The season’s biggest New York Fashion Week street style trends are packed with shopping inspiration. The spring-summer 2026 shows have wrapped, and as always, the runways are ripe with outfit ideas for the months ahead. But we can’t overlook the sartorial action happening outside the venues. New York’s style is inherently bold and playful, and the attendees this season matched that energy. In Manhattan (and occasionally Brooklyn), the street style scene’s celebrities, editors, buyers, stylists, and influencers have put their own stamp on autumn's hottest trends.
Voluminous balloon trousers, for instance, popularised on Alaïa’s last runway, are now sashaying up and down the sidewalks. Playful, attention-grabbing accessories — like pillbox hats, a silhouette popularised by Jackie Kennedy — are the name of the game too. Okay, no more spoilers! Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the five buzziest New York Fashion Week street style trends that are already taking over among fashion insiders. (Don’t be surprised if you spot these looks all over social media in the coming months.)
1. Cropped jackets
When it comes to popular autumn jackets, the pendulum is swinging toward cropped silhouettes, as proven by Fashion Week guests. Sure, come snowy weather, they may not be the most practical option — but for the next few months, the look is sure to stand out in a sea of ankle-grazing dusters. On the streets we spotted midriff-baring denim jackets, cropped black blazers, and shrunken trenches. For a quintessential autumn look, try a cropped jacket rendered in leather or suede. And as temperatures cool, layer your jacket under something longer for double the impact.
Here's a few key styling tips to ensure they always hit the mark.
2. Daytime sparkle
Sparkles? During the daytime? Yes. The look is now not only appropriate but highly encouraged — at least by New York’s showgoers. Tastemakers like Chloe King (and a few Glamour editors) dazzled on the sidewalks in stunners like striped sequin tops, pictured above. A sparkly skirt, on the other hand, is the perfect foil to a classic white T-shirt and a khaki trench coat. Another option: Dip your toes into the trend by toting around a sequin-covered bag, no fancy soirée needed.
3. Voluminous trousers
Indeed, fashion girls are abandoning their slim trousers in favour of barrel-leg trousers and roomy balloon bottoms (sometimes referred to as harem trousers), which are being championed by the likes of Chloé and Toteme. With a wide, structural silhouette, the bottoms offer unbeatable comfort — perfect for attendees running from one show to the next. And although their voluminous shape might be slightly intimidating, the trick to making the silhouette less polarising is to balance out the big trousers with a fitted top and slim kicks or sleek pumps — problem solved. Plus, labels like Ashlyn, Michael Kors, and Adam Lippes just showed the silhouette for spring at NYFW, meaning they’re a great investment now.
A masterclass in styling.
4. Retro hats
Walk around New York City right now, and it may feel as if you’ve been transported back to the ’60s due to all the pillbox hats out in full force. Don’t be mistaken, though: The brimless silhouette — defined by its flat crown and straight, upright sides — has received the 2025 treatment, thanks to brands like Gigi Burris and Lele Sadoughi. Bold leopard print, for one, is all the rage this season. If you’re still navigating exactly how you want to wear it, a soft silhouette like a shearling topper or a beret is an easy swap for your usual cool-weather beanie.
5. Argyle
Showgoers cosplayed as prep-school students this week, hitting the shows in a range of trendy argyle jumpers. Once embraced by Blair Waldorf, the timeless diamond pattern is coming back in the form of pullovers, cardigans, and jumper vests. Some are leaning full-tilt into the preppy aesthetic by styling the piece with plaid skirts, whereas others are edging up their patterned knitwear by way of leather separates. Shopping tip: If splurging on the knit isn’t in the cards this autumn, comb through the racks at your local thrift shop, where you’re sure to find an argyle top.
