NYFW Street Style Proves Red Isn't Going Anywhere
Our take
The relentless march of trends can feel overwhelming, but the enduring presence of red on the New York Fashion Week streets signals something more profound than fleeting popularity. This season’s iteration, as reported by Marie Claire, isn't about aggressive statement dressing; it's a nuanced embrace of the hue, often deployed with a quiet confidence. It’s a shift away from the saturated, almost performative bursts of red we've seen in recent seasons, and towards a more considered integration into existing wardrobes. Consider Jennifer Lawrence's masterful styling of her vintage Hermès Kelly bag with a transitional shoe and the aqua color trend Jennifer Lawrence Styles Her Vintage Hermès Kelly Bag With a Transitional Shoe and the Aqua Color Trend, a demonstration of how a single pop of color can elevate an entire look. The street style scene is echoing a broader sensibility, one that prioritizes intentionality and longevity over chasing every micro-trend.
What’s particularly compelling is the way red is being paired – or, perhaps more accurately, *not* paired – with traditionally contrasting elements. It’s not simply about wearing a red dress; it's about the deliberate juxtaposition of red with neutral tones, classic silhouettes, and even unexpected textures. This echoes the broader movement towards “quiet luxury,” where understated elegance reigns supreme. We're seeing a return to foundational pieces, elevated by thoughtful details and a sophisticated color palette. Nicole Kidman’s recent return to a French girl staple paired with sold-out Chanel sneakers at the US Open Nicole Kidman Returns to a French Girl Staple Paired With Sold-Out Chanel Sneakers at the US Open exemplifies this perfectly—the unexpected pairing of classic and contemporary, creating a look that is both effortlessly chic and undeniably stylish. The focus is less on shouting about designer labels and more on cultivating a personal aesthetic that feels authentic and timeless.
The significance of this trend extends beyond just the color itself. It represents a broader cultural shift towards mindful consumption and a rejection of the fast-fashion cycle. Consumers are increasingly seeking pieces that will last, both in terms of quality and style. Red, in its various shades and textures, offers a versatile canvas for this approach. It can be incorporated into a capsule wardrobe, adding a touch of vibrancy without feeling overly trendy. Furthermore, the recent focus on earthy tones and short, square nails for Fall The Best Nail Looks of the Week Showcase Earthy Tones and Short, Square Nails for Fall suggests a desire for grounding and natural beauty—red, when used thoughtfully, can complement this aesthetic rather than clash with it. The move away from overtly flashy trends is a natural consequence of a more discerning consumer base, one that values quality, sustainability, and personal expression above all else.
Ultimately, the enduring presence of red on the NYFW streets isn’t just about a color; it’s a reflection of a broader cultural moment. It speaks to a desire for sophistication, intentionality, and a quiet confidence that transcends fleeting trends. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to observe how designers and stylists continue to interpret and integrate this powerful hue into their work, and whether this shift towards a more restrained and considered approach to fashion will continue to shape the landscape of style. Will we see further exploration of unexpected color combinations, or will the focus remain on the artful integration of red within a framework of timeless elegance?
This New York Fashion Week, brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Diane von Furstenberg, Cult Gaia, and Tory Burch aren't the only ones painting the town red. Outside the Spring 2027 runway shows, fashion insiders, editors, and celebrities have transformed the street style circuit into a sea of strawberry, crimson, and tomato.
It's tradition for a hue or two to emerge as New York Fashion Week's top color trend. Back in Sept. 2025, it was all about the burgundy. Last February, showgoers at Fall 2026 fêtes boarded the chocolate brown bandwagon. Now, whether guests are wearing head-to-toe tomato or splashes of scarlet, there are as many red pieces running rampant around NYFW as there are spectators.
The red takeover tiptoed its way into Manhattan on the eve of NYFW, popping Elle Fanning's leather pencil skirt at Coach, Ella Hunt's uber-buttoned blazer, and embroidery on Cynthia Erivo's military jacket at Ralph Lauren. (At the same time, Rachel Comey introduced fire hydrant-tinted hosiery and Cult Gaia traded beige for red bralettes.)
Once the official Day 1 of spring 2027 runway showcases began, the pigment became the not-so-subtle superstar of pre- and post-show step-and-repeats. But which shade came out on top? The perennial color (endorsed by Alaïa, Balenciaga, Hermès, and more for Fall 2026) that remains as popular today as it was in 2023 is tomato red.
During NYFW last September, Katie Holmes paired a ripened Metier purse with matching high-vamp flats. Fast forward to the current calendar of events—which run from Sept. 10 to 15—and you can't walk a single block without shifting your attention to an unmissable shade of red on billowy blouses, steamed polo shirts, and wedding guest-worthy dresses.
That's not to say tomato is the only Fashion Week-worthy red. Before Tommy Hilfiger's spring runway show (which sprinkled the color onto rugby shirts, button-downs, boat totes, and even baseball caps), A-listers proved every tone of the color trend has daily dressing potential.
First up? Camila Cabello, who shade-matched the sweater draped over her shoulders to a knitted mini skirt. Soon after, Lana Condor tested the same Kendall Jenner-approved layering hack by wearing a strawberry cable-knit cardigan with a white T-shirt, a navy blue jacket, and wide-leg jeans. Peep the same eye-catching color on her manicure.
Once the first model graced the New York-based brand's catwalk, Gigi Hadid reminded spectators that red has always been her shade. (Her own knitwear label, Guest In Residence, is constantly adding tomato attire to its catalog—and therefore, the founder's regular rotation.) She opened the Tommy Hilfiger show in baggy bottoms that matched the brand's logo.
After all 69 looks walked the runway (most of which featured at least a sprinkle of red), an off-duty Hadid was photographed outside, wearing a vintage Tommy Hilfiger baseball tee in an almost identical dye.
On Sept. 11, when the NYFW spotlight switched to Michael Kors, the color trend took over the VIP-filled front row. So much so, it seemed like the revered New York designer made it his dress code. Everyone from Kathryn Newton and Ashe to Gabrielle Union and Lisa Rinna frosted themselves in the fresh-from-the-garden tint.
There's no doubt that Union and Rinna wore the most red, though. While the Bring It On actor stacked a tomato sweater-turned-shawl over an identical sweater dress, the reality star posed in a knee-length ruby look that was more feathers than actual fabric.
Meanwhile, deeper shades of red offset the overwhelming majority of tomato attire.
If the red street style series is this ripe in September, it's bound to be a successful holiday season for the shade. Translation: Now's the time to test the compatibility between your personal color palette and garnet, strawberry, russet, and, of course, tomato. To DIY your nearest sidewalk into NYFW, shop the Marie Claire-approved red pieces below.
Shop the Red Color Trend Inspired by New York Fashion Week
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