Six NYFW Trends You Can Actually Wear to the Office This Fall

New York Fashion Week may set the stage for bold runway moments, but not every trend is destined to stay on the catwalk. In fact, some of the biggest looks this September were practically begging to sneak into your 9-to-5 wardrobe. And while the runways were showing Spring/Summer 2026 collections, you can (and are encouraged to) get ahead of the game and wear some of the most prominent trends to the office this fall.

Ambitious women know style is power, and these six NYFW trends are ready to turn your office outfits into boardroom statements.

Lace took a starring role on the runways this season, from brands like House of Aama to Anna Sui weaving it into their collections to fashion editors wearing lacy combinations in fashionable street style moments. But don’t relegate lace to after-hours. In the office, think of it as your power suit’s softer side. Try a lace blouse under a sharp blazer or a lace-trimmed shell with tailored trousers. It’s equal parts softness and authority, adding a balanced touch of femininity to your professional look.

Plaid, argyle, tartan — if it’s checkered, it’s in. COS showed how fresh and wearable checks can feel, and the pattern was a street-style favorite outside the shows. To make it office-ready, try a checkered pencil skirt with a crisp button-down, or swap your neutral blazer for one in a bold plaid. It’s classic, but this season it comes with a sharper, more effortless edge.

Red was one of NYFW’s most dominant colors, making appearances at Ralph Lauren and Ashlyn. And it’s no wonder—red signals confidence, energy, and leadership. To translate it for the office, reach for anything from a red suit to a red blouse layered under your suit, or a scarlet column dress with sleek pumps. Even just a pop of crimson in your heels, bag, or scarf will do the trick. No matter how you wear it, red guarantees you’ll stand out in the best way possible.

Designers like Tory Burch and street-style stars alike have embraced the column skirt this season, and it’s a trend tailor-made for office dressing. Clean, minimal, and elegant, column skirts offer the polish of a pencil silhouette with a modern twist. Pair yours with a tucked-in knit for Monday meetings or with a crisp button-down to carry you through back-to-back calls.

Designers like Khaite and Tibi leaned into strong tailoring this season, and the structured blazer continues its reign as a workwear essential. But this isn’t just your standard office jacket. Look for sharp shoulders, longer or unexpected lines, or interesting textures. Wear it layered over a dress, cinched with a belt, or as a set with matching trousers. A good structured blazer will be both versatile for many outfits and make a fashionable statement, it’s a win-win.

Layering wasn’t just practical this season—it was aspirational. Maria McManus kept it clean and minimal, Rachel Comey made it eclectic and artsy, and Kallmeyer balanced both with urban cool. The trick to layering for the office? Keep your palette tight and your proportions smart. Try a vest over a silky button-down or under a blazer, or a turtleneck under a sleeveless dress, or even just mixing lengths with a long coat over a midi skirt. It’s effortless complexity—because if your schedule is layered, your outfit should be too.