5 Fall Styling Tricks I Saw All Over New York Fashion Week

I’ve spent a decade of my life attending fashion week, and during that time I’ve seen plenty of trends come and go: bubble hems and bow-ties included. But this year, some of my favorite street style looks have reconfirmed what I’ve always known about fashion in New York: that getting dressed in the city is about working smarter, not harder, when it comes to your clothes.A great outfit isn’t about gimmicks or overdoing any single trend. Instead, it’s about taking casual pieces and elevating them with one smart styling choice. That might mean the addition of a playful brooch, or it could be about challenging your usual silhouettes or color combinations. But the result is always that casually-cool final look that manages to feel put-together without trying too hard. Here are a few of my favorites I spotted this week—and they don’t require a 212 area code to test out.The Bold BroochChristian Vierig//Getty ImagesAn oversized flower, or something funky and sparkly, has the power to instantly dress up a combination as simple as a black tank top and a pair of jeans. If you’re walking out of the door and your outfit feels too simple, throw on a high-impact brooch and prepare to be shocked at how transformative it can actually be.The Party PantWWD//Getty ImagesFor any outfit where you’d normally reach for a pair of jeans, consider swapping for a printed pair of pants. A stripe is an easy way to test out the trend without going too far out of your comfort zone. If you’re ready to go bolder, tie-dye, florals, or even a sequin pant are all ways to disrupt your look.The Statement ShoeChristian Vierig//Getty ImagesI’m not one to advocate for high heels when they aren’t necessary. I’m a commuter at my core, so I’m always reaching for sneakers or sandals. But a shoe that turns up the volume on your outfit doesn’t necessarily have to be one that’s uncomfortable. A colorful flat, a funky sneaker, or a low block heel can all accomplish the same level of impact.The “Weird” Color Combo305pics//Getty ImagesAnother way to put together a high-impact look without having to buy a single new piece of clothing is to think about pairing clashing colors together. Green and purple, bright red and teal, even orange and yellow. The bolder the combo is, the more impactful it feels.The Broken Order305pics//Getty ImagesPerhaps the final boss of styling tricks is all disruption—taking pieces that have their normal styling rules and completely twisting them. Wear a bikini top over a top, style a dress over jeans. When you re-think the context of your outfit, things start to come together in a whole new light.Aemilia Madden is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. She’s written for publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle,The Cut, and The Wall Street Journal. She also writes a newsletter called Taeste Bud, that covers stuff we buy, places we go, and the people we want to be. Previously, she held roles at The Zoe Report, WhoWhatWear and Popsuagar. Aemilia attended the University of California, Berkeley where she majored in Political Economics. In her time away from the internet, Aemilia is probably out on a hike. You can follow her on Instagram here.