New York Fashion Week 2025: A Return to Ladylike Elegance in Street Style

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Fall/Winter 2025 set a new tone for street style, moving away from the dominance of oversized, monochromatic pieces and embracing a more refined, classic aesthetic. This season, the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn were filled with tailored silhouettes, vintage-inspired textures, and luxurious accessories that celebrated femininity and structure.

Photographed by Phil Oh

A key takeaway from this year’s NYFW street style was the resurgence of ladylike dressing. Influencers, stylists, and fashion insiders turned to classic, structured pieces rather than the slouchy, casual looks that had been trending in recent years. Fashion photographer Phil Oh noted, “There was an air of sophistication this season that we haven’t seen in a while.” This observation was clear in long leather gloves, elegant coats, and carefully chosen accessories like skinny belts and silk scarves.

Leading this refined aesthetic was vintage enthusiast and influencer Jenny Walton, whose polished ensembles embodied the “Lady Who Lunches” style. She showcased structured handbags, delicate silhouettes, and brooches—pieces that added a modern touch to old-school elegance.

While the runway shows dictated Fall/Winter 2025 trends, it was on the streets where fashion lovers truly brought the season’s aesthetic to life. One of the standout looks involved attendees buttoning up funnel-neck trench coats, styling them as dresses with heels and structured handbags. Skinny belts played a key role in defining silhouettes, and brooches adorned coats, blending vintage charm with contemporary refinement.

Luxury textures were also at the forefront, with cashmere, wool, and suede layered in neutral tones to create both warmth and sophistication. Despite the dominance of muted hues, pops of color came through in accessories such as bright silk scarves and suede handbags. One particularly striking street-style moment featured a fashion editor pairing an oxblood Loewe Puzzle bag with a meticulously tailored tweed coat—proving that timeless style and modern luxury can seamlessly coexist.

Beyond the styling, specific pieces stood out as must-haves for Fall/Winter 2025. Faux-leather gloves from Apparis added an effortlessly elegant touch to cold-weather outfits. The Liberowe tweed imperial coat became a statement outerwear piece, embracing structure and refinement. Jennifer Behr’s Antinea brooch brought vintage sophistication back into circulation, with faux pearls and crystals enhancing the ladylike aesthetic. Accessories such as the Khaite Audrey clutch and Saint Laurent Anne Marie leather pumps provided the finishing touches to polished ensembles.

This season’s shift signals a renewed appreciation for timeless fashion. Instead of fleeting trends, NYFW Fall/Winter 2025 emphasized carefully curated looks that prioritize elegance and structure. With fashion photographers capturing impeccably put-together outfits, it’s evident that classic dressing is making a strong comeback.

As Jenny Walton aptly put it, “There’s something so refreshing about seeing beautifully put-together outfits again. Everything feels intentional.” In a fashion landscape that has long been dominated by oversized and casual looks, this embrace of femininity, structure, and vintage detailing is a refreshing direction—one that reintroduces grace and sophistication to the streets of New York.