A Celebrity Stylist Says These Are the Fashion Week Trends You’ll Actually Be Wearing

NYFW Fall/Winter 2018 officially wrapped up on Wednesday, leaving even the most fashion savvy people asking, “Well...now what?” There were some really bold trends that came down the runway, not limited to ultra-saturated hues, ‘80s nostalgia galore, tech-y sci-fi vibes, and playful, vibrant prints.

Though the catwalk saw a lot of great ready-to-wear pieces that can easily be incorporated into your #OOTD, sometimes it can be a little tricky to figure out how to take that greater “trend” and apply it your own wardrobe. For help with that, we hit up celebrity stylist Ali Levine (you may also remember her from the premiere episode of Stripped). She's dressed so many of our favorite style stars — including Lisa Vanderpump, Candace Cameron Bure, Holly Robinson Peete, and more — so she definitely knows how to take a look from the catwalk to the sidewalk. 

If there was one trend you could not miss at fashion week, it was a throwback to the neon days of the 1980s. We’re talking collegiate embroidery, chrome banana clips, Lurex headbands with mock mullets, super bright hues, geometric shapes, and preppy plaids.

“Designers like Michael Kors, COACH, Missoni, and Ralph Lauren were all about paying homage to the decade in their styles,” noted Levine. “Try this trend by opting towards vintage, bolder colors such as mustard or navy. You can also achieve this look with a layered cable knit sweater and accessories, like a scarf or hat in those vintage colors. Even a popped color collar in a shirt is a great detail!”

Also consider bringing back some of those iconic accessories or dipping your eyeshadow brush into splashier hues.

Paging planet Earth: the science fiction trend has officially landed. From literal spaceships and giant robots at Phillip Plein to Zenon-esque vibes at Jeremy Scott, the future is totally here. 

“Designers everywhere were moving their looks to the future with Sci-Fi elements. Blunt wigs, metallic threads, and neon colors were definitely trending — neon especially,” said Levine. “Incorporate this bold style into your everyday look by opting for a metallic or reflective material. It will be sure to elevate your look and dial up the full outfit!”

Also try funky Sci-Fi inspired sunglasses, holographic details, and lots of bright colors.

"As we know, the boho trend has continued and fringe is now at another level! It was seen across shows incorporated any way possible — shawls, skirts, jackets, dresses. In almost every garment you can imagine," said Levine. "This boho finish adds personality to any outfit, and is great for any woman who wants to add a unique twist to any look."

You don't have to commit to four-foot long fringe on your nails like they did at Libertine to experiment with this trend. To take fringe from the runway to the real world in a practical way, Levine suggested pairing a fringed skirt with a clean top. Also, fringed accessories, such as purses or cuffs, are easy ways to incorporate this texture into your wardrobe, she added. Even a fringed bootie is fun for a night out with the girls!

You know what winter clothing needs more of? Florals that remind us that spring is just around the corner. Designers at NYFW did just that, incorporating soft french florals, moody florals, and fresh florals. The good thing about this trend is that it’s a little easier to play with. For example, start simple with a floral printed scarf around your neck or a floral printed handbag at your arm. For something a bit bolder, commit to a floral printed dress or pant. To complete the look in a sophisticated way, pair your large florals with neutral shoes or accessories.

“Animal prints took over the runway this season! Jackets, sets, and dresses were all were covered in the flirty, wild intriguing patterns,” said Levine. “Designers like Calvin Klein, Missoni, and Zadig Voltaire used these prints to add both a sexy and whimsical mood to their collections.”

The inherent issue with animal print, of course, is that it has a tendency to go very wrong, very quickly. The key is to seamlessly add it to your outfit without accidentally trespassing into tacky territory. But how?

“You can ease into the animal print by incorporating it into your wardrobe in small ways through accessories and coats,” suggested Levine. “It will add a personality to all of your looks. Even an oversized blazer or coat with something basic and simple.”

Some other options include a playful animal print clutch or cuff, a fun print top with a classic jean and nude stiletto, or a animal print bootie. Alternatively, you could turn the dial up to 11 and purposefully go overboard. Think neon animal print knee-length coat, or a leopard print skirt with a cow print top. Go for it!