One of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve on fashion trends is to keep an eye out for micro trends, or items of clothing or styling tricks that are definitely beginning to repeat everywhere you look but aren’t quite as prevalent as, say, Barbiecore, baggy denim or cowboy boots. And the streets of New York during Fashion Week are definitely the best place to search for these micro trends as influencers, editors and buyers descend on the city en masse to view the latest and greatest from all your favorite designers. Here, five styles we saw making the rounds during NYFW that might just prove to be the next big thing.
5 Micro Trends We Spotted During Fashion Week That Might Just Be the Next Big Thing
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1. Knotting Your Sweater Over Your Shoulders
This preppy styling trick is perfect for transitional weather, both in fall and spring, when mornings can be frigid and afternoons suddenly jump up 20 degrees on the thermometer. We also love the look of adding a different top layer, like a blazer or denim jacket, and then knotting your sweater over the top for even more layering options throughout the day. Not super into the country club vibes? Try tying your knit diagonally across your torso instead, or just toss the arms back over your shoulders to secure the sweater in place for a funky twist on the trend.
Shop the trend: Outerknown Archer Cashmere Crew ($388); Quince Cashmere Crewneck Sweater ($50); Naadam Essential Cashmere Sweater ($75); Reformation Cashmere Sweater ($148); Universal Standard Essential Crewneck Sweater ($98); Gobi Crewneck Sweater ($129)
2. Puffer Skirts and Pants
Puffer skirts have been around for a little while now, but have been pretty limited to hikers and backpackers who want something warm and feminine to add to their outdoor gear collections. But now it appears the lightweight, quilted styles are making the rounds with street style stars. Balance the volume of a puffed-up bottom by wearing a slim-fitting top or sweater instead of another oversize piece. Or you can opt for a shorter silhouette that shows off your stems to achieve the same balance.
Shop the trend: Baum und Pferdgarten Quilted Nylon Shell Miniskirt ($199); Earth Green Nylon Quilted Skirt ($195); The North Face ThermoBall Skirt ($98; $60); RLX Quilted Ripstop Jogger Pants ($298; $150); TA Planet Haelo Pants ($198); Alp N Rock Mica Quilted Pants ($398)
3. A-Frame Shirts
We’ll never sour on a classic French tuck, but this new button-up style trick might just replace it as our go-to for fall 2022. To achieve the look, simply button the top few buttons of your shirt and leave the rest undone (preferably starting with the button just above your natural waist). If you’re not into the idea of showing show much skin at your middle, simply pair the A-Frame with a high-waist trouser or skirt for some extra coverage.
Shop the trend: Pari Passu Oxford Shirt ($128); Everlane Relaxed Oxford Shirt ($80); Untuckit Cotton Button-Up Shirt ($78); Lands’ End No-Iron Button-Up Shirt ($46; $28); Athleta Midtown Shirt ($98); Sézane Tomboy Shirt ($110); J.Crew Relaxed Cotton-Poplin Shirt ($90; $67)
4. Visible Socks
There was a time in the early aughts when fashionistas loved pairing standout socks with equally colorful heels and boots, and it appears that trend is primed and ready for a comeback, albeit with a more muted twist. All over fashion week we spotted women proudly letting their plain white gym socks show, no matter their footwear of choice—loafers, ballet flats and even kitten heel sandals—though almost everyone opted for a contrasting black shoe. Tiny no-show socks that inevitably slip off anyway appear to be a thing of the past, and to be honest, we couldn’t be more excited to stop pretending we’re not wearing socks and somehow also not getting blisters.
Shop the trend: HUE 3-Pack Ribbed Socks ($21); Madewell 3-Pack MWL Cloudlift Socks ($32); SKIMS Slouch Socks ($16); Bombas 4-Pack Calf Socks ($50; $48); Uniqlo Calf Socks ($4); ALO Throwback Socks ($18)
5. Rugby Shirts
Louis Vuitton and J.Crew appear to be leading the charge on the return of this ‘90s wardrobe staple, but more and more brands are getting on board as we get deeper into fall. Yes, you can opt for a slim-fit design if you like, but our favorite pieces look like they’ve been borrowed from the boys with an oversize fit—some even large enough to sport as a minidress with chic knee-high boots.
Shop the trend: Kule Patch Rugby Shirt ($148); Old Navy Polo Shirt ($40; $30); J.Crew Stripe Rugby Shirt ($98); Louis Vuitton Stripe Polo Dress ($3,200); Polo Ralph Lauren Two-Tone Stripe Shirt ($168); H&M Rugby Crop Shirt ($20); Banana Republic Polo Dress ($125; $50)