All around the world, people love, live, and breathe fashion; it has no boundaries. But there are specific cities that are known for being fashion hubs. It’s impossible to deny the influence of the street style scene in Paris, Hong Kong, and Copenhagen, but New York City’s fashion set has always been at the forefront of trends. Just look at the receipts: the championing of the Bushwick Birkin before it was a global phenomenon or the plethora of emerging fashion brands that call NYC home. Love it or hate it, if a trend can make it in this city, it can make it anywhere. So since we want to know which fall trends are worth adopting, we have to take it to the streets and pick the minds and mood boards of New York’s most fashionable residents. Ahead, 18 stylish women share which NYC fall fashion trends they’re backing and skipping this season.
WHO: Telsha Anderson, Founder of T.A. New York. Skip: Massive Totes . Adopt: Saturated Shades. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I’m most excited about saturation! It's about time we brought some color back into our closets, and there are incredible designers that are making bold statements and showcasing the proper way to do it.
In terms of what I’ll be skipping, I'll most likely take a back seat to the "carry it all" trend. If I have an enormous bag, then I'll try to fit my entire apartment inside of it.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? I'm looking forward to seeing more crochet bucket hats. Every single one I've seen has so much personality, and I'm excited for accessories to make a solid comeback.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? Christopher John Rogers has not only championed the trends—he's masterfully created them. I'm looking forward to seeing women and men walk the streets of New York in his upcoming collection and featuring it at T.A. New York.
WHO: Jessica Minkoff, Stylist. Adopt: Metallics . Skip: ’20s-inspired Pieces. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? Ever since I saw Saint Laurent’s F/W 21 show, I have been excited to incorporate metallics into my wardrobe. I loved how Anthony Vaccarello showed high-shine bodysuits with miniskirts for an unexpected twist on a more traditional look.
As far as what I’m skipping this fall, I’d say the ’20s trend. If I had to choose a decade to devote my fashion sense to, it would always be the ’80s. I tend to gravitate toward neon colors, zebra prints, patent leather, and denim—all of which call to mind style icons of that period. I am more of a Debbie Harry than a Daisy Buchanan.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? The return of Y2K style reminiscent of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera has peaked right now (in the form of low-rise jeans, baby-doll tees, colorful jewelry, and chunky platform shoes). I think this will continue to gain momentum and be all over the streets of NYC this fall.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? I have been a huge fan of Peter Do since he launched in 2018. His combo jeans, tailored trousers, and mesh tops are closet staples with a serious edge.
WHO: Sasha Mei, Model. Skip: Slope Style. Adopt: Tonal Tailoring. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I’m ready to adopt tailored suits. This summer, I embraced colorful and “girly” pieces (read: minidresses and sandals, as NYC is hot), and I’m now ready to transition into something more sophisticated and structured as the weather hopefully cools down a little bit.
As far as what I’ll be skipping, I hate to say it, but it will be slope style. I grew up in Canada, so that’s all I’ve seen for most of my life.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? I feel like the resurgence of the ’00s style and what we see lots of Gen Z set wearing these days has a very NYC feel. There’s something inherently New York about the sort of makeshift, DIY, saturated looks, and I’m betting we’ll see that everywhere this fall. We’re finally out and about, and I feel this trend is the loudest and boldest; it’s very fitting for the current cultural climate!
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? Since I love tailored pieces so much for colder weather, I think Wardrobe.NYC championed this perfectly. I’ve been moving lots recently, and their curated capsule wardrobe is something I'm considering investing in soon. They've done so much of the work for you, and I love how seamlessly each piece pairs together.
WHO: Niharika Chandrasekar, Digital Creator. Skip: Leopard print. Adopt: Gen Z. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I am super excited about how the Gen Z and maximalism trends will continue and thrive in the fall. Now that layers and outerwear are in the mix, I can’t wait to see more inventive colors and patterns used to create fabulous fall looks.
I see myself staying clear of animal prints like leopard print that are usually played up more in the fall months. With all the color and textures been in circulation right now, I think it’ll be fun to move away further from a more expected trend.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? NYC has bred strong and bold women across many industries who now love channeling menswear in their own unique and feminine way. I predict that women of all ages will rock bold, tailored pantsuits in colors that genuinely speak to them this fall.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? Two NYC-based boutiques that have done a spectacular job of curating upcoming trends and designers are T.A. New York, and Priscavera. Both carry trendy fall pieces that are relatable and inviting way for everyday wear.
