If you were to ask Marie Claire editors about navigating New York Fashion Week in February, we’d tell you that the secret to survival involves staying caffeinated with one (or several) cups of coffee, keeping a variety of snacks on hand, and dressing in street style worthy outfits that prioritize comfort. The latter item on this list is arguably the most critical, especially given that much of our day is spent sprinting from one show to the next and hailing countless cabs—all while tolerating tundra-like temperatures.
But just because we keep things cozy doesn’t mean we skimp on style. Take a peek into our closets, and you’ll find capsule wardrobe essentials that embrace fashion-meets-function. Senior News Editor Halie LeSavage swears by her insulated leather bomber jacket, which offers a more sophisticated alternative to a strictly utilitarian puffer coat. Meanwhile, Fashion E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla can’t live without her trusty kitten-heeled boots, which make traversing the streets of Manhattan a breeze.
Discover how we assemble these pieces to create foolproof outfit formulas that never fail to get the job done. They’re versatile enough to work well beyond Fashion Week, so we’d highly recommend copying them for yourself.
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(Image credit: Sata Holzman)
“I always convince myself there’s plenty of time to get my looks together for New York Fashion Week—until life happens, and suddenly I’m not quite as prepared as I’d imagined. But that’s the beauty of NYFW: it’s a choose-your-own-adventure in dressing. Whether you’re styling for your mood, the unpredictable weather, the ever-present street photographers, or simply for yourself, there’s freedom. I lean into the personal approach with a go-to formula that keeps me comfortable but still feeling pulled together throughout a relentless 9-10-11 hour show day circuit. For me, that means slightly oversized fits, an easy neutral palette, layers that you can effortlessly add or remove, and a tote bag that can even cradle my laptop. Typically, I’m sporting a longline jacket, a cozy wool sweater, tailored trousers (because jeans are a no-go), and practical shoes with a slight heel (I’m 5’1″ for reference).”
Vince Textured Wool-Blend Double-Breasted Coat
Toteme The Patent 55mm Leather Mules
Jil Sander Brushed-Wool Sweater
Bottega Veneta Nappa Intrecciato Medium Andiamo Shoulder Bag Kaki
Tibi Tropical Wool Stella Pants
Celine Eyewear Triomphe 01 Oval Sunglasses
(Image credit: Lucia Tonelli)
“There’s a lot of pressure to dress well and look cool during fashion week, but I’ve found that overthinking a look is rarely, if ever, productive. My favorite outfits are almost always those that come together at the last minute, when I look at my closet and something just “clicks.” For day one of NYFW, I opted for one of my trusty matching sets—a buttery soft satin black jacket and shorts, complete with contrast stitching for a subtle pop—which functioned as a base for fun styling. Because it’s so cold in New York, I brought in lots of layers on my top half, including a denim button-up and a cashmere sweater layered on top. For shoes, I always go for something comfortable and roomy (gotta squeeze in my wool socks!), and this mid-calf pair with star detailing by Dingo 1969 has become a go-to. Before heading out, I threw on a heavy bomber jacket that cropped just below my other layers, and bundled up with a scarf, hat, and gloves.”
Dingo 1969 Blacklist Leather Boot
Madewell Denim Tuckable Button-Up Shirt in Hillsborough Wash
Sheertex Classic Sheer Rip-Resist Tights
Quince Boyfriend Crew Sweater
(Image credit: Julia Spicer)
“I had to cover the holy grail of fashion news over the past week: NYFW, awards shows, and the Swift Bowl—I mean, the Super Bowl. Long hours on my feet, and behind a computer, mean that light-but-warm layers and a walkable heel height are musts. I started with my all-time favorite base, J.Crew’s tissue turtleneck sweater, then added another J.Crew cashmere on top. (What can I say–Olympia Gayot owns my closet.) I kept the neutral color story going with an A-line Aritzia skirt and Neil J. Rodgers suede boots. But the real trophy-winner here was my new bomber jacket from Banana Republic. It’s just oversize enough without feeling overwhelming, and downright cozy without the bulk of my Aritzia Super Puff. Trust that when the news cycle finally dies down post-Oscars, I’ll still wear this outfit on chilly days in the city.”
