As a fashion writer, dressing up for New York Fashion Week is both exhilarating and daunting to me (especially during the February shows when a winter coat can make or break your outfit). Do I opt for an all-black, NY journalist uniform? Do I try to go all out like one of the Getty-photographed fashion darlings? Or do I dress on-theme for specific shows? Decisions, decisions!

At this point, I’ve grown accustomed to the chaos and long days of NYFW, so I like to plan my outfits well ahead of time. When I was planning out this season’s looks for seven straight days, I predominately considered pieces that I’d feel most comfortable in — because when I left my BK home, I certainly wasn’t going back to do a not-so-quick change in the middle of my packed schedule.

Leaning on the Refinery29’s Winter 2026 Lookbook for some outfit inspiration, I decided that — with what I already had in my closet and what brands graciously leant to me for the week — I’d put my own twist on “The Demuralist” look (with hints of The Weather-Maxxer and The Holiday Host aesthetics) for Day 2 of NYFW.

In this reimagined Roaring Twenties look: “The all-black uniform gets a festive lift here with sequins and quietly elegant accessories.” While I’m not the most sparkly person, I took bits and pieces from this modern flapper aesthetic and styled a glam look that could take me from day to night, across the city, and confidently into five designers’ runway shows.

Ahead, see how I interpreted R29’s stylist-vetted Demuralist trend, the exact pieces I wore (including an on-trend hat moment), and outfit inspo to get you through the rest of the frigid winter in style.

Some themes of “The Demuralist” include dark palettes, luxe details, and rich textures. “We wanted to lean into this idea of the ‘20s and that being a reference point for celebration,” stylist Christine Nicholson told me behind the scenes of the R29 photoshoot. “We kept the idea of craftsmanship as it relates to things like beading, but made it feel new and fresh.”

Taking style cues (but not hard and fast rules) from the lookbook, I opted for my black Madewell x Alexa Chung oversized corduroy blazer, rather than a statement dress. I just love the thick fabric and unexpected bright-white buttons. I doubled down on the textures of this look by wearing a white ribbed sweater with fluffy wrist cuffs (that perfectly peeked out from my blazer sleeves) from Cupshe. And while the R29 model was styled in funky culottes under her drop-waist dress, I chose my unassumingly stretchy and comfy trousers from Lululemon that I knew would keep my legs warm.

With my base layers offering a more masculine silhouette, it then came time to jazz up the look with feminine flapper energy through accessorizing.

The Demuralist look consists of long sequined gloves (Note: opera gloves were everywhere during NYFW!), fuzzy Mary Jane heels, and, of course, a spectacular headpiece. And to my delight, I knew just the pieces that would give a similar festive and vintage flair, that felt wearable; not just editorial.

I excitedly whipped out the funky magenta fur mittens I had purchased as a tween. (While they at one point revolted me, they’re of course back in style and add a touch of whimsy to every winter outfit.) I also slipped on my burgundy Vivaia knit waterproof boots, which were the perfect touch of color and texture (and sensible for the snowy streets).

The cherry on top of this ’20s-esque look came about while rummaging through TJ Maxx (my favorite pastime). I stumbled on a burgundy faux fur trapper-like hat that felt like it was from a past era, and knew I wanted to wear it during NYFW.

The final touch (that I picked up just one day before NYFW) was an incredible faux fur scarf-shawl-hybrid from Miss Circle. It was so luxe and dramatic, and helped me channel some flapper energy. (It also brought me the biggest compliments from industry peers throughout the day!)

While translating a bold editorial photoshoot fashion look into a wearable IRL look was at first daunting, the final outcome wound up being one of my favorite NYFW outfits to date.

Taking notes from the R29 Lookbook helped inspire an outfit I may have never put together otherwise. In the end, my interpretation had me feeling festive, comfortable, confident, and most importantly, like myself. And I can say with confidence that you have to try it for yourself too.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

R29 Lookbook: Winter 2025/26

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Over the last week, New York City proved its status as a fashion capital of the world, with talented designers showcasing creative collections on the runways, in the streets, and on our feeds. From “let them eat cake” aesthetics and double-duty bags to fringed frocks and leather opera gloves, New York Fashion Week brought statement fashion trends and serious 2026 outfit inspo to the forefront.

