trench coat with an oversized V-neck sweater and pleated pants. A good pair of loafers work with nearly every outfit and will make your commutes a thousand times more comfortable.
Barbour Robyn Trench Coat
Proenza Schouler White Label Romina Pleated Wide-leg Pants
Saint Laurent Le Leather YSL Penny Loafers5. The Western Denim Shirt and Suede Skirt
Jade T. Belmes
We’ve seen the western-meets-boho trend sweep fashion in 2025 from Chemena Kamali’s modern boho collections at Chloé to Ralph Lauren’s polished American take on Western wear. Here’s how to merge the two for a perfect fall outfit: style a denim shirt with a suede midi skirt.
Levi’s Teodora Western Denim Shirt
Rixo Edwina Suede Midi Skirt
Polo Ralph Lauren Cable Knit Sweater
6. The Brown Bomber and Balloon Pants
Jade T. Belmes
Inspired by Alaia’s spring 2025 show, balloon pants have grown in popularity this year, and have reached ubiquity during New York Fashion Week. Enhance the proportions and textures with a lace-trimmed tank and a suede bomber jacket.
Massimo Dutti Suede goatskin jacket
Zara ZW Collection Lace Dress
St. Agni Thong Detail Heel7. The Luxe Leather Cargo Jacket and Cigarette Pants
305pics
A leather jacket is an outerwear piece you can wear year after year. Come fall and winter, it’ll be the first and last thing everyone sees you in. Keep things simple and stick to a neutral black and white color palette. Style it with a pair of slim pants and a top-handle bag.
Now 21% Off
Verafied Noir Leather Book Tote Bag 25
Éterne Short Sleeve Baby Tee