Runway to Reality
SS26 notes // FW25 in the dressing room
NYFW kicked off this past week and, if you’re anything like me, the shoppies are hitting hard. The circuit has just begun: preview parties, collection cocktails, runways on repeat - London next, then Milan, and finally Paris to close out fashion month.
My NYFW SS26 Quick Takes:
Altuzarra: A flashback to the 40’s and 80’s yet relevant craftsmanship. It was a 10/10 for me. Look here if you want to be the best dressed. I love that he always includes an element of interest. Wearable, beautiful and on point.
Khaite: Holstein’s reworked classics always work - especially the structured tulle. Thought the production was a bit unnecessary.
Brandon Maxwell: Ten years in and he is still nailing it - sharp and playful.
Ralph Lauren: Black, white, and red all over. A bit predictable but I think that’s the point with Ralph.
ETC. - Still waiting for more on Toteme but from the coverage I’ve seen it’s all about upgraded garderob. The collection felt bright and streamlined - included scarf dressing, pretty outerwear. Cos’s shoppable show sparks an interesting question. Marina Moscone and BySloan are really peaking my interest. Proenza felt a little lost, blaming the switch in leadership.
So while SS26 walks down the runway, FW25 is what’s next in the Dressing Room. This week’s edit is all about <$500 finds perfect for this season! Elevated monochrome, fun jewelry, and staples you’ll actually re-wear + re-style.
V-Neck Sweater - This green!!! Beautiful. Fine-gauge knit with a sharp V. I like how the color feels unexpected but still wearable, especially paired tonally. I just can’t kick green.
I love a dramatic V - whether it’s “lower case” (aka a very subtle dip) or a dramatic V like this Banana Republic one I just bought.
Satin Wide-Leg - Comme Si really can do no wrong. Or wear with some brown corduroy because there’s nothing better than that color pairing.
Malachite Earrings - I like how they echo the sweater’s tone without being too matchy. My eyes have been going straight to malachite recently.
COS Tee - A perfect layering tee to throw under the V, lighter weight and not as structured as the Clean Cut Tee but still just as good.
Frame Pants - Deep navy corduroy, adding texture to monochromatic look. More polished than jeans but just as versatile.
Massimo Dutti Stripes - Oversized, breaks up the navy just enough. Love the different directional stripe.
I would layer with this &Daughters navy knit or this same but save option.
Hoops - Sculptural, minimal, vintage-esque. Silver just works with blue - it sharpens the monochrome and keeps it cool.
Heeled Mule - Point-toe goat leather, effortless. A pair I’d wear just as easily with a dress or denim.
Asymmetric Grey Top - Structured with draping; I like how it shapes the body without feeling over-designed. Adding a lot of interest to the look.
Trousers - Clean, tailored lines, keeps the look monochromatic.
Patent Green Slingbacks - Chicest $100 pair I’ve seen in a while. Only a few sizes left… but I signed up for back-in-stock notifications.
Earrings - Graphic but wearable; I like that they echo the architectural mood.
Grey Tee - Boxy cut with a subtle mock neck - a detail I love because it makes a simple tee feel more intentional. Like a hybrid between casual and polished.
Denim - Straight leg has been the only silhouette I have been wearing lately and this vintage wash is perfect.
Velvet Loafers - Nothing better than a pair of shoes adding some fun to a look. The extras (shoes, bag, jewelry) are the easiest way to add some funky.
Knit Layering Piece - Shifts the look into something more offbeat. I wore my constantly last year. Also interested in getting a piece from Kutjen.
Statement Ring - Because who doesn’t like some fun jewels.
St. Agni Sweater - Merino–cashmere blend with a draped neckline that falls like sculpture. It’s my one cheat over $500, but worth it - the fabrication and cut make it a piece that will last and define a look. But I can also let you know when it goes on sale ;)
Pant - Another corduroy but an ashier/faded blue.
Vintage Earrings - The perfect funky touch that I always try to add.
Or if you’re in the mood for a belt, I’d do this Khaite one i’ve been eyeing. I like how it doesn’t have any hardware.
Shoes - Loafers for day, boots for sharper structure - both anchoring in the same deep tone. Adding this pair too because they feel expensive and look chic.
Stand Collar Blazer - Would throw this on if it’s too hot for a knit. The navy is sharp and the collar speaks for itself.
Leset Mini Dress - Wore it in gold all summer. Think I need the darker version now and add tights later.
Blue Silk - Soft contrast in tone. Tied at the waist or draped over the shoulders. Could wear with denim too (I’d style it with the buttons in the back).
Grey Knit - A classic crew that works thrown over the dress, keeps the shimmer casual but still fun.
Earrings - Silver, sculptural, and a slight statement.
Kitten Heels - Elongates the mini, the mesh plays into the knitted fabrication.
Flats - A softer option, for when I want the dress to feel more daytime.
Leset Top w/ Matching Skirt - I have a friend in mind with this one. I like how the simplicity (without losing structure) makes room for texture and accessories.
Chic Flops - Snakeskin slides that bring in pattern.
Earrings - Adding warmth and dimension. Or these 20% off Bottega earrings.
Zara Asymmetrical Skirt - The asymmetrical hem gives movement and edge.
St. Agni “lower case v” Knit - Sits close to the body.
Will also be super cute with a black turtleneck once it gets colder
Earrings - Sculptural gold, touch of drama with the all-black base.
Knee-High Boots - Adding texture with croc-effect leather. Love a sharp toe and low heel.
& Other Stories jacket - Would wear this with a simple tee. I like the structure here. Cropped just right so it layers cleanly without feeling bulky.
Leo Lin Top - I love a black trim on a sheer piece. The floral makes the sheerness a bit softer. Chic with leather.
Denim - Ever so slight horseshoe which makes them very flattering.
Patent Leather Heels - A low, glossy heel that’s practical but adds oomf to denim.
Earrings - Ties it all together.
Also in the edit: a few night-out tops from Tae Park and Source Unknown, plus statement jewelry from Julie de Libran. Some staples like these brown satin kitten heels and a black cashmere Tuckernuck hoodie. Then looking ahead to coat season - this perfect brown shawl-collar maxi and the chicest ivory wool funnel neck (wink wink, winter brides). A good quality coat under $500 is hard to come by these days.
And because wedding season is in full swing, I pulled together a few event-ready pieces also under $500.
Xx,
LVR