A person is posing against a plain background, wearing the Anthropologie Tommie Cap-Sleeve Shirt Dress with a front zipper and a thigh-high slit. Channeling NYFW street style, they have a handbag slung over one shoulder and are holding their hands behind their head.

ANTHROPOLOGIE

The Dress Edit

12 Knit & Leather Designer Dresses Inspired By NYFW’s Street Style Looks

 

The magic this fashion week wasn’t only on the runway, it was in the NYFW street style looks. From knitwear to sleek leather, each look across Manhattan screamed the spirit of the times: everything goes. While some were still holding on to the remainder of summer, others were ready to welcome autumn with ease. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably ready for new trends, colors, and styles. After all, this fall 2024 has a lot in store for us trendsetters.

 

Whether you’re searching for a bold statement or an everyday look, the influence of this year’s NYFW street style has given us plenty of inspiration. Sometimes, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip the runways for the source of your next favorite look. These 12 knit and leather designer dresses inspired by this NYFW are all you need to channel that high-fashion energy.

A woman, LYA MARIELLA, is standing in a room wearing a Norma Kamali Grace strapless brown mini leather dress, complemented by long brown gloves and black tights. She accessorizes with a small black purse and black pointed-toe heels. Modern design elements like contemporary lighting and a plant in the background enhance her outfit's NYFW street style chicness.

@lyamariella / Instagram

A person stands against a textured beige wall on a cobblestone street, embodying NYFW street style in the AYNI Chako Ivory Knit Dress, an off-the-shoulder, floor-length cream garment with a large bow across the chest. The person's expression is neutral as they look directly at the camera.

AYNI Chako Dress

Leather's Comeback: Bold, Edgy, and Luxe

 

Leather is back—and bolder than ever with this NYFW street style. This season, street style stars redefined leather, pairing it in new and exciting ways that push the boundaries. From little statements like leather bags to trendsetting dresses, leather styles have gone far beyond the moto jacket. After all, as fall’s biggest trend, it wasn’t surprising to see everyone in the classic textile.

 

Designers like Alaïa and Area embraced the trend, crafting dresses that are both edgy and modern. The beauty of leather pieces lies in their ability to transition seamlessly from day to night. Let’s admit it, they always manage to give that effortlessly cool vibe no matter the occasion. A favorite of mine is the Archetypes belted midi, one of Alaïa’s hottest releases. Not only is it a statement on its own, but it also pairs stunningly with these Saint Laurent pumps and Lana Marks top handle.  One of my favorite ways to style leather is by mixing fabrics—as seen  in the NYFW street style.

 

However, Norma Kamali also mangled to surprise me with her strapless Grace mini dress. Known for jersey knits and lamé textiles, the designer sure does know how to make leather look sexy too. Whether you’re opting for minimalist black leather or experimenting with fall colors like brown, the textile is undoubtedly making its strongest comeback yet. Thanks to the hottest NYFW street style looks, it certainly is here to stay.

Shop Fall 2024's Biggest Trend: Leather Dresses

  • SELF-PORTRAIT Pointelle Midi Dress

    $465
  • ANTHROPOLOGIE Tommie Cap-Sleeve Shirt Dress

    $168
  • FAITHFULL THE BRAND Serena Pointelle Knit Dress

    $239
  • AYNI Chako Dress

    $375
  • MISSONI Striped Metallic Crochet-knit Mini Dress

    $1,060
  • CULTNAKED Too Good Faux Leather Mini Dress

    $450
  • NORMA KAMALI Strapless Grace Mini Dress

    $225
  • AREA Studded Polka Dot Leather Dress

    $1,795
  • GALVAN LONDON Orion Embellished Stretch-knit Gown

    $1,895
  • MATICEVSKI Facets Ruched Leather Mini Dress

    $2,095
  • RICK OWENS Bustier Strapless Mini Dress

    $1,020
  • ALTUZARRA Denning Ribbed-knit And Voile Midi Dress

    $1,495
  • ALAÏA Archetypes Belted Leather Midi Dress

    $6,990
  • ALAÏA Archetypes Ribbed Pointelle-knit Mini Dress

    $3,180
  • MARIA LUCIA HOHAN Jordan Mini Dress

    $1,775

Classic Fall Knitwear

 

While leather certainly made its appearance in the hottest NYFW street style looks, so did knitwear. Surprisingly enough, despite the 80-something degree temperature, the New York goers weren’t letting go of the season ahead. I particularly loved seeing this at the shows for one reason: comfortability. From evening-ready styles to oversized daywear numbers, fashionistas showed off their favorite knits in a variety of ways.

 

My favorite? This ribbed midi from Altuzarra. It’s very possible this look was seen on the street too. A classic knit dress is not only comfortable but incredibly versatile—styling beautifully with pumps and flats alike. However, if you’re truly looking to stand out, reach for a pair of designer boots. Pairs like the Saint Laurent Vendome are simply too hot to pass on. I’m far from a boots-loving girl, but something about this combination has be sold from NYFW street style looks.

 

Whether you’re cozying up in a fitted turtleneck dress or embracing fall’s chunky knits, there’s no denying the power of knitwear. These simple, yet stylist pieces keep you on-trend and snug throughout the season. Plus, they were seen at NYFW. That’s more of a reason to start pulling out the fall-winter styles—the season is here before we know it.

Shop All Leather Dresses

A woman stands against a plain white background, embodying NYFW street style. She wears the SELF-PORTRAIT Pointelle Light Sky Blue Midi Dress that extends to mid-calf and features short sleeves and a button-front design. Her long, dark hair and sunglasses complement her look, along with a small white handbag and pointed silver shoes, exuding effortless chicness.

SELF-PORTRAIT Pointelle Midi Dress

A woman stands against a plain background wearing the FAITHFULL THE BRAND Serena Pointelle Black Knit Dress, which is long-sleeved and sheer with a geometric pattern. The dress features a V-neckline and a keyhole cutout at the chest. Showcasing NYFW street style, she has long, dark hair and is posing for the camera.

FAITHFULL THE BRAND Serena Pointelle Knit Dress

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