As a longtime fashionista, the fact that I can even attend New York Fashion Week never gets old. When I was new to New York, a friend told me about a time she’d gone to a NYFW show and I remember thinking that sounded like the most glamorous thing a girl could possibly do. If there’s one thing for which I have Instagram and reality TV to thank, it’s getting to go to fashion week!

In terms of the actual fashion, it can be a bit of a spectacle. While I do respect adventurousness, I’ve learned that I fall squarely in the “wearability” camp. I personally find some of the fashion (both on and off the runway) can get over-the-top, sometimes cartoonish, in an “OK, but I would never WEAR that” kind of way. So, while I do love clothes and using personal style as a means of expression, I firmly believe the whole point is for fashion to translate into real clothes that real people will actually wear.

This is the kind of sartorial post I’ve always wanted to write. I love eyeing what’s up-and-coming and soon-to-be “in”, but also how real people might go about incorporating them into their rotation. Further, I’m interested in what’s staying in style; some of my favorite, most “fashionable” pieces have been standbys in my closet for years. So this post is meant as a sort of “fashion forecast” meets “how to wear it” meets “stuff you already own” guide.

To avoid getting burnt out (which is a real thing during NYFW, as ridiculous as that sounds), I attended three days’ worth of shows and events. Read on to see what I chose to wear for those days, why I chose them, and what my favorite trends for the coming season(s) are…

DAY ONE

MONSE CHECKED TWEED ASYMMETRIC HEM SKIRT [ON EBAY HERE, ALSO COMES IN NAVY HERE - SIZE DOWN!] | UNIQLO RAYON LONG-SLEEVE BLOUSE | JIMMY CHOO “ROMY” PVC PUMPS [LOOKS FOR LESS HERE AND HERE] | SANDRO “LOU” CROSSBODY, WORN AS A BELT BAG [OLD - ON EBAY HERE] | RAY BAN OCTAGONAL SUNGLASSES IN SILVER FLASH | ETSY DOUBLE COIN NECKLACE | H&M HOOP EARRINGS

Asymmetry

Asymmetry will continue to be huge in the coming seasons (and years, in my opinion). Asymmetric details are not new and you’ve surely noticed all sorts of high-low hemlines and one shoulder (or one sleeve) pieces over the last several seasons. Dust off your one sleeve/one shoulder/high-low pieces as they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

Looking ahead, I think those silhouettes will continue to become reinvented and exaggerated, creating cool new, unexpected shapes we’re not used to seeing. The above skirt is a great example—the high-low skirt concept isn’t new by any means, but you don’t often see it in tweed, much less with that asymmetry working side-to-side.

My favorite asymmetric pieces currently out there: HERE, HERE (I am thisclose to buying this dress), HERE (marrying the sequin trend, below) and HERE (these are wacky but I love them). For my sustainably-minded readers, my favorite listing is HERE.

The Chain Belt

Using my belt bag (which you may remember from this blog post two years ago), I half-incorporated an accessory I think will be HUGE in the coming seasons: the chain belt. Chain belts aren’t anything new but I still saw quite a few on the runways, taking the place of the traditional leather buckle belt. It really is one of the most wearable “statement” accessory because it a) serves an actual purpose (cinching the waist), b) usually complements (rather than competes) with the rest of your outfit, and c) makes a statement while not looking like you’re trying too hard. Plus, since it’s not exactly a brand new concept, it means you very likely already own one (I myself already own two—on top of my chain belt bags!), and if not, there are already excellent, super affordable options in stores. (Aka, you don’t have to wait for high street stores to get the runway memo.)

My favorite chain belts out there right now: HERE, HERE (I own this one—size up!), HERE, and HERE.

DAY TWO

ON LOAN: VIVIENNE HU PLAID WRAP SKIRT AND FAUX LEATHER TOP | ZARA HIGH HEELED VINYL MULE IN BLACK [SOLD OUT - AVAILABLE IN RED HERE] | CALZEDONIA FANCY SHEER SOCKS [OLD] | NASTY GAL CAGE CLUTCH [OLD - SIMILAR HERE] | BAUBLEBAR “SERITA” DROP EARRINGS | SEPHORA CREAM LIP STAIN IN RED DESERT | AVON GLIMMERSTICKS LIP LINER IN RED BRICK

Leather

First off, when I say “leather”, know that I’m referring to both leather and faux leather. The faux options today are SO GOOD and, even animal-loving reasons aside, they’re way more practical from wearability and care perspectives.

With that said, another trend I think you’ll be seeing more and more of is leather incorporated in unexpected ways. Of course, leather has always been a thing and always will be, and most of us already own a leather jacket and leggings (in case you haven’t already heard about my go-to leather-look leggings, they’re here). But looking forward, think leather tops, shorts (I bought black leather shorts last season and they were a terrific investment), joggers, and fuller bottoms, like wide-leg pants and pleated A-line midi skirts. My favorite feature of this trend is that leather is incredibly easy to style. You know by now that I wear a lot of black, and nothing edge-ifies and adds interest to a black-on-black ensemble more seamlessly and effortlessly than leather.

