NYFW Trend Report
New York Fashion Week has once again given us a glimpse into the future of fashion, and this season is all about contrasts. This year, designers embraced a striking fusion of nostalgia and futurism, balancing classic tailoring with bold silhouettes, rich textures, and unexpected color palettes. In addition, quiet luxury’s long reign over the world of ready-to-wear seems to be coming to an end, with maximalist aesthetics trickling onto the runway. If you're wondering what trends will be everywhere next fall and winter, I’ve got you covered!
1. What The Fringe?
Fringe is making a spirited comeback this season, adding movement and drama back into the mainstream after a period of subdued design details. Designers like Altuzarra and Khaite played with texture and dimension this season, incorporating long, fluid strands on sleeves, skirts, bags, and more. This time around, expect to see it paired with structured tailoring and rich fabrics, crafting a delicate balance between elegance and edge.
(Photo: Altuzarra F/W 25/26 collection from Fashion Snoops)
2. Tights, Cameras, Action!
Gone are the days of plain black tights, because this season, legwear is taking center stage. NYFW runways were filled with bold, eye-catching hosiery, from sheer printed tights to chunky, textured knee-high socks. Anna Sui experimented with pattern mixing in her collection, while designers like Sandy Liang used playful tights to reflect the childhood nostalgia threaded into her designs for the season. Who says socks can’t steal the show?
(Pictured: Anna Sui F/W 25/26 collection from Fashion Snoops)
3. Cocoa Couture, Anyone?
As noted by our beloved Cooper London Parson in a NABI blog post titled “Color of the Year?” (go give it a read here!), the Pantone selection for 2025 was deemed to be chocolate brown, and the shade has certainly proven to be dark, decadent and in demand for the Fall/Winter 2025/2026 season. Designers like Theory and Michael Kors proved that neutrals don’t have to be boring, with the color providing a touch of warmth and elegance to their collections. Across the board, designers embraced it in monochromatic looks, pairing it with equally earthy tones, or using it as a grounding shade alongside vibrant pops of color. Could chocolate brown be the new black?
(Pictured: Theory F/W 25/26 collection from Fashion Snoops)
4. Safe in Our Cocoons?
Faith Popcorn’s TrendBank defines cocooning as a trend that drives cultural shifts, leading people to yearn for feelings of comfort and safety from the harsh outside world. Oversized coats, plush knits, and enveloping structural elements took center stage this Fashion Week from designers like LUAR, creating garments designed to wrap the wearer in a sense of security and warmth. These pieces evoke a feeling of refuge, offering an escape from the chaos of our modern political and societal climate. These pieces are all about retreating into a personal space of calm and coziness in times of uncertainty and frustration.
(Pictured: LUAR F/W 25/26 collection from Fashion Snoops)