While some big names skipped out on showing in New York this season — Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, Jeremy Scott, Tommy Hilfiger — there was no shortage of exciting fashion from both emerging and established brands. Venues like the American Museum of Natural History (Brandon Maxwell) and The Africa Center (AREA) gave the collections context and a new perspective to look through.
There were plenty of celeb cameos as well, from Miley Cyrus walking the runway at Marc Jacobs to Leslie Jones cheering from her seat at Christian Siriano. Highlights included Christopher John Rogers' enchanting runway show as well as Jonathan Cohen's immaculate, responsibly made collection inspired by roses.
As always, a couple of overarching themes emerged, so see below for the 9 biggest trends we saw at NYFW Fall 2020.
Cold Shoulder
Bevza
This season was all about collarbone cleavage. Designers like Proenza Schouler and LaQuan Smith played with proportions and silhouettes when it came to exposing the shoulder in a seductive, nonchalant manner.
Square Off
Eckhaus Latta
Remnants of the "milkmaid" look from previous seasons appeared again for Fall 2020 thanks to the exaggerated square neckline at shows like Self Portrait and Khaite.
A Night at the Opera
Marc Jacobs
Like the men's collections before this, long opera gloves continue to be all the rage like the leather pairs at Marc Jacobs to the cozy knit options at Michael Kors Collection.
Metallica
Oscar de la Renta
Metallic were interpreted in a number of different ways this season, from the unruly fringe approach at Oscar de la Renta to the coating of boxy jackets ala Sies Marjan.
Valedictorian
Coach
The buttoned-up, uniform approach known for its layered cardigans and shrunken suit jackets made an appearance at brands like Coach and Eckhaus Latta.
Right Thru Me
Christian Cowan
Whether it was a fitted see-through simple tee at Christian Cowan or a flouncy red number at Rodarte, the sheer blouse look came in a variety of styles.
Wednesday Addams
Anna Sui
From the dark makeup at Rodarte and Anna Sui to Brock Collection's dark romantic frocks, the Victorian goth aesthetic looks poised for a strong comeback this season.
Cut It Out
Dion Lee
Carefully cut-out waists added a sexy touch to the classic covered-up dress, iterations of which were seen at Dion Lee's monochromatic collection of fitted looks with splices of skin.
Living on the Fringe
Palm Angels
Unlike the literal cowboy approach to western dressing from the past few seasons, Fall 2020 saw a more refined and elegant use of fringe ala Jonathan Simkhai and Gabriela Hearst.
Photos via Imaxtree