A look at New York Fashion Week

By Shilpa Prabhakar Nadella
Glamour Magazine
March 14, 2020

Even if you don't obsess over fashion trends, the fall 2020 runways at New York Fashion Week are worth looking to for an idea of what we'll be seeing everywhere in a matter of months. And while it's too early to tell which styles the masses will take to (or which ones Zara will, inevitably, knock off), at least 10 got us excited.

PHOTO CAPTION: Vibrant red is the hot color for formal wear this year, and wedding dresses have a whole new look. The pancho, slouch boots and the skirt suit are making comebacks on the 2020 runway — hard to believe, but true.
PHOTO CREDIT: Staff

Between the triumphant return of the poncho, an overabundance of slouchy boots, and the resurgence of the skirt suit (but make it modern), here's what you have to look forward to, fashion-wise, for fall. Not there yet? Here are the top trends to expect during 2020 before the newest styles are unveiled during New York Fashion Week, which begins Sept. 11.

PONCHOS
Yes, they're back. After having a forceful early-2000s resurgence, the poncho has returned for fall 2020. On display across several runways including Longchamp, Michael Kors, Zimmermann, and Anna Sui, there's an option to suit everyone: cozy knit, wool, and velvet versions,

FULL EQUESTRIAN
Taking cues from traditional equestrian gear, fitted suits paired with knee-high riding boots was the new uniform on the fall 2020 runway. If you're not into the full suited look, try pairing your boots with jeans or trousers.

SKIRT SUITS
What comes around goes around, and—surprise—the skirt suit is definitely back for fall 2020. Seen at shows by top designers, including Michael Kors and Oscar de la Renta, this silhouette has been revived with options that feel very right now thanks to swingy minis with cropped jackets and pencil skirts with belted blazers.

MODERN LEATHER
Forget the biker jacket—this season we saw leather used from head to toe. The easiest (and chicest) way to pull off the look: a leather trench, which was a staple on runways like Khaite and Gabriela Hearst. Long leather coats were also a street-style mainstay during New York Fashion Week, often paired with casual, wearable jeans and boots.

CERULEAN
Pantone named its 2020 color of the year “Classic Blue,” so it’s not terribly surprising that there were varying shades on the runway this season with cerulean taking center stage. The color looks especially fresh when worn head-to-toe as seen at Carolina Herrera and Sally Lapointe. Just try not to hear Miranda Priestley's voice while testing out this trend.

FLORAL COATS
More than one designer must have seen Little Women, because there was no shortage of prim Victorian-inspired clothing on the fall 2020 runway. Specifically, floral overcoats in brocade, floral, and wool.

SARONG TIES
Usually associated with beachwear, the sarong tie has been reinvented for day and night. Featured on skirts and dresses for fall, this styling detail adds a casual touch to silk, satin, and Lurex. Pair a sarong-tied skirt with an easy tank, as seen at Brandon Maxwell, or try a turtleneck under a slip dress with the tie and make it work for the office.

MODERN WEDDING DRESSES
Less a fall 2020 trend and more something that's entirely new: an increase of traditional ready-to-wear designers dabbling in the bridal market. During NYFW, variations of the perfect white dress popped up on several runways, giving the “fashion bride” no shortage of options. Khaite wowed with a cutout A-line dress, with just the right amount of sparkle detailing going down the back. Tom Ford, meanwhile, made a statement with a one-shoulder sheer lace gown.

SLOUCHY BOOTS
Meghan Markle sported a pair of slouchy Frame x Tamara Mellon boots in November 2019, and designers may have taken note because there was an excess of colors and prints on the fall 2020 runways. Pair yours with anything from midi skirts to skinny jeans.

VEILS
Throughout NYFW we saw bridal trickle down to the mainstream runways both in ready-to-wear and accessories. The netted veil was a surprise accent that repeatedly showed up. We're calling it: The nonbridal veil will be 2020's answer to 2019's headband craze.