In order to get the front-row scoop on what will be huge for the fall and winter of 2026, I attended so many fashion shows and presentations that my heels hurt and phone was always on the brink of losing power. The endeavor was more than worth it because I found the standout trends (that I think you can start implementing into your wardrobe while it’s still cold!). The wonderfully disheveled indie sleaze look and head-to-toe animal prints that dominated New York’s runways are especially great for party looks, while brooches and headwear can add flair to any winter outfit.

Ahead, see which brands — from New York staples like Tory Burch to NYFW debuts like that of designer-denim staple 7 For All Mankind — took on similar trends in their own unique points of view. Then shop styles to get the looks.

Wondering what the stand-out accessory of the A/W 2026 shows were? It wasn’t just one shoe trend or a particular purse or a statement necklace. It was the brooch. Ranging from metal sculptures from the likes of Caroline Herrera, Cult Gaia, and Tory Burch; crystal cascades courtesy of Collina Strada; 3D glass florals by Caroline Zimbalist; and Sergio Hudson’s fabric-covered designs, many brands put their seal of approval on a vintage staple.

These modern designs might look out of place in your grandmother’s jewelry box (but that doesn’t mean she won’t want to borrow your baubles from time to time!). Pin them to your sweater, winter coat, or to secure your scarf for fashion and function.

I can confidently say that animal prints will never go out of style. In fact, they’ve essentially become neutrals that can seamlessly integrate into everyone’s wardrobes today. This season, brands like Anna Sui, Norma Kamali, Ralph Lauren, and Ulla Johnson tapped the fan-favorite cheetah and leopard prints. Looking to find inspiration from other corners of the animal kingdom? Kim Shui and Markarian introduced tiger prints, while Kate Hundley and Sergio Hudson offered snakeskin sets, and Bronx and Banco sent out a zebra purse.

Animal illustrations were also big sources of inspiration, as Alix of Bohemia featured a whole zoo worth of animal prints and embellishments (think: giraffes and monkeys!). Swans also popped up across Tanner Fletcher outerwear and Aknvas button-downs if avian-inspired looks are more your style.

For those of us who crave nostalgia, it’s exciting to note that the ‘90s and early 2000s have never been more back! Specifically, moody grunge and indie sleaze party-girl aesthetics are having a moment, with dark palettes, messy styling, and even disheveled, slept-in hair (look no further than Collina Strada’s models for proof). Plaid prints featured heavily in the anchor pieces of several collections, including Coach’s youthful blazers as well as Collina Strada’s and Private Policy’s dresses.

The 7 For All Mankind runway show was also a master class in early-aughts styling, down to the energy and even the models’ viral walks. Think, lots of layering, all-denim-everything, skinny scarves, platform pumps, jumbo shoulder bags, and chunky jewelry all together — because in this case, more is more.

Bundling up in the cold has never looked so chic. Hats and headpieces served as the cherry on top of this season’s runway looks, serving inspiration for right now and next winter. Designers especially made the case for having headwear for every outfit and event, no matter how casual or fancy. Designs included chic pillbox hats and caps that tie around the neck (Christian Cowan), fur trapper hats and headbands (Aknvas and Bronc and Banco), oversized knit silhouettes (Advisry), extra-long beanies (Private Policy), lace skull caps (Prabal Gurung and LaQuan Smith), and beaded head coverings (Jane Wade) across womenswear and menswear alike.

The impossibly stylish A$AP Rocky even wore a fur trapper to close out the NYFW debut of his brand AWGE, giving hats a celebrity stamp of approval!

While the collections that New York City’s designers showed this season weren’t as stiff or structured as some in the past, lacing still showed up as a major throughline. For proof, look no further than Adeam’s, Elena Velez’s, and Meruert Tolegen’s not-so-basic corsets and dresses.

Those seeking more casual interpretations of the trend can turn to Kate Hundley’s lace-up puffer jacket, which is proof that your winter puffer can not only not ruin your outfit; it can make your entire look. Gabe Gordon’s lace-up knit skirt also feels as right for après ski as it does for a Saturday athleisure look. Laces even made their way into the models’ hair at Caroline Zimbalist as an unexpected hairstyle trend.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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