New York Fashion Week lands right in the middle of winter here in New York City, with temperatures sometimes hitting the lowest we’ve seen all year. The frigid temps have us wishing we can snag some of the pieces in Fall-Winter 2022 collections right off the runway, (which, thanks to NYFW’s partnership with Afterpay, could undoubtedly be possible this season). But as showgoers plan out looks ahead of the shows, they will need to bundle up to stay warm while also pulling some striking looks that’ll be sure to land them on the best-dressed street style list.
Luckily enough, cold weather isn’t a foreign concept to New Yorkers, and battling the temps while also staying fashionable has become a familiarity. We’ve been embracing layering, oversized puffer jackets, and wintery accessories since November and still have six more weeks of winter to go (thanks, Punxsutawney Phil). In response, New Yorkers have been sporting the latest accessory that we’re expecting to see all over fashion week — the balaclava.
Think Kim Kardashian Balenciaga full-face covering at the Met Gala but less dominatrix, more practical… and less obstructive to our vision. The idea of the balaclava is simple, it keeps your head warm, and styling it is even more straightforward. Throw it under a coat or sweater to immediately take in the ear-to-neck warming effects.
Brands like the Row, Stella McCartney, and Bevza, the latter of which is showing on February 14, all offer various styles of the oh-so cozy accessory making it perfectly suitable for every aesthetic. Bold colors or extra elements like pompom balls or fringe make for a dramatic statement look, while a chic ribbed pattern can complete a minimal seamless look.
Balaclavas have already been filling up our Instagram feeds and FYP pages on TikTok with fashion aficionados, while A-listers like Olivia Rodrigo and the runways of Louis Vuitton and Loewe’s Menswear collections are also sporting the trend. So whether you’re running around attending the shows, or simply just trying to beat the cold weather, the balaclava is the must-have accessory to add to your wardrobe.
