New York's biggest week, NYFW, wraps today, and we identified five key trends for 2026. The Red dress is the new LBD: that was the memo at Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler, and Coach, among others. Also, the puffy, broad shoulders are having a moment, seen at Carolina Herrera, Jane Wade, and Collina Strada. Moreover, we're in the midst of a '90s revival with the Ryan Murphy JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Love Story premiering last week, and the impact could be felt at Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein.
Think straight skirts, slip dresses, coats worn front-to-back, and a glittery frogging on jackets. Tory Burch honoured what makes archetypes last while exploring technique and proportion. There were cardigans gilded in badla embroidery, hand-done by Indian artisans; plush corduroys inspired by her father’s in apricot and saffron; Shetland wool sweaters brushed and washed to airy softness; drop-waist dresses undone at the seams. Moreover, the brand presented sharp tailoring and sportswear, thrown by leather-wrapped shell earrings, sardine pins, and handwoven leather and raffia bags. All in all, proposing a wardrobe of classics realised with a personal touch and clever detailing. If you live by trends, this one's for you.
Unexpected Elements Take Over
The season saw designers pushing the textiles and texturing to new levels and offering pieces that embodied humour and a bit of optical illusion. Thereby proposing a closet that felt elevated and more intentional. La Pointe's show featured a fringe coat that came across like it was either silk or satin from afar, but it was crafted out of raffia. At Christian Siriano, there was a faux fur coat fashioned out of feathers, which were reengineered to mimic fur. Another noteworthy look was a cropped black bolero jacket created from lace, but it looked like tulle. At Rag & Bone, the Mercer blazer was lent a military upgrade with gleaming buttons. The early-aught-collectibles - the Newbury boot was reconfigured in new variations, like in black croc leather and burgundy calf hair. At Simkhai, the women's cowl neck top and men’s zip-up jacket were made of black jacquard—cut and textured to look as though it was covered in all-over plumes.
AM to PM Pieces are the New Staples
At Coach, there were plenty of collegiate references from Pilgrim-like collars to hand-knit skater sweaters and quilted pullovers. Ralph Lauren styled a slouchy sweater worn with a floor-sweeping skirt; a leather bustier and wool pants were offset by a chunky toggle cardigan. A tweed blazer was paired with a strapless bead-embroidered dress. Across brands, there was a high-low mix and looks that help you make an effortless AM to PM transition. A mix and match appeal was going on at Donna Karan too - the faux fur gilet (a last season's fall hit) made a comeback and was paired with a bias-cut dress. Moreover, metallic accents were inculcated across the offerings - from a triple chain across the front of a cape to a sculpted accent on the straps of a dress. At Michael Kors, there were feathers and paillettes decorating T-shirts, button-downs, and pleated pants.
Brooches are Back
Brooches and pins have emerged as breakout accessories. At Tory Burch, fish-shaped brooches were placed on the chest of sweaters layered over collared shirts. At Coach, star-shaped brooches added a bit of cosmic sparkle to every look. Guess it's time to dial up on brooches and pins.
