Besides affording us a sneak peek at all the hot new trends to come, New York Fashion Week is a source of outfit inspiration for the here and now. Obviously we can’t scoop up every piece that designers pump out each season (or we’d be beyond broke), but we can use the looks to formulate chic, of-the-moment outfits with articles we already own. Scroll on for 11 lessons the catwalk has taught us so far this season.
1. Don’t Pack Away Warm-Weather Pieces: Whether we’re ushering in autumn or spring, there’s that whole transition thing (i.e. crazy, unpredictable weather). To start incorporating new season pieces into your rotation, layering is key. Adam Selman must have had this in mind when he sent this siren red jumpsuit down the runway paired up with a simple tee. (Photo via Brian Ach/Getty)
2. Wear Your Lingerie During Daylight Hours: From Givenchy to Opening Ceremony and everyone in between, lingerie was incorporated into everyday looks, offering unexpected twists. Worn with sporty separates like an oversized sweatshirt and a sheer skirt, this silky robe injects an element of subtle sexiness. (Photo via Arun Nevader/Getty)
3. Embrace Your ’90s Teen Style: Okay, let’s be honest: With so many other stylish options kickin’ around, who ever thought bucket hats would become a thing? Despite our surprise, we have to admit the casual topper lends a playful touch to almost any ensemble, and offers a fresh alternative to the favored floppy hat. (Photo via Randy Brooke/Getty)
4. Swap Out Your Sock Stash: Socks are something we all wear, but most of us have never really considered them an essential element to a fashion-forward getup. When styled with mannish ankle boots, sheer socks add a sultry edge to everything from suiting to structured frocks. (Photos via JP Yim/Getty)
5. Top It Off Times Two: Doubling up on jackets is a stylish way for us to navigate the changing temps, and the move isn’t just one for fall. Toss on two lightweight blazers à la J.Crew this spring for a style-savvy look that’s practical too. (Photo via Neilson Barnard/Getty)
6. Consider Everything a Layer: Layering is a tactic we employ to keep cozy when the temps drop, but it’ll also help you make the most out of those less-than-conservative pieces hanging in your closet. That sassy dress with the plunging neckline? Not so nine-to-five appropriate, but tossed on top of a contemporary top, it’ll take you from desk to dinner, no problem. The same goes for that mini dress. Take a style note from Hugo Boss and pop an airy midi underneath, and you’re ready to hit the streets. (Photos via Slaven Vlasic/Getty and JP Yim)
7. Mix Your Girly + Edgy Sides: Flirty, feminine: We’re all about it. But sometimes you just need to shake things up, and that’s where elements like leather and menswear-inspired accessories come in. Sickly sweet? Definitely not. (Photo via Randy Brooke/Getty)
8. Your Bandanas and High-Neck Tops are BFFs: Scarfs and bandanas tied just so around the neck have had a resurgence as of late. While the predominant way to wear ’em is on an au naturale neck, for something different, pop your collar and rock it the Jenna Lyons-approved way, or even tie the Western accessory over a turtleneck. (Photo via Neilson Barnard/Getty)
9. Teach a Button-Down New Tricks: Button-down shirts many an outfit make, but we like to get a little extra mileage out of our clothing, and that means thinking outside the box. Who better to show us how to rework this tried-and-true number than Desigual? The creative label created a funky, asymmetric coverup with the classic piece, which we find way cooler than simply tying it around the waist. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)
10. Wrap It Up: From Frame Denim to Mara Hoffman and Neem Khan, thick, statement headbands are making waves when it comes to keeping hair on lock. Add a little volume to locks by teasing hair at the crown for a retro-inspired look. (Photo via Fernando Leon/Getty)
11. Embrace Around-the-Clock Athleisure: With athleisure, almost anything feels possible — like a windbreaker worn as a dress 3.1 Phillip Lim-style, for example. We’re thinking it could look pretty fly paired up with vibrant trainers and an on-trend backpack. (Photo via JP Yim/Getty)
Will you be working any of these style lessons into your rotation? Tell us in the comments!