My favorite unexpected leather pieces out there right now: HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE (dupe HERE). For my curvy ladies, there’s an amazing pair of pants that I love HERE. For my sustainably-minded readers, my favorite listings are HERE, HERE and HERE.

Socks + Heels

Okay, okay, so socks with sandals or heels were once closer to being the butt of jokes than an actual style choice. But times change, and trust me, the socks with heels look is officially “in”. You first saw me dip my (socked) toe into these waters a year ago, with this look. I personally feel this works best with a pointed toe shoe as that’s the “it” pump silhouette right now and it keeps things modern. I also prefer a dainty sock, sheer (as above) or pointelle knit (as with that Instagram post), maybe with a fun or quirky print for a bit of interest.

Despite all my preferences, I think the key to this trend is to not be self-conscious about it. It’s easier to pull off than it seems—just put on the socks and don’t overthink it. :)

My favorite socks to be worn on with heels are: HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

DAY THREE

RETROFÊTE “VERONICA” SEQUINED CHIFFON MIDI SKIRT IN NEON YELLOW | WILFRED “ANNECY” BODYSUIT IN WHITE [ON SALE - OTHER COLORS HERE] | JIMMY CHOO “ROMY” PVC PUMPS [LOOKS-FOR-LESS HERE AND HERE] | GOYARD “BELLECHASSE” PM TOTE IN BLACK | AQUA PEARL CHAIN NECKLACE [WORN AS AN ANKLET] | KENDRA SCOTT “HARRIET” PEARL DOUBLE FINGER RING [OLD] | MOUNSER “PAGODA” EARRINGS

Neon

This look is obviously all about the skirt, and it’s a 2-for-1 in terms of trends: first up, neon. I’ve been eyeing the pop of neon color trend for awhile and officially hopped on board early this year when I picked up a fluorescent pink knit sweater. (It was an excellent buy.) The great thing about the neon trend is it doesn’t have to be pricey to look high-end, and as with your traditional pop of color, it instantly makes an otherwise monochrome or black-heavy ensemble look stylish. Case in point: with a white tank bodysuit and white pumps, the above look is nothing to write home about, but the neon of the skirt changes the vibe and boldness of the look completely.

My favorite fluorescent find right now: HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE (if you watched Hannah’s season of The Bachelorette then you’ll recognize these!). For my sustainably-minded readers, my favorite listings: HERE and HERE.

Sequins

Finally, sequins! Again, sequins are nothing new, and Zara’s had them on rotation for some time. But I’m here to tell you they’re still not going anywhere anytime soon, and as demonstrated by this skirt, you’re going to see them popping up in interesting colors and even prints.

If you’ve been eyeing sequins but are a) intimidated by the bling, and b) worried you won’t actually wear them, trust me when I say the piece you choose matters. Sure, a sequined dress has and always will be a thing, but in my opinion, the best way to incorporate sequins today is with basic separates: think tees, cardigans, pencil skirts (as above). This keeps things modern—think how much cooler it is for a basic white tee to be tucked into a navy sequin skirt, versus a full navy sequin dress. Not only can the former be dressed up or down, it also doesn’t look dated (as full sequins can), and oozes not-trying-too-hard vibes.

My favorite sequined finds right now: HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE. For my sustainably-minded readers, my favorite listings: HERE and HERE.

EXTRAS

A few other trends that aren’t pictured here but that you should keep (or continue to keep) your eyes peeled for…

Chunky Boots

No surprise here. You’ve been living under a rock if you haven’t noticed chunky, lug-sole boots have officially arrived and are here to stay. I hopped on board nearly two years ago with a Zara buy that has quickly become my black boot go-to (I wore them in this post and am wearing them as I type this!), but I still couldn’t have predicted how popular these would become. (I’m not complaining - more options for me.) What I love about my chunky boots is they give me the lengthening effect of heels but sans the discomfort, and with tough-chick vibes to boot. :)

Statement Sleeves

This is a trend I’ve been resisting but I can already feel myself starting to covet certain poufy-sleeved pieces. If you think last season brought dramatic sleeves, trust me, that was only the beginning. Expect to feel more and more like you’re in the 80s.

Knit Pants

This is more of a longterm, wild-card prediction as I haven’t seen many (if any) in stores yet, but I am confident knit palazzo pants are going to have a moment. Think heavier, sweater-like cable knits that fall nicely and would look great with a white button-down, or layered with a knit on top. In a year or two we’ll see if I was right about this…

Other Animal Prints

Let me first be clear: as far as I’m concerned, as with leather, leopard print is a basic that has and always will be in style. Therefore, the huge influx of leopard and cheetah prints in the last few seasons has been overdue, and hopefully you’ve picked up and are rocking at least one leopard print piece by now. Looking ahead, leopard will be passing the torch to other animal prints. Zebra has recently had a bit of a moment, but my prediction is it’s going to be all about the giraffe and cow prints in the seasons to come.🦒🐄

PHOTOGRAPHY

The incomparable Clarence Chan!

Let me know what you think of my fashion forecast and what styles you’ve been eyeing. Also, I’d love to know if this sort of post spoke to you and if you’d like to see more content like this down the road.

Thanks for stopping by!