The best street style from New York Fashion Week SS27

If there’s any city on the fashion week calendar where the street style routinely outshines the runway looks, it’s the Big Apple: the place you will worry that your outfit is “too much” before sitting next to someone on the L train who’s in full body paint and platform heels. On any given New York night, you can go from feeling overdressed when leaving the house to completely underdressed when arriving at the function. 

Everyone knows that anything goes when it comes to New York street style, and this SS27 season at New York Fashion Week was no exception. While there were some standout shows – including Eckhaus Latta, Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen and Connor Ives – once again it was the New York locals standing in line or taking photos out front that made it feel like fashion week. And, off the back of an extremely active New York summer (thanks to Mayor Mamdani and the Knicks), there was a vibe shift in the air this NYFW: a bubble of positivity and excitement for the future of the city.

Below, we asked people what makes an outfit feel ‘New York’.

Style-wise, what gives it away that someone lives in New York?

I hate to say it’s a swag thing, but it truly is. There’s a slyness – an ‘in on’, not a joke, but on knowing the truth of the world.

What’s your tip for dressing for a New York night out?

You know what? Just go for it, bitch. If there’s something in the back of your closet that you’re terrified of, wear it. Wear it fucking tonight.

Style-wise, what gives it away that someone lives in New York?

I will see people put pieces together that you would think don’t make sense. That’s usually how you know you’re from New York. 

What item that you’re wearing has the best story behind it?

My hair. That’s the whole story.

What item that you’re wearing has the best story behind it?

Maybe this shirt, because I got it in a $1 bin in my hometown in Cleveland. It was something easily discarded because it’s old and has a lot of imperfections, but to me it was the most perfect thing. 

What’s your tip for dressing for a New York night out?

My tip is to do the most creative thing you can while optimising comfort because you never know how long you’re going to be walking, but also always go crazy and take the opportunity because you can wear huge gowns and really elaborate things here. People will look right past you.

Style-wise, what gives it away that someone lives in New York?

Honestly, I think it’s a walk. The walk is ‘I’m going somewhere, and I have to get there soon’. 

What’s your tip for dressing for a New York night out?

Don’t underestimate comfort. I think a little sexy and a little comfort make for the perfect outfit in New York City.

Style-wise, what gives it away that someone lives in New York?

Maybe that they have a subtle loudness to their outfits. Their outfits are very bold, but a lot of times it’s in all of the details.

What item that you’re wearing has the best story behind it?

I would say the skirt because I saw it on the runway and in-store and immediately wanted it. I was scared to get it because the train drags everywhere, but I feel like that’s part of New York City. It’s just the street sweeper. 

Style-wise, what gives it away that someone lives in New York?

Kobe: Oh my god. It’s aura. It’s the energy.

What item that you’re wearing has the best story behind it?

Paola: My favourite part of my outfit is probably my dress. It’s Margiela-inspired, but I made it. This whole look is DIY. Even the bag, face, hair, everything.

What’s your tip for dressing for a New York night out?

Kobe: Definitely something skin-tight.

What item that you’re wearing has the best story behind it?

I got this [set] from a vintage shop during my first-ever time in Paris. It has no tags, but people always ask where it’s from. I never know, but I think that’s the coolest part.

What’s your tip for dressing for a New York night out?

Comfort on the feet so that you don’t have to wait for a car.

Style-wise, what gives it away that someone lives in New York?

It’s very chic, very classic. It’s not overdone, and it doesn’t look too much like cosplay. Sometimes I feel like when you’re putting too many things on, it feels kind of LA. 

What’s your tip for dressing for a New York night out?

Bring safety pins and band-aids. That has saved me so many times. Also, I put chanclas in my bag when I wear kitten heels out so I can Citi Bike. 

Style-wise, what gives it away that someone lives in New York?

Any type of experimentation. You’ll see people wearing anything and everything. 

What item that you’re wearing has the best story behind it?

Definitely the bag. This is an antler shed from a white-tailed deer on an ethically sourced leather fringe bag. It’s by Serpentine Eclectics; I met the girl [who founded the brand] through Instagram. We custom-designed it together.

Style-wise, what gives it away that someone lives in New York?

Valentino: You have that specific swag. A true New Yorker you can tell by their swag.

What’s your tip for dressing for a New York night out?

Manny: Make a statement. Don’t play it small. You never know who you are going to meet, so dress to impress every time you step out. 

Style-wise, what gives it away that someone lives in New York?

They look like shit, and they can pull it off. I really dress up everywhere I go, but the moment I come to New York, I put on my extra-large Supreme shorts, I’ve got pit stains, and I feel like the sexiest I’ve ever felt in my life. 

What item that you’re wearing has the best story behind it?

Honestly? The jacket I’m holding. I was in Japan shooting something for 24 hours and bought one thing. I didn’t even look at it, and it’s literally a bondage jacket. I only ever have the confidence to wear it for 15 seconds, so I’m always putting it on and taking it off.

Style-wise, what gives it away that someone lives in New York?

Looking ‘of the world’ – like you actually live in your clothes and make use of them.

What’s your tip for dressing for a New York night out?

Wear clean shoes. And things that are easy to dance in.

What item that you’re wearing has the best story behind it?

Kevin: These are Anthony Edwards’ basketball shoes. He’s my favourite basketball player.

What’s your tip for dressing for a New York night out?

Anna: Bring an extra layer. Something that is great for all weather and temperatures because you never know.