The NYFW street style scene offered a masterclass in city-chic dressing. While there were plenty of lavish looks to admire, it was the fashion set’s elegant approach to elevating humble classics that stood out most—thanks to a mix of playful and polished styling tricks. Take Lisa Aiken’s spin on the black pencil skirt: She opted for Toteme’s feather-trimmed midi, styling it with a cropped leather lady jacket, a cherry-red button-up, and Khaite’s python-effect handbag—a lesson in mid-winter personality dressing. Elsewhere, insiders turned up the sartorial volume on blue jeans, timeless trench coats, and crisp button-ups with a standout accessories—think sequin handbags, oversized sunnies, and on-trend glove flats.
NYFW’s Sleekest Street Style Staples
A little more on the outerwear. None proved quite as sought after as leopard print, whether in the form of Arma’s spotted jacket or Toteme’s luxe calf-hair coat. Vogue’s in-house minimalist, Madeline Fass, continued to champion the roomy leather jacket, while Naomi Elizée made the most of a simple grey overcoat by pairing it with the season’s hottest hues—royal purple, fire-engine red, and electric cobalt blue. Other street style signatures appeared across the snowy NYFW streets, too, from Prada’s straight-from-the-runway pouch to flashes of preppy argyle; one brave showgoer even committed a open-toed sandal moment.
Ahead, 11 impeccably chic ways to master late-winter-in-the-city style, according to New York’s most fabulous set—we promise, it’s easier than you think.
Leopard Print Is the Moment
Proof that leopard print is best treated like a neutral. Ground Toteme’s statement calf-hair coat with classic blue jeans, a perfect black tee, and sleek leather accessories for a look that feels equal parts downtown and timeless. Consider your 7 p.m. reservation spot at The Odeon, confirmed.
Everyday Feathers
Feathers, but make them everyday—just ask Vogue’s Lisa Aiken. Her NYFW formula pairs Toteme’s petal-trimmed pencil skirt with a silky red button-up and cropped leather jacket, reminding us that texture is key to elevate winter staples. The final touch? A python-effect Khaite tote and a softly fringed scarf for added depth.
Power Reds
This is prep school polish with downtown confidence. Traditional staples—argyle, straight-leg jeans, and a chain-link leather bag—are energized by a statement coat and brown suede leather belt to make the look instantly camera-ready.
Off-Duty Cool
Vogue’s resident minimalist, Maddy Fass, once again made the case for a roomy leather jacket as the foundation for off-duty elegance. Styled with relaxed tailoring and her signature shell-detailed cord necklace, it delivered a quietly confident kind of city polish in-between shows.
Cool New Color Codes
Vogue fashion market director Naomi Elizée’s signature maximalist style was on full display at NYFW—bold, expressive, and unapologetically colorful. From saturated knits to vibrant leather gloves, her approach proved that embracing unexpected color combinations is the quickest way to enliven winter dressing this year. No mid-February wardrobe blues, here!
Elevated Grunge
Edgy staples, styled with intention. Rugged shearling outerwear, checked shirting, and stompy combat boots come together for a look that feels sharp, directional, and unmistakably NYFW.
Back to Basics
Sometimes, you just can’t beat the basics. A classic trench, straight-leg jeans, and a crisp white button-up feel fresh and modern when finished with a statement bag, polished flats, and some cute white socks peaking out underneath.
Seeing Green
A side serving of greens, please—NYFW style. Statement leather trench aside, this look is anchored by Prada’s olive Wish pouch—the season’s undisputed It bag—for a rich pop of color in an otherwise monochromatic look.
Modern Cowgirl
Denim on denim gets an urban spin this season with the addition of a patterned silk scarf (left loose versus tied as a bandana) and a lively orange bag. Grounded by a classic jean-and-shirt pairing, the look is finished with suede ankle boots and a shearling-trim jacket for a nod to Western ease—done the downtown way, of course.
A Transitional Approach
Summer sandals in February? If you’re going to door to door, why not? Teamed with crisp shirting and relaxed navy trousers, open-toe heels, such as the below from Gucci, are sleek, modern, and perfectly suited for those in-between, transitional days.