WHO: Gergana Ivanova, Founder of Gergana Ivanova. Skip: Accordion Pleats. Adopt: Cropped Jackets. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I've been loving cropped jackets. I know it will be a massive trend for this fall, and it's something I've had in my closet. I love an oversize cropped blazer or leather jacket; both are very versatile pieces that you can dress up or down depending on the occasion.
As far as what fall fashion trend I’m skipping, I’d say accordion pleats. Not something I’ve ever really felt comfortable wearing, but with fashion, never say never!
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? Dress coats will undoubtedly be all over the NYC streets. Any sort of outerwear that can be made cute but still functional and keep you warm in the freezing winter days is something that New Yorkers love. I love an oversize coat; I always size up about two to three sizes just because I love a boxy fit, and it gives me enough room for all of my layers underneath!
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? I think there are so many. But I’m super proud to share that I’ve launched my own brand, Gergana Ivanova, and I hope it captures some of the city’s essence.
WHO: Hélène Heath, Digital Creator. Skip: Gen Z–Inspired . Adopt: Tonal Tailoring. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . It’s tonal tailoring for me all day long. I’m very into layering similar solid hues. My style motto is “When in doubt, go monochromatic,” so I’m thrilled to see that wearing one color from head to toe (preferably in sharp, elevated silhouettes) is having a moment.
You won't catch me in any Gen Z threads any time soon. I lived through that one the first time around, and I’m not looking for a repeat.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? I do not doubt that cloud coats will become NYC fashion staples this fall/winter. Though I feel like they kind of already were for the utilitarians out there (e.g., me). This might be a chicken or the egg situation. Either way, those New York winters are no joke, and being cold is never cute. Now that these giant puffers are officially "in," every stylish city slicker will undoubtedly adopt them.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? The Frankie Shop has and continues to be on top of what every sartorial enthusiast wants to wear. Its collections consistently manage to balance trends and timelessness, which is something I'm personally always drawn to. They've got fresh accordion pleats, saturated shades, cool quilted bombers, cute sweater-vests, chic raincoats, and, somewhat their signature, oversize coat-like blazers.
WHO: Yolande Macon, Digital Creator. Skip: Low-Rise Denim. Adopt: Unique Color Stories . Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . Since my style is very colorful, I’m excited to explore the unique color pairings focusing on the new saturated colors this fall. I can’t wait to style the deep, rich purples I’ve seen on the runways.
I love giving all trends a try, and there are some great fall trends this year, but I’m skipping low-rise jeans. I avoided them in the ’00s, and I’ll be doing it again, as I’ve been a fan of high-waisted jeans for over 15 years, and I would feel naked without them.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? I genuinely believe the best faux furs live in NYC! Before moving here, I had never seen them in such beautiful colors and prints. New Yorkers know how to pull off a faux-fur moment.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? Telfar is the king of handbags in NYC right now. While Telfar has been significant to New Yorkers for a while, Beyoncé’s recent appearance with the bag will take this brand to champion level this fall.
WHO: Maria Beltre, Founder of Could Be Maria. Skip: More Is More . Adopt: Coat-Like Blazers. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . For this fall, I’m trying the tonal-colored suits and the coat-like blazers. I’m going to be on my grown-business-lady vibe—you feel me? I want to look like I’m on my way to the office even though I work from home most of the time.
As far as what fall trend I’ll skip, the more-is-more, maximalist aesthetic isn’t for me. I love to have a simple color scheme, and I would drive myself crazy wearing different patterns and colors together. I appreciate it for other people, but it’s not my thing.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? New York is the best for fall fashion, or fashion in general, to be honest. So many styles originate from NYC, and we may not even realize it. One of the main things we always see on the streets is oversize anything: puffers, denim, etc. Aside from that, I do think fall pastel colors are making a comeback. I've seen some exquisite pastel pieces I need to copy ASAP!
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? Not to be biased, but I believe that the brand Could Be Maria vividly represents what NYC is like. As the brand owner, we want each piece to feel like that old-school New York vibe we’ve all come to love.
WHO: Sophie Wood, Content Creator. Skip: Leopard Print. Adopt: Gen Z. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I’m most excited about the rise of Gen Z style in the fashion space! The juxtaposition between millennial and Gen Z fashion is striking, and I think their new take on fashion is refreshing, unapologetic, and loud. Feels fitting as we tread toward 2022.
