NYFW September 2025 Recap: What Defined the Season

This September, New York Fashion Week balanced nostalgia, drama, and cultural storytelling. The runways delivered spectacle, but with plenty of looks that could easily trickle into everyday wardrobes.

Runway Highlights

• Cultural voices in focus: Indigenous designer Jamie Okuma brought heritage and craftsmanship to the spotlight, a powerful step toward broader representation.

• Boundary-pushing shows: CHRISHABANA’s latex, vinyl, and performance-driven “POP” collection blurred the line between fashion and art.

• Star power: Lily Collins returned to NYFW in a sequined co-ord at Calvin Klein, while Lindsay Lohan turned heads at L’Agence in a floral slip dress topped with a shaggy coat.

Key Trends

• Plaid revival: Think Clueless-era sets and tailored suits in fresh colorways.

• Fringe & Western flair: Suede, fringe skirts, and statement jackets added playful movement.

• Animal print & texture: Leopard, leather, and faux fur gave collections a bold edge.

• Statement boots: Riding boots and thigh-highs stole the spotlight on both runways and sidewalks.

• Bold color & volume: Vibrant hues and oversized silhouettes signaled confidence for SS26.

Beauty & Street Style

Beauty leaned playful yet wearable—colorful lashes, berry-stained lips, and dramatic eyes. Hair accessories like kerchiefs and chunky headbands added personality. Street style embraced cropped jackets, power boots, and fearless layering, proving that attendees came dressed to make statements, not just watch them.

What’s Next

NYFW showed that fashion is in a mix-and-match era—less about one “it” trend and more about blending textures, prints, and accessories. The rise of cultural voices signals that storytelling and authenticity are shaping style just as much as silhouettes.