NYFW 2025: Trends from New York’s Street Style and Runways

New York Fashion Week is known for bringing an array of high fashion brands to the city to showcase their new designs. Not only does fashion week feature one-of-a-kind looks from iconic designers, it also highlights the best of New York street style. Last week, designers debuted their A/W 2025 ready-to-wear collections, embracing trends that echo those seen in the city’s streets.

While trends for the upcoming seasons are showcased on the runway, the true pulse of fashion can be found on the New York streets. Manhattan locals, celebrities, and influencers make fashion statements of their own outside of the NYFW shows. Though street style and runway style have distinct places in the fashion world, they influence and inspire each other by reviving old trends and creating new ones. This fashion week, three trends taking over the runway and the NYC sidewalks are statement coats, leopard print and ‘90s minimalism.

The coat is the outfit

Coats were a highlight in many of the collections debuted at Fashion Week. Designers crafted exciting new styles by experimenting with new silhouettes. Altuzarra debuted an array of eye-catching coats in their Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection. From full-length furs cinched at the waist to shorter coats trimmed with fur and buckles, Altuzarra’s coat designs are bold enough to be the centerpiece of an outfit and elevate an entire look.

While New Yorkers strut the streets on their way to and from shows, a coat is a necessity to withstand the cool February air. As practical as it may be, a coat can also serve as the focal point of an outfit. Whether it’s a full-length or cropped coat with fur accents, the blend of textures and pops of color can add a personal flair to the trend seen on the runways and make a statement on the streets.

Leopard print’s roaring return

Although leopard print has long been a staple in fashion, the print has recently circled back into the spotlight. Aknvas debuted their Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection which featured leopard print accents on modern, youthful designs. The designer capitalized on multiple current trends, combining leopard print patterns with micro shorts and knee-high footwear. Although the signature print is no stranger to the runway, Aknvas’ blend of the pattern with other trending pieces brought an exciting edge to the collection.

You don’t have to visit the Central Park Zoo to find leopard spots in the city. Leopard print coats and accessories have made a comeback in New York street style. The print is perfect for staying within a neutral color pallet while still making a bold statement. Additionally, it pairs effortlessly with pops of color, allowing endless styling possibilities for striking street style looks.

The icon behind ‘90s minimalism

Nobody wore New York minimalism quite like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, a publicist for Calvin Klein in the ‘90s. Calvin Klein returned to the NYFW runway for the first time in six years with their AW25 collection. The show, which took place in Kennedy’s old office, debuted ready-to-wear pieces that gave a modern spin on the ‘90s minimalism that Kennedy embodied. The sleek tailoring echoed the simple, elegant styles that refined the minimalist aesthetic and defined the era.

25 years after Kennedy’s passing, the New York native’s inspiration can still be seen in the city’s fashion scene. Her signature accessories–small oval sunglasses paired with a wide neutral headband–remain iconic, functional and a staple in street style fashion. Structured silhouettes and neutral tones are another hallmark of her look and showcase the timeless elegance of minimalistic style.

References

Jackson, C. (2025, February 11). The Best Street Style Of New York Fashion Week AW25 So Far. Elle. https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g22736205/best-street-style-new-york-fashion-week/

Montalti, V. (2025, February 12). 10 NYFW Fall/Winter 2025 Trends You Can Start Wearing Now. Refinery 29. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/new-york-fashion-week-fall-winter-2025-trends

Moore, B. (2025, February 7). Calvin Klein Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear: It Was a Start. Women’s Wear Daily. https://wwd.com/runway/fall-2025/new-york/calvin-klein/review/

Moore, B. (2025, February 9). Altuzarra Fall 2025: Continued Character Development. Women’s Wear Daily. https://wwd.com/runway/fall-2025/new-york/altuzarra/review/

Ottenberg, M.; Dara. (2025, February 7). “It’s Quintessential New York”: Calvin Klein Collection FW25. Interview Magazine. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/its-quintessential-new-york-calvin-klein-collection-fw25

Volandes, S. (2025, February 7). Calvin Klein Returned to NYFW in Carolyn Bessete Kennedy’s Old Office. Town & Country Magazine. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/a63704880/calvin-klein-carolyn-bessette-kennedy-nyfw-2025/

Waller, T. (2025, February 8). Aknvas Fall 2025: Youthquake With a Bit of History. Women’s Wear Daily. https://wwd.com/runway/fall-2025/new-york/aknvas/review/

Graphic by Reese Miller