As far as what I’m not into for fall, I’d say leopard print. Never say never; I may opt for a leopard-print accessory here and there, but I'm just not ready for this print in full force again.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? I’m guessing it will be the new take on aughts fashion. I've started seeing it everywhere in NYC, especially within Gen Z, and I can see it carrying into winter. (I can already see the faux-fur coat lining being significant.)
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? I've been loving Sandy Liang's F/W 21 collection. It played into blush pink for fall so perfectly, and I'm dying to get my hands on one of its pieces this season.
WHO: Arianna Quinn, YSL PR Intern. Skip: Patchwork. Adopt: Dress Coats. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I'm most excited about the dress-coat trend we saw on the runways of Isabel Marant and Tom Ford. It's an effortless way to make a big statement, especially walking down the streets of NYC. And as an outerwear lover, I always look for oversize silhouettes to maximize layering and proportion play to make my outfits more exciting.
While I love an outwear statement, I’ll be skipping out on any patchwork attire. It's too busy for my aesthetic, and it feels a bit dated.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? I think this season, we'll see more unique color stories but in those saturated shades. While neutrals and tonal color palettes reign over the fall season, I don't think many of us are ready to give up all of the colors we were experimenting with over the summer. New Yorkers will find new ways to introduce color into our fall wardrobes to keep our outfits interesting and optimistic in this season.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? Peter Do checked off many boxes with his fall 2021 ready-to-wear collection, from adding pops of saturated color to introducing tonal suiting and tailoring all the way to styling metallics in a not-so-obvious way. He presented a collection that allows minimalistic women to experiment with their style without completely branching out so far that they're uncomfortable.
WHO: Michelle Salem, Content Creator. Skip: Massive Totes. Adopt: Tonal Tailoring. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . Tonal tailoring, hands down. Nothing saves time like matching separates, and there are guaranteed bonus points at the office for wearing suiting.
As far as what I’m not digging for fall, you won’t find me carrying a massive tote bag. I will always be partial to a mini bag; if it can barely hold my credit card, I'll happily take it.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? Camp. No other city can do it quite like New York, and after the year we've been through, I think everyone's looks will be more fun and expressive than ever this fall.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? I look forward to seeing what Vaquera does. There's something I want in their fun, mixed bag of looks every season.
WHO: Abena Boamah-Acheampong Founder of Hanahana Beauty. Skip: Faux Fur. Adopt: Knee-High Boots. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I’m ecstatic about knee-high boots! I love to wear boots once fall hits, and this trend is the perfect NYC staple.
In terms of what trend I’m least excited about, I’d say faux fur. I've never really been into fur, so I don't think it will be for me this year either. However, I wouldn't mind a little fur hat if push came to shove.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? The Gen Z vibe will definitely be everywhere this fall! New Yorkers love a bold look.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? I love shopping at T.A. New York! The founder, Telsha, always curates the best brands and the most beautiful styles. I feel like they'll be carrying the best fall trends.
WHO: Niki Mallikarachi, Digital Creator. Skip: Low-Rise Denim. Adopt: Tonal Tailoring. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I am excited to try out the tonal tailoring trend for fall. I think suit separates are staples that can be worn for many seasons to come. Plus, I love how put together a monochrome structured outfit makes me feel. Additionally, finding vintage versions of this trend can be a great way to make it sustainable and unique.
In terms of trends I’m not adopting this fall, I’d say low-rise denim. I wish the cut suited me better, but I’ll stick to my straight-leg pairs!
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? I hope to see a lot of saturated and unique color combinations in NYC this fall. After feeling like we missed out on a true fall fashion season last year, I think adding color will be a way to inspire ourselves.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? I have been loving the work that Collina Strada does. The pieces are very bold, unique, and don't make me think twice about purchasing something that pops. They are taking the unique color story trend this season to the next level.
WHO: Naomi Parris, Fashion Blogger. Skip: Rogue Flowers. Adopt: Shiny Finish. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . There are so many trends this season that are, in my opinion, fall classics! But my favorite is anything with a shiny finish. One of my mottos for my style is going big or home, and I love trends that exude that idea.
As far as what I’m skipping, I’d say rogue flowers. Ever since I gave up floral prints, I can’t seem to wrap my mind around wearing them again.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? One fall trend that I’m sure everyone will be in this fall (including myself) is logo love! Being from NYC and seeing the heavy influence of Harlem’s very own Dapper Dan, it’s no surprise this trend will make a comeback. He elevated the whole logo mania game to new levels.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? Lapointe has some iconic pieces that are on my wish list for the fall. From the classic fur, cozy silks to their polished execution of monochromatic looks, you need everything.
