The Very Best Street Style From New York Fashion Week

byBella Gerard Sep 16, 2021 at 10:12 am EDT

Photo: iMaxTree.

Another fall, another New York Fashion Week in the books. After absolutely ransacking my closet and carefully planning my outfits, I’m happy to report that I ended up wearing almost none of my pre-planned ensembles. Something about NYFW chaos has you putting together last-minute magic and trying sartorial combinations you’d otherwise never consider. Last week, if you’d told me I’d end up wearing a princess dress complete with a custom corset on Friday and leather socks with platform sandals on Sunday, I would’ve thought you were nuts. But that’s the way with New York Fashion Week street style: Often, it’s the weirdest combos that end up the best.

This is likely because many attendees are dressing with street style photographers in mind. To get your photo taken, there are really only two appropriate looks: Completely over-the-top or minimalist chic. Funky fashionistas will pile on patterns, layers and accessories galore for maximalist looks that photogs can’t stop snapping. That said, no one looks more effortlessly chic than the girl who breezes in wearing denim, a blazer and the latest It Bag. Sunnies on, natch.

This just goes to show that Fashion Week is truly a space for all. Personal style is encouraged—the last thing you want is to look the same as someone else in a nearby seat. If you love doing the most, channel your most extra attire. If going all-out isn’t your thing, don’t feel like you have to change your aesthetic just to get noticed or look ~trendy~. This isn’t TikTok, Gen Z doesn’t make the rules here!

This season, I was especially wowed by all the great street style moments happening around me. It’s been a minute, after all, so it’s no surprise that everyone had a few good looks stored up just waiting to be worn! Below, read on for a few of my favorites that are well worth pinning to your fashion inspo boards.

From micro-mini tulle dresses to flawlessly-tailored suits to accessories that make me want a closet just for handbag storage, these fashionistas really did the most with their NYFW attire and I salute them.