To most people, September means soaking up the last days of summer, grabbing your first PSL of the season (yes, it’s too early, I’ll save that rant for another time), or heading back to campus for another year of college. But here in New York City? Oh, it’s game time. The Super Bowl for fashionistas, if you will. Translation: New York Fashion Week has arrived, where designers debut their upcoming collections, and the street style? Fully in sports mode.
Celebrities, influencers, editors, bloggers, and fashion-obsessed residents of the style mecca pull out all the stops for seven days straight, delivering, nay, serving the new wave of trends we can expect to pop off. And naturally, Cosmo’s very own photographer, Rona Ahdout, was on the ground—boots to pavement—capturing every standout moment in the concrete jungle to give us a firsthand look at what the viral fashion scene is bringing. Expect reimagined staples like plaid and pinstripes, plus bolder choices like eye-catching red bottoms and sheer layers.
And let me just say: People understood the assignment and did not come to play. They were ready to trendset! Narrowing it all down was no easy feat, but after combing through the most jaw-dropping fits, I’ve rounded up the best NYFW street style looks you’re about to see everywhere, including, probably, your own closet. Let’s get into it!
Scholarly Chic
If conventional officewear, private school uniforms, and sleek minimalism had a baby, this would be it. Think classic tailored pieces—blazers, ties, and button-ups—reimagined with cropped cuts, added dimension, and cheeky accessories like high-shine boots and slutty little sunglasses.
Funky Plaid
No, we’re not talking about the flannels from your middle school days or anything lumberjack-core. This latest iteration of plaid is getting a loud, statement update with unexpected color combos and fresh silhouettes that feel anything but traditional. Less Paul Bunyan and more Lower East Side twenty-something—aka plaid that pops in neon brights, clashing scales, and sculptural shapes.
Oversized Sport Jackets
What I love about a big, spacious jacket is that it takes the spotlight and does the work of being the look itself. And a sporty version gives it a vintage edge that keeps things casual yet cool.
Sheer Layers
It's no secret that layering has taken over the style world, but now, it’s all about the barely-there layers. A sheer or lacy top peeking out from under a dress or tank adds a playful, unexpected twist that keeps things interesting without feeling like there's too much going on.
Edgy Pinstripes
Meet the cooler, younger sister of the classic corporate print.. It still brings sophistication—just without the plain, one-dimensional vibe. The upgrade comes through in surprising tailoring, out-of-the-box pieces, and modern styling that adds an upbeat flair.
Leather on Leather
PSA: You can never have too much leather. Go beyond the staple jacket and add matching pants and boots to fully commit to the bit. Play with texture and dimension by incorporating pieces with fringe, metal accents, or buckles to break it up and round it out.
Suede Sets
Typically, suede shows up as a statement piece—on a jacket, boots, or a purse. But why not make it the entire vibe? Enter: suede two-piece sets. Go full glam with embroidery, or keep it understated yet elevated with a sleek, neutral 'fit.
Red Bottoms
Not those red bottoms! We’re talking red pants, trousers, skirts, shorts—even tights. This bold hue commands attention and can take an outfit from simple to powerful in the snap of a finger. Honestly, the brighter, the better.
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