WHO: Tammy Mai, Digital Creator. Skip: Logo Love. Adopt: Tonal Tailoring . Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . Although I like mixing vibrant colors here and there, there's nothing that pulls my attention more than a monotone or tonally complementing outfit—especially when it’s tailored. I’m excited to play various pieces this fall to create a tailored, monochrome look.
As far as what I’ll be sitting out this fall, I’d have to say the logo mania trend. I can see the appeal of having a beloved brand's logo being bold and clear. However, if styled untastefully, the logos become a walking advertisement, and the focus goes from personal style to pure clout.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? Oversize coats, cloud coats; basically, any coat where you could fit your entire apartment underneath, and no one would know because everyone else is wearing some kind of long, oversize coat too. I've always admired the "about-your-business" look that a big jacket can do for a person as they’re walking super fast down the street. NYC hones in on this trend perfectly.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? At the moment, I think there’s a great crop of curated stores that are bringing in pieces from Japan that are shaping and inspiring the NYC crowd—like the stores, Mannahatta NYC and Nepenthes. As brands based in NYC, I think Orseund Iris, Tae Park, and Shop Pêche are making amazing neutral yet unique statement pieces that are so beautiful to layer.
WHO: Aïsha Farida, Digital Creator. Skip: Low-Rise Denim. Adopt: Saturated Colors. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I feel like 2021 has been the year of color for me, and I'm looking forward to transitioning that into the cooler months. Colorful, saturated pieces do brighten my mood, and I find that they do the same for others. I'm not sure what that will look like for me, but a colorful leather coat for fall sounds super fun!
In terms of what trend I’ll be skipping, it’s low-rise denim. I honestly want to love it, but low-rise bottoms just aren't for me—constantly having to adjust my waistline and worry about what I look like, not it.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? You can't survive NYC fall without a raincoat. I want to stop carrying around half-broken umbrellas and invest in a cute rain jacket.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? I'm obsessed with Sandy Liang. Her pieces are so cool yet totally wearable and somewhat nostalgic! I love the ’90s vibe that can be seen throughout her collections. I'm currently coveting her miniskirts and knitwear.
WHO: Laura Reilly, Editor. Skip: Logo Love. Adopt: Lace. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I love the concept of lace as a fall texture when it's usually seen as so spring and so delicate. I'm interested in lace as it was used in '80s ice skating costumes and chick band hair metal catsuits with a bit of Gunne Sax thrown in for good measure. Like the performance of post-post-post-modern lace.
In terms of what I don’t like for fall, I’m over logo prints. It was cute for a second, but that second was light years ago. I'm done with garments' value being denoted by allover branding because it breeds laziness in design and doesn't suggest the nicest things about how brands view their customers.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? Patchwork and its satellite trends feel extremely NYC to me, hugely due to Eckhaus Latta's cobbled-together knits and Bode's reclaimed-material pieces. I think there's a local loyalty to the aesthetic out of fondness for the brands' community-driven ethos.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? SC103's leather link bags are the moment as far as I'm concerned. Of all the "twisted-texture" bags that are trending, theirs is the one with the most insider clout, occupying space in inaccessible locals' closets (mine, too) and inspiring comments from strangers. "Is that the." "The SC103? Yeah, it is."
WHO: Gabby White, Digital Creator. Skip: Low-Rise Jeans. Adopt: Tonal Tailoring. Which fall trend are you most excited to adopt for 2021? And which will you skip? . I’m most excited about tonal tailoring for fall because it’s still warm enough to use outerwear as a layering piece. I’ve been vibing with monotone looks and am eager to transition that into my fall wardrobe. I can’t wait to combine tonal tailoring with stunning cable-knit sweaters, too!
As far as trends I’m taking a hard pass on, it’s for sure low-rise jeans. Something about them screams table. I’m in jeans all the time in the fall, and they must be comfortable. But I’ll definitely be experimenting more with color, fit, style, and fabric this season.
What’s one fall trend that you predict you’ll see everywhere in NYC this fall? Leopard! The leopard midi skirt had all of NYC in its clutches a few years back, and I could see it making a comeback.
Are there any NYC-based fashion brands that you feel have championed fall’s biggest trends? I am obsessed with Brandon Blackwood, Coach, LaQuan Smith, and Monse. They get it right every single time.
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