NYFW: Street Style Catwalk

By JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT Published February 20, 2025

As the fashion crowd took to the streets for New York Fashion Week, it wasn’t just the runway looks that turned heads, it was the street style. This season, we saw an exciting mix of opulent decadence, cool-girl nonchalance, and playful details that felt fresh, yet timeless. From oversized snake-print jackets to bold bag charms and unexpected twists on classic silhouettes, the trends were as unpredictable as they were chic. Get ready for a roundup of the standout moments that made the streets of NYC feel like their own runway this season.

Ornate Excess: The Brooch Takeover

This season, street style at NYFW proved that more is definitely more. Forget the single statement brooch, fashion insiders are scattering them like constellations across their plushest fur coats, turning an already extravagant look into a walking masterpiece. Whether it’s vintage Chanel camellias, gothic cameos, or modern sculptural pieces, the trend is all about layering unexpected juxtapositions. It’s personalization at its most opulent, a way to make a luxe staple feel uniquely yours. After all, why wear one heirloom when you can wear five?

street style: fur coat covered in brooches — *GETTY IMAGES via Elle*

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The Power of Three: Denim, a Snip Toe, and the Perfect Coat

Some outfits don’t shout, they exude. This NYFW, the fashion set leaned into a formula that’s equal parts effortless and commanding: a structured wool coat or trench, relaxed denim, and a pointed-toe heel. The contrast is where the magic happens. Denim brings the nonchalance, the overcoat adds weight and intention, and that sharp, peeking toe? It’s the exclamation point. Whether it's a slouchy vintage Levi’s moment or a clean, tailored jean, the look strikes a balance between utilitarian ease and pure, distilled cool. It’s the kind of outfit that whispers, I didn’t try too hard, but yes, I look incredible.

street style: wool overcoat and jeans — *GETTY IMAGES via Elle*

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wool overcoat — *Double Breasted Notched Collar Overcoat*

street style: teal wool coat with dark cuffed denim — *Launchmetrics Spotlight via Elle*

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dark cuffed Abercrombie jeans — *Abercrombie 90s Relaxed Jean*

teal wool overcoat — *Teal Wool Blend Coat*

street style: trench coat with denim — *Launchmetrics Spotlight via Elle*

High Class, High Shine: The Return of Metal Hair Accessories

This season, the NYFW street style crowd redefined ladies who lunch, not the prim, proper set, but the effortlessly chic women sipping martinis at noon, laughing like they run the world (because they probably do). Accompanied by high-shine metal hair accessories, particularly sleek ponytail ties that add just the right amount of polish. Whether wrapped around a low, glossy pony or woven into an undone updo, these pieces serve as jewelry for your hair, like a quiet luxury flex that whispers, Yes, I have my life together (even if the champagne says otherwise).

street style: gold metal hair accessories — *Launchmetrics Spotlight via Elle*

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gold metal pony tail accessories — *Metal Hair Ties*

The Coat Is the Moment: Snake Print Takes Center Stage

In a sea of neutrals and quiet luxury, sometimes a jacket walks by and demands to be seen. This season, oversized snake-print leather coats slithered into the NYFW street style scene, proving that statement outerwear is alive and well. A bold, python-textured jacket paired with an all-black foundation (sleek skirt, sheer tights, knee-high boots) letting the coat do all the talking. It’s an editorial-level balance of drama and restraint, a reminder that when you have a piece this powerful, all you really need is confidence (and maybe a sidewalk to strut down).

street style: snake skin jacket — *Launchmetrics Spotlight via Elle*

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snake skin jacket — *Snake Print Faux Leather Jacket*

Polished, but Untouchable

NYFW street style this season proved that cool and demure aren’t opposites—they’re dance partners. Elegant silhouettes with an unexpected, almost aloof edge. Embroidered sets in daring hues, buttoned-up jackets left just undone enough, classic shapes worn with the confidence of someone who doesn’t need to try. It’s ladylike, but not precious, more enigmatic socialite than debutante. The kind of woman who knows all the right people but never overshares, who floats through the party with a half-smile and leaves you wondering if you’ll ever see her again.

street style: orange embroidered set — *Launchmetrics Spotlight via Elle*

Fur, Fur, and More Fur

This NYFW, fur wasn’t just a statement, it was the whole conversation. The usual suspects were out in full force (plush, sweeping coats that swallow you in glamour), but the real stars were the unexpected details: detachable fur cuffs and collars that elevated even the simplest outerwear, exaggerated fur hats that felt straight out of a ‘90s supermodel moment, and textures so decadent they turned the sidewalk into a runway. Whether real or faux, the message was clear: if you’re going to do fur, do it big. Because when has quiet luxury ever been this much fun?

street style: fur trimmed coats — *Launchmetrics Spotlight via Elle*

street style: gingham overcoat with pink fur cuffs — *Launchmetrics Spotlight via Elle*

street style: black fur hat — *Launchmetrics Spotlight via Elle*

That ‘70s Cool Is Back, But It Never Really Left

The ‘70s have a way of creeping back into fashion, but this season, they strutted in like they owned the place. NYFW street style was drenched in the decade’s signature warmth, burnt-orange fur coats, patchwork brown shearling, and oversized gradient sunglasses that could make anyone look like a rockstar avoiding the paparazzi. The key to keeping it modern? Attitude. These weren’t retro costumes; they were effortless, like something you’d throw on before hopping into a vintage convertible with no real destination, just vibes, a killer playlist, and an outfit that turns heads at every stoplight.

street style: patchwork shearling coat — *Launchmetrics Spotlight via Elle*

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metal fish charms — *Metal Fish Bag Charm*

street style: shaggy orange fur coat — *Launchmetrics Spotlight via Elle*

Bag Charms Everywhere, Jane Birkin Would Be Proud

Bag charms were everywhere at NYFW. This season, they weren’t just an afterthought—they were an integrated part of the look. Whether dangling from a classic leather tote or adorning a sleek, structured crossbody, these playful accessories added a burst of personality to every bag. We spotted everything from beaded charms to miniature bags, metal fish trinkets, and even little cherries, each one more fun and unexpected than the last. The charm trend taps into that Jane Birkin je ne sais quoi, that effortless vibe of making your bag feel like an extension of you. It’s about adding a little whimsy and a lot of individuality.