New York Fashion Week has kicked off the highly-anticipated spring/summer 2022 fashion month with a triumphant set of shows. From emerging talent to established designers – with the exception of some opting for a digital presentation – brands were showcasing their latest collections all across the city with the likes of celebrities, influencers and yours truly in attendance.
During a gorgeous afternoon in New York City, Grazia attended a mega street party hosted by Afterpay, including a roller rink, live DJ and a fashion panel featuring celebrity stylist Kate Young and co-founder of Milk Makeup Zanna Rassi. The duo discussed all things NYFW trends and what they’ll be shopping for the upcoming season.
On the runways, we’ve seen powerful stories and dramatic fantasies that allowed us to dream about getting dressed up again. For starters, street style is everywhere, but with the transition into autumn, we find ourselves limited with our styling options due to the transition period. You can’t fully commit to coats and layering, and on the other hand, a summer dress just doesn’t feel right anymore. This is why Young and Rassi took the time to walk us through the most prominent street style trends they’ve spotted throughout NYFW that can be both fashionable and functional for the transitional season.
The fun kicked off with Young discussing the importance of a power suit, revealing how men have been wearing them for years and can simply throw on a matching set and immediately look put together. Now, designers are reinventing the traditional suit, creating an array of form-fitting and oversized silhouettes for every occasion, allowing every woman to feel powerful but still feminine with the right accessories. “Although a suit is a little more expensive, you can still break it apart and wear the jacket with a romper underneath or the pant along with a t-shirt,” shares celebrity stylist Kate Young.
As an alternative, Rassi had introduced us to the power of knitted sets – highlighting the importance of utility. An option that’s practical yet easy to wear, which we’ve seen across Michael Kor’s, Frederick Anderson and Christian Siriano spring 2022 collections. “Something about a knit dress is easy to put on but also looks put together”, reveals Zanna Rassi. Since we’ve been wearing such comfortable clothing for so long, a knit set works as a suit but allows you to wear something chic without zipping or buttoning your garment.
On the other hand, we’ve seen loads of monochromatic dressing and, by the looks of it, seem like they’re not going anywhere. But in all honesty, what better way to look well put together than dressing in one colour – it’s chic, elongating and effortless.
When it came to pro-styling tips, Young revealed, “The proportion of things I think is so much more a part of what makes things in style. Even if something classic like a shoulder pad and jacket, in three years it’s going to look wrong even the shape of a jean – the rise is going to go up and down. I always get a little annoyed when people say, ‘Oh, you’ll have this forever,’ and I’m thinking no, you won’t. If you’re going to keep it forever, it’s about tailoring to keep it in the proportion that looks correct to the time that you’re in.”
When asked what would be some good ways to shop on a budget and look instantly polished and put together, Young shared, “I always think that if your hair looks good and if you have a nice bag and shoes you can get away with anything. For me, I’m more inclined to spend money on bags and shoes and coats that you will wear every day than spending the money on a bunch of cheaper outfits.”
Ahead, find the top seven key fashion week trends; Young and Rassi are bookmarking for the start of the new year.
1. Knits
2. cut out
3. Plaid
4. exaggerated waist
5. monochromatic
6. mixed prints
7. liqid leather
