How Fashion Insiders Are Shopping

“I can’t wait to see what all the designers have in store for NYFW this year. I am deeply inspired by each designers’ originality and I especially love (and miss!) seeing all the creative street styles too. Spending time away from the usual fashion show circuit has made me rethink my personal wardrobe and make different styles and items more versatile. I love mixing my favorite white or graphic tee under a more formal tank dress. My typical ‘go-to’ fashion week outfit definitely includes a pair of standout sunglasses and a bold and bright, trend-driven top and bottom combo. I’m a big believer in layering for fall so I love to mix and match, like this Marc Jacobs aloe green tee underneath a floral Brogger top. One new piece I bought specifically for NYFW is Brock Collection’s corset top. I can’t wait to pair this with a simple tee and add some dimension to my look.”

“Nothing makes me feel more ready for fall than an impactful trench coat. I like to find versions that take the classic idea for a spin—by mixing up the fabric or adding unexpected details. This one from one of my go-to brands Bouguessa is a star.”

“As a publicist, my look is usually all black. I am working, so my priority is to always blend in, but be chic. My jewelry is a standout for me to razzle dazzle the look.”

“Typically, fashion week requires that we wear top-notch looks for over a week-straight—which, when you have a relatively ‘normal person’ closet like me, is hard to do! The trick I use to make outfit planning easier is to style monochromatic looks. So, one day I’d go with creams, like Henning’s trench coat, an ivory turtleneck, some light khaki pants, and white sneakers. The next day, I’d throw on the trench in black, add a black satin dress and combat boots. After that, I would pair Henning’s terracotta pants with a matching button up shirt and brown leather coat. I try not to let the shows I’m attending influence my style, because I found that when I’ve done that in the past, I’ve felt a little uncomfortable or not like myself—nor am I rocking quarantine sweats to NYFW, ha! It’s such a busy work week that I need my clothes to make me feel super confident and energized.”

“I dress depending on the weather, rather than the show. In New York I prefer to dress more relaxed as there’s a lot of running around the city and I want to feel comfortable. The show highlights I am looking forward to attending are Gabriela Hearst, Khaite, and The Row.[My go-to outfit] definitely includes a few good statement blazers, preferably by Jaquemus. To mix and match, I have some really good pumps as well in very bright and powerful colors.”

“I usually lean more towards classic structured pieces with a twist. Right now I’m loving Ottolinger, Y/Project, and Peter Do because they kind of master adding an edgy element or twist to simple silhouettes. I’m also loving Black-owned brands Dorm Eleven and Projets de Jets Privés. They have great basics with a funky twist. I love their tanks and tops that come two-toned and with versatile straps. I definitely plan on pairing one with a good black blazer and some Y/Project denim for NYFW.

I love a neutral palette and lean on my accessories to tell a color story. However, during quarantine I discovered that I can make color work for me, but it had to be in a print or pattern. I’m looking forward to stepping out in my new round love of prints and patterns this NYFW!”

“It’s surreal to talk about fashion week style after not attending shows for over a year and a half. This NYFW is going to be so special, and I am looking forward to seeing some of my favorite designers and friends including Wes Gordon at Carolina Herrera, Fernando and Lauren at Oscar de la Renta, Jason Wu, Thom Browne, Gabriela Hearst, and Joseph Altuzarra, to name a few. I’m also looking forward to seeing emerging designers like LaQuan Smith, Sergio Hudson, and Telfar make their mark on NYFW.

My time away from the fashion week circuit has absolutely impacted my personal style. I think it’s made me realize that less is more, and there’s always a way to be fashionable and comfortable, to be practical and make a statement. For fashion week, I like to follow a simple wardrobe formula: one great statement piece or two pieces max. This NYFW, I like the idea of one piece dressing to keep things easy. I love the joy and happiness that the Christopher John Rogers Rainbow Striped Knit Dress brings. It will be great to wear on the go for a full day of shows!”

“I have to admit I’m dreading the idea of getting dressed again. I think I’ve forgotten how? But I’m excited to try. I decided to look for a pair of generous pants—and by that I mean both chic, versatile, and as comfortable and roomy as the sweatpants we’ve all been living in—that I could pair with a white tee or a men’s button-down or a cardigan. I settled on Dries Van Noten’s podium pants. I’ve had my eye on various versions of these for years and, hey, why not now while the world is burning.”

“This NYFW, I just want to feel put together again so I have been gravitating towards tailoring. Fortunately, I don’t have to shop much to satisfy this: Not too long before the pandemic started, I had ordered the denim and tailored collections from wardrobe.nyc. I certainly wasn’t wearing any of these pieces while working from home so I am excited to get more mileage out of them come September, especially the tuxedo blazer. Overall, I am trying to shop less—though I have been eyeing an Edas purse after recently seeing it on [stylist] Mecca James-Williams…”

“After 18 months of living in Live The Process bike shorts, I’ll admit I’m not entirely sure how to approach fashion week dressing. But I do know that my go-to accessory will be Kaze Origins face masks. These super comfortable lab certified KN95s feature a foam padded nose bridge and adjustable ear loops. If, like me, you’re over surgical blue, they come in 27 different colors including editor favorite onyx (with contrast ear bands), rose quartz, and forest pine. Maybe I’ll try a pop of racing red with my favorite mono Maggie Marilyn suit.”

“When it comes to curating my looks for fashion week, I tend to err on the side of ease, especially for the busier days. (Think: coordinate sets and tailoring.) Because my week consists of a lot of running around the city, I try to balance my more elevated looks with chunky footwear or sneakers, that way I’m equal parts chic and comfortable. This season I invested in Prada’s platform loafers specifically for the occasion. However, because it is also the sort of unofficial return to the normal circuit, I plan to add more standout pieces like Blumarine’s plush bag into the mix. The bright-pink hue will pop against my go-to neutral color story.”