After several seasons of muted neutrals and “quiet luxury”, New York Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2027 (held 10–15 September 2026) swung firmly in the other direction. Colour, movement and a sense of celebration ran through many of the week’s biggest shows. Here is what stood out on the runways, and how to translate it into outfits you will actually wear.
The big picture: from quiet to joyful
The clearest message from New York was that “more is more” again. Several houses marked milestones this season: Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera both celebrated 45 years, and Coach marked 85 years. That anniversary energy showed up as party details, glitter and playful staging, from confetti to gift-wrapped accessories.
For everyday dressing, this doesn’t mean you need sequins at the office. It means permission to choose colour over beige, and to let one fun detail lead your outfit.
Trend 1: Every shade of blue
Blue was the most repeated colour story of the week, from deep navy and cobalt to intense Klein blue, teal and turquoise. Ralph Lauren opened the week with denim and blue feather and fur accents, Tory Burch showed a bright turquoise coat, and Diane von Furstenberg (in Henry Zankov’s debut collection as artistic director) leaned into teal.
How to wear it
- Start with one saturated blue piece, like a cobalt knit or teal skirt, and keep the rest neutral
- Pair navy with bright blue for an easy tonal look
- Blue flatters most skin tones; warm skin suits teal, cool skin suits cobalt
Trend 2: A defined waist
Cummerbunds, knotted scarves and chunky belts pulled looks in at the waist on multiple runways. It is one of the most wearable ideas of the season, and it works with pieces you probably already own. If you are not sure which silhouettes suit your shape, our guide to dressing for your body shape is a good starting point.
How to wear it
- Belt an oversized blazer or a long cardigan
- Tie a silk scarf around the waist of a plain dress
- Choose a wide belt to shorten a long torso, a slim one for a shorter torso
Trend 3: Fringe that moves
Asymmetric fringe on dresses, skirts and jackets added movement to collections from designers including Jonathan Simkhai, Rachel Comey and Monse. It reads festive without being formal.
How to wear it
Keep fringe to one piece per outfit. A fringed skirt with a simple tee, or a fringed jacket over jeans, feels modern. Full fringe head to toe looks like a costume.
Trend 4: Bows, confetti and a little whimsy
Oversized bows, party hats and theatrical presentations (Thom Browne, for example, took inspiration from the insect world, with green crystals and cocoon-like jackets) made this a playful season. For real life, a bow hair clip, a bow-detail flat or a single statement earring is enough.
Trend 5: Nautical, but make it bright
Tommy Hilfiger showed primary colours, navy blazers and rugby stripes. Nautical style is an easy summer formula, and it pairs perfectly with a crisp white piece. See our ideas for styling a summer white dress.
What this means for your wardrobe
You don’t need to replace your wardrobe to follow these trends. If you have built a neutral capsule wardrobe, adding two or three colourful or textured pieces is the smartest way in. Look for:
- One bright blue piece (knit, shirt or skirt)
- A statement belt
- One fringed or bow-detail accessory
FAQ
When was New York Fashion Week SS27?
New York Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2027 ran from 10 to 15 September 2026.
What is the biggest trend from NYFW SS27?
The overall mood was joyful, colourful dressing, with blue as the standout colour and a strong focus on the waist.
Is quiet luxury over?
Not completely. Well-made basics are still the foundation of a good wardrobe, but the runways suggest a shift towards more colour and personality on top of those basics.
Sources: Reporting by The Associated Press via WSLS; schedule from Glam Observer.
