NYFW: Five Days, Five Looks

After two seasons of mostly virtual presentations, we will finally have live shows. NYFW: The Shows, organized by the CFDA and IMG, runs from Wednesday, September 8 through Sunday, September 12. Even though life is far from normal, there will always be something about September that brings out the little kids in us. NYFW is always like the first day of school, but with more expensive books, bags, shoes, and clothes.

Making the transition from summer to fall is never easy, especially this year. There is a tendency to want to jump right into the new season, but fall doesn’t officially start until the 22nd, and New York in September is still quite summer-like. You are sick of your beach clothes, but it’s too warm and humid for heavy fall offerings. The question is, what are you going to wear?

I’ve proposed five distinctly different looks for each day of NYFW. The emphasis is primarily on neutral-toned, versatile, and seasonless pieces that are luxurious without being fussy, and practical without being boring. All the clothes and accessories are from American designers’ most recent collections; many are available right now or will be soon.

Wednesday, September 8

Gabriela Hearst’s versatile Charloux Skirt is crafted from luxurious black Dakota calfskin. It has an almost sarong-type feel, easily wrapped and knotted at the lower waist. It is shown worn over Gabriela’s chic scarf tie-neck Evelyn Dress in black silk twill and accessorized with the designer’s Graham Sandal with an elevated platform. Hearst’s graphic Nappa leather Mini Baez Duality bag, named after the legendary singer and activist Joan Baez, not only looks great; it is practical. The opening gently unfolds and can be worn as a small tote or a more compact handbag.

Another way to wear Gabriela’s skirt is to pair it with Proenza Schouler’s Dot Print Masked Turtleneck Jersey top made of cotton and spandex. It features an elongated turtleneck with elasticized side straps that can be extended and worn as a face covering or gathered at the neck. Needless to say, this will come in handy this season. 1c

Thursday, September 9

A classic double-breasted trench coat is an indispensable wardrobe workhorse, and you can’t do better than this slightly oversized version in cotton twill by Co-Collections. It is shown layered over an ivory stretch crepe classic button-front blouse and matching elastic waist trousers. The roomy Cabas bag in dark brown embossed leather is a chic accompaniment. I think this outfit would look great, enlivened with Khaite’s knee-high zebra printed stenciled pony boots with a squared-off toe and low heels.

Friday, September 10

The notion that you can’t wear white after Labor Day is as preposterous as suggesting you can’t wear black in the summer. Actually, I think nothing is chicer than wearing ivory and white when it starts to cool down. Peter Do’s white cotton shirt gets an update with its cape detail. It is worn with a white wool two-pocketed wrap skirt. The Peter Do X Medea Black Baguette Bag in black leather is very roomy yet structured. The enormous black-feathered brooch adds a fanciful touch.

Saturday, September 11

I love the way Adam Lippes takes a simple cardigan, adds fanciful gold fringe, and plays it down with a simple white t-shirt and tan chino high waist wide-legged trousers. The Row’s brown suede Massimo bag perfectly complements the outfit in color, shape, and texture.

Sunday, September 12

You can never go wrong with a sharply tailored black double-breasted blazer like this one by Another Tomorrow, founded by Vanessa Barbonie Hallik. It is shown here with their white silk georgette blouse with tie and a pair of 100% vintage archival reworked Levi’s 500’s. Co-Collections’ slightly oversized Triangle Bag in black Nappa leather is practical, sleek, and sculptural.

Simple pumps always add an elegant touch, but I also love the idea of using Thom Browne’s pointed-toe heeled saddle shoes in black and white suede with 50mm curved heel and signature striped grosgrain pull tab. It’s typical of Thom to give his own twist to something as mainstay as the otherwise classic saddle shoe.

Even if you are not going to any shows, my choices bridge the gap between plain and fancy, summer and winter. They are all excellent examples of looking pulled together while retaining a casual air and being comfortable. The way I see it, modern glamour is all about striking the right balance.