New York Fashion Week has a way of clarifying priorities. Sure, I’ll happily wear something impractical for exactly one show if the look warrants it, but over the course of a February week spent power-walking between neighborhoods, ducking into overheated lobbies, and waiting for an Uber that’s allegedly three minutes away in sub-freezing temperatures, fantasy dressing quickly gives way to reality.
The reality is this: What gets worn on repeat during a NYFW season is rarely the most obvious choice. It’s the brands that merge form and function—the ones that understand insulation, traction, and layering as well as proportion. These are the pieces that make 20,000 steps a day feel survivable, don’t require a midweek foot-care crisis, and still photograph well enough to catch a street-style photographer’s eye.
Between the base layers doing the heavy lifting, the warm accessories that imbue a hint of color into my winter outfit, and the tour-de-force coats that top off each look, these are the under-the-radar brands I rely on—not because they scream fashion week, but because they make it possible to survive it.
Warm Accessory Brands
(Image credit: Lauren Caruso)
By the end of fashion week, I’ve usually lost half my gloves and at least one hat—it’s inevitable. That’s why I invest in accessories that are warm, abundant, and easy to replace, but still feel special. While I dress mostly in neutrals, I love accessories in bold colors that pop against February’s gray cityscape. J.Crew excels at classic scarves and gloves that feel timeless but cheerful. The Frankie Shop offers oversized knits and scarves that make doubling up feel intentional, not excessive. And Sézane brings just enough color and texture to make losing a scarf almost feel like a calculated risk.
GUEST IN RESIDENCE
The Mitts Ribbed Cashmere Gloves
COMME SI
The Yves Set of Six Ribbed Cotton-Blend Socks
J.Crew
Brushed Woven Scarf
Base Layer Brands
Base layers are the unsung heroes of fashion week—the pieces no one sees, but on which everything depends. Underneath every coat is some variation of a thermal-lined top that’s doing far more work than the outfit itself. Of course, every editor will sing Uniqlo’s praises for its Heattech basics, but it’s also brands like Arc’teryx, LeBlanc Studios, and even Uniform Person that come in clutch when I need something performance-driven that still looks intentional under tailoring.
Uniqlo
Heattech Ultra Warm Crew Neck T-Shirt (long Sleeve)
LEBLANCSTUDIOS
Yani’s Salon Yellow Hoodie
Arc’teryx
Rho Hybrid Insulated Bottom
Uniform Person
Togo Long Sleeve – Cloud
Donni.
The Baby Rib Scallop Long Sleeve
Carry-All Tote Brands
(Image credit: Lauren Caruso)
Gone are the days of writing a full review for every show, but as a freelancer, I’m still hauling my laptop, notebooks, snacks, and printed show notes I refuse to part with. A laptop bag needs to be structured, comfortable, and able to withstand being shoved under benches and café tables all week. Liffner, LIÉ STUDIO, and St. Agni all deliver polished bags that age beautifully.
NEOUS
Berenices Suede and Leather Shoulder Bag
St. Agni
Slim Bateau Tote Bag
Scanlan Theodore
The Athos Shopper
LIÉ STUDIO
The Eva Weekend Leather Tote
Comfortable Shoe Brands
I’m typically running from show to appointment to office and back again, often on slick sidewalks that don’t agree with any kind of heel. Comfortable shoes and sturdy soles are non-negotiables, so I reach for brands like Aeyde and Margaux that prove good design and great traction don’t have to be mutually exclusive—if you know where to look.
Charles & Keith
Brantley Bow Platform Mary Janes
Margaux
The Fonteyn – Butter Satin
Aeyde
Delia Nappa Leather Heels
Freda Salvador
FS X Natalie Borton Designs Jessie Flat
Emme Parsons
Minori Leather Ankle Boots
Coat Brands
(Image credit: Lauren Caruso)
February Fashion Week belongs to outerwear. A great coat doesn’t just complete the look—it is the look. I love turning to Nour Hammour for sculptural leather pieces that feel strong without tipping into costume. Apparis nails plush, cold-weather coats that are warm enough to matter but still streamlined. And The Frankie Shop consistently delivers oversized silhouettes that feel directional without trying too hard. These are the coats that photograph well, feel good on, and—most importantly—make standing outside in February feel like a choice, not a punishment.
The Frankie Shop
Rella Faux Fur Coat – Camel
FFORME
Camille Moulded Coat
Nour Hammour
Cisely Belted Leather Trench Coat
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