Banana Republic Oversized Leather Bomber Jacket
Neil J. Rodgers Meg Knee Boot
Everlane The Cocoon Crew in Everyday Cotton
Coach Alter/ego Shoulder Bag
Gap Modern Rib Cropped Mockneck Shirt
(Image credit: Julia Spicer)
“I woke up on day five of NYFW with one styling objective in my head: work smarter, not harder. That meant wearing base layers of Uniqlo’s Heattech (the quiet hero of February fashion weeks) to keep my stamina high for yet another day of running around and using strategic accessories to do the bulk of my outfit’s heavy lifting. I reached for my tried-and-true Levi’s jeans, a slate windbreaker from Uniqlo’s collab with Lemaire (the weatherproof pullover is having a big, capital-F Fashion moment, as senior fashion news editor Halie LeSavage reports), and Artizia’s Every Coat in heathered gray. Then came the flourish: a Collina Strada crystal brooch, vintage fringe leather gloves, a buckle tote from Tibi’s collab with L.L. Bean, and silver Jenny Bird dome earrings. I saved the best for last—my pre-Valentine’s Day treat to myself, the pair of Tabis in crackled gunmetal leather I’ve had on my wishlist for eons.”
Maison Margiela Gunmetal Tabi Mirror Boots
Levi’s® 501® ’90s Straight Leg Ankle Jeans
Uniqlo Heattech Crew Neck T-Shirt Long Sleeve
Dr. Scholl’s Heel Cushions
Uniqlo Windproof Blouson (stand Collar)
(Image credit: Julia Spicer)
“I ended the week in pieces I knew I would be comfortable in–I had shows, a full day of editing, and then events after work to contend with. I opted for barrel-leg jeans from Rolla’s (my new favorite silhouette), a pair of boots from Schutz that I’ve had for over a year, and a new blazer top from Aligne, an editor-favorite brand that I am now obsessed with, too. My jacket is from Apparis and was my go-to since it was a statement among my neutral outfits. As every seasoned editor knows, the jacket *is* the outfit during February Fashion Week. And, of course, I had to carry my trusted all-black Longchamp tote.”
Aligne Daphne Waisted Blazer
Schutz Women’s Dellia Boots
Rolla’s Gigi Barrel Jeans
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
Jenny Bird Art Heart Puff Earrings
(Image credit: Lauren Tappan)
“As a self-proclaimed minimalist, there’s nothing I love more than a streamlined uniform. So, it comes as no surprise that I anchored my rotation of fashion week outfits in simple wardrobe basics. For the second day of shows, I styled Zara’s skin-tight turtleneck beneath a thrifted crewneck sweater. I decided to embrace a peekaboo moment with Aritzia’s thigh-grazing mini skirt and a pair of sheer tights, but made sure to keep warm with my trusty wool coat from Rudsak. To complete my look, I pulled on Franco Sarto’s black knee-high boots and slung Cuyana’s leather tote bag over my shoulder. For a touch of embellishment, I relied on my oval shades from Elisa Johnson and Jenny Bird’s iconic Gemma gold hoops.”
Aritzia Classic Mini Skirt
Free People Phoebe Pullover
Franco Sarto Franco Bowman Knee High Boot
Rudsak Lara Women’s Wool & Cashmere Coat
Jenny Bird Gemma Hoop Earrings
(Image credit: Ashlyn Delaney)
“I’m currently in a ‘no spend’ mindset, so I knew I had to depend on pieces that I already have in my wardrobe. As a fashion enthusiast who loves neutrals, I decided to stick with a brown color palette for this look. I experimented with various shades of brown to ensure the outfit didn’t appear too bland, but rather cohesive. From my stunning Okhtein bangle clutch to my thrifted ‘90s-era jacket, this look came together in less than 30 minutes—which, for a Fashion Week street style outfit, is pretty impressive!”
The Frankie Shop Gae Faux Leather Cropped Bomber
Puma Speedcat Archive “Brown” Sneakers
Madewell Superwide-Leg Jeans: Airy Denim Edition
Rotate Draped Sleeveless Top
Daisha Winter Ushanka Trooper Hat
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