5 New Style Hacks to Start Trying Now, According to NYFW

New York Fashion Week has come to an end, which means it’s time to reflect upon the fruits of the season that have fallen into our collective bowls; namely, a lot of fresh ideas for reinterpreting the clothes we already have, accompanied by a few things we might be tempted to add to our shopping carts for purchase consideration. As much as I enjoy seeing the actual shows, this part is my favorite—the opportunity to consider old trends vs. new, and to interpret them according to the proclivities of my personal style. Below is a rundown of what I consider to be the most compelling NYFW takeaways when it comes to getting dressed now—from outfit possibilities to style hacks to new silhouettes that begged for terminology. If you’re itching for a wardrobe sea change, whether that means specific alternatives to things that might be feeling stale, or hot-off-the-press suggestions for how to reap the benefits of your current wardrobe, scroll down and join me.

Instead of wearing dresses with tights, layer them over pants…
Gabriela Hearst Spring/Summer 2020, Deveaux Spring/Summer 2020

I’m not here to rule stuff out, nor is my hubris inflated enough to think that I have the power to sway people from wearing dresses with tights, a time-honored tradition my mom introduced me to at the age of four. On the contrary, you do you, but if you’re like me and have always kind of hated wearing tights but still see their benefit in terms of warmth and stylistic punch, might I suggest layering your dresses over pants instead? A number of very compelling demonstrations were strewn across the runways during New York Fashion Week, a fact I am interpreting as a personal validation.

Instead of pairing puff-sleeves with ripped-knee denim, swap them out for popcorn sleeves…
Hellessy Spring/Summer 2020, Khaite Spring/Summer 2020

Brace yourselves for the term I’m about to coin: popcorn sleeve, n., a sleeve varietal that is similar to a puff but more structured and compact, akin to a freshly popped kernel of corn. Popcorn sleeves, which we are all familiar with now, also appeared on runways this past week, and despite the reality that they probably won’t jive well with coats, they get along swimmingly with jeans. Add in some strappy kitten heel sandals and you will have yourself the perfect transitional weather going-out ensemble.

Instead of warding off autumnal chill with an oversized blazer, try a pashmina…
3.1  Phillip Lim Spring/Summer 2020, Mansur Gavriel Fall 2019 Ready-To-Wear

It’s pretty ironic that I’m about to encourage you to wear a pashmina, because throughout my entire childhood my mom tried to do the same thing, prompting me to swear off them for years (I associated them with awkward middle school encounters and benzoyl peroxide stains from my Proactiv acne lotion). This season of NYFW reframed them in my mind though, planting new associations (so refined! ladylike, even!), none of which involved acne, I’m thrilled to report. The best thing about the pashmina trend–though it’s probably too soon to deem it such–is that I, or rather we, don’t have to buy anything new to test it out. Just grab an old scarf, wrap it around your shoulders instead of your neck, and presto. Pashmina’d.

Instead of adding maximalism to your outfit by means of tie-dye, consider a return to good old polka dots…
Tory Burch Spring/Summer 2020, Carolina Herrera Spring/Summer 2020

I give full credit to Princess Diana for resurrecting polka dots in the zeitgeist, and I couldn’t be more delighted. As much as I love other vehicles for maximalist pattern-mixing–tie-dye, florals, plaid, etc.–polka dots are notably more versatile, almost in the vein of a neutral that isn’t a neutral like stripes or leopard print, if that makes sense. They go with a lot of outfits and occasions as a result, seamlessly moving from casual to formal to day to night to office to drinks to denim to ruffles, either as a stand-alone piece or interspersed with other components. In other words, polka dots are essentially the Swiss army knife of fashion (you heard it here first!)

Instead of offsetting feminine frill with cowboy boots, entertain the possibility of hiking boots…
Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2020, Paris 99 Spring/Summer 2020

Après-hike is still alive and well, thanks to a recent boost of notoriety courtesy of NYFW, where hiking-style boots abounded. I totally get why, since there inherent athleticism is an ideal source of contrast when paired with feminine pieces, or anything ruffled or bow-adorned, for that matter. They’re also extremely comfortable, especially when dispatched during everyday activities versus walking on an incline. I love them as an autumnal alternative to cowboy boots, which are still very much on the table as an option but could use some viable competition in the world of footwear fodder.

What styling ideas from NYFW are you excited to experiment with?

Feature Photo via Getty Images, Photos via Vogue Runway, 

The post 5 New Style Hacks to Start Trying Now, According to NYFW appeared first on Man Repeller.