As a native New Yorker, I’m not afraid to say that fashion trends are born and bred here: We have fashion week, the Meta Gala and the coolest influencers walking the streets of the Big Apple. Bottom line: This city is chock-full of emerging styles that are going to be huge in 2023. Naturally, we’ve been keeping our eyes peeled (on the streets and on Instagram) to see what the locals are rocking in NYC and how you can add these staples to your closet. Ahead, six micro trends we’ve spotted on New Yorkers this month.
6 Micro Trends We Spotted on Stylish New Yorkers This Month
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Published Dec 9, 2022
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1. Shearling Coats
There’s no denying puffer jackets are the New York coat. However, shearling coats are putting up a good fight for the title this month. These toppers were seen in tons of Fall/Winter 22-23 shows, and now we keep spotting them on the sidewalks of the Big Apple. The classic outerwear is known for being cozy, chic and practical (which is a major plus for New Yorkers). Shearling coats pair beautifully with lots of other winter style staples, from a classic sweater and jeans to a knit dress and knee-high boots. Plus, there are so many options out there, whether you’re in the market for one with a leather overlay or one in a show-stopping color. “Every woman in NYC is wearing some version of this coat, including me,” says Catrina Yohay, managing editor at PureWow. If you haven’t tried one yet, now is the time.
Shop the Trend: LY Varey Lin Faux Shearing Coat ($70); Free People Faux Sherling Coat ($228; $171); Mango Faxu Shearling-Lined Coat ($200); Avec Les Filles Faux Shearling Coat ($248); J.Crew Double-Breasted Shearling Coat ($1500)
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
2. Leather Trench Coats
Speaking of coats, long leather styles are having their moment. Over the past couple of months we’ve seen ankle-grazing outerwear in every borough. And while it’s not surprising to see New Yorkers rocking leather jackets, it’s the length that adds a certain edge to the staple piece. Wear yours over your favorite hoodie and a pair of jeans or go extra sophisticated by pairing a long leather trench over an all-black ensemble of trousers and a button-down.
Shop the Trend: ASOS Design Petite Faux Leather Trench Coat ($98); Collusion Faux Leather Trench Coat ($117); Zara Faux Leather Trench Coat ($119); Who Wore What Vegan Leather Belted Trench Coat ($198); Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Trench Coat ($200)
Christian Vierig/Shannon Finney/Getty Images
3. Fanny Packs
Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, fanny packs just keep popping up. For 2022/2023, the ‘80s staple is getting a modern twist, especially from parents in NYC. “All the cool moms are suddenly rocking side or back fanny packs with their kid snacks and wipes in tow,” says Jillian Quint, PureWow’s editor-in-chief. While fanny packs were traditionally worn at the waist (hence why they’re sometimes called belt bags), New York moms are keeping things fresh by wearing it across their chests like a cross-body or even slung over an arm like a normal handbag.
Shop the Trend: Maxtop Fanny Pack ($20); Suessie Fanny Pack ($30); Calpak Luka Belt Bag ($58); Lululemon Athletica Everywhere Belt Bag ($70); Kibou Diaper Beltt Bag ($98)
Edward Berthelot/Christian Vierig/Getty Images
4. Denim Maxi Skirts
“Denim midis and maxis are having a moment right now,” reveals PureWow’s fashion editor Abby Hepworth. The Y2K style has recently had a resurgence, popping up at Spring/Summer 2023 shows like Maison Margiela and Fendi. A great transitional piece in your wardrobe, you can wear a denim maxi skirt with high boots and tights now and sleek comfy sneakers and loafers as spring approaches. Or, you can always go the full denim on denim on denim route if you’re a fan of the Canadian tuxedo.
Shop the Trend: H&M Long Denim Skirt ($35); Skirt BL Denim Maxi Skirt ($40); Wash Lab Denim Pieced Denim Maxi Skirt ($128); Pilcro Front-Slit Denim Skirt ($138); Good American Maxi Denim Skirt ($179)
Christian Vierig/Jeremy Moeller/Melodie Jeng/Getty Images
5. Big and Bold Scarves
Gone are the days of infinity scarves and dainty accessories that didn’t keep us all that warm in the winter. Nowadays, New Yorkers are adding chunky, longer scarves to their wardrobe (so it looks like Lenny Kravitz was on to something back then). Vogue predicted this movement back in February, and today we’re seeing bulkier styles like puffer scarves soar in popularity. But you still can’t go wrong with a classic chunky rainbow scarf (like the ones seen in a viral video on TikTok that featured a NY street vendor deemed ‘The NY Scarf Guy’).
Shop the Trend: Furtalk Winter Scarf ($30; $16); Abercrombie & Fitch Chunky Fringe Scarf ($50); J.Crew Plaid Scarf ($90); Ganni Wool Scarf ($165); Bacon Debbie Scarf ($294)
Arturo Holmes/Edward Berthelot/Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
6. Nike Dunk Low Sneakers
Sneaker culture is so prevalent in NYC. You can’t hop on the subway or enter your local grocery store without spotting a nice pair of kicks. While we can name a few popular brands off the dome, Nike is hard to beat when it comes to popularity in the city. Yes, we enjoy our Air Force 1s and Air Maxs, but be sure not to overlook the Nike Dunk Low. It was a big hit in the 2010s and has recently resurfaced in New York. There are a ton (emphasis on a ton) of colors and styles of this classic sneaker, so we won’t judge you if you start morphing into a sneakerhead soon.
Shop the Trend: Nike Magma Orange Dunk Low ($110); Nike Panda Dunk Low ($175); Nike Medium Olive Dunk Low ($177); Nike Archeo Pink Dunk Low ($181); Nike Kentucky Dunk Low ($192)
