On any given day, the Big Apple’s streets are filled with outfit inspiration. Right now though, there’s a whole ‘nother level of stylishness—and we have New York Fashion Week to thank for it. As hundreds of attendees convene for the fall/winter 2024 shows, they’re also serving eye-catching and trend-setting looks. Between various takes on TikTok aesthetics like mob wive and ballet-core, the influx of dresses over pants (yes it’s here to stay), and the domination of bright color dressing, it’s like NYFW is a real-life Pinterest board. And yes, we’re pinning it all.
Throughout the week of shows, running from February 9 to 14, we’ll be keeping an eye on trends not just from the runways but from the just-as-trendy streets, too. Scroll on to discover some of our favorite looks so far—and don’t forget to check back as we update with more.
Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.Photographed by Flordalis Espinal.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Welcome to Refinery29’s So, How Is It Really? where we take a look at all of the topics that have the internet talking. In studying them up close, we answer the question of what it’s really like to try out a trend, a viral product, or an unexpected TikTok hack. This time, we review the Madewell Harlow, the bestselling pants that sell every 2.5 minutes and have sold out five times to date.
Since Madewell released the Harlow Pant in 2022, the trousers have become one of the retailer’s most popular items (and a TikTok favorite!). Not only does the high-waisted, wide-leg, pleated style come in several fabrics (cotton, linen, denim, etc.), but it’s also available in a myriad of colors (black, pink, brown, green, etc.) and different sizing ranges (petite, regular, tall, plus, etc.).
Here at Refinery29, we’ve had our eye on the customer favorite for a while. But it wasn’t until November when Madewell dropped the Harlow in a new satin fabrication, which comes in black and brown colorways, that we decided to test the trousers firsthand. In December, we wanted to see if satin, a staple of holiday dressing and eveningwear, could translate into a daytime must-have.
In the new year, we put the style to the test yet again after the brand released the fan favorite in a new Curvy fit. We, of course, had to compare the original to the hourglass-figure-friendly fit (available in black, acorn brown, and forest green) to see if the Harlow trousers are as versatile as the reviews claim them to be. Ahead, our thoughts.
Madewell Harlow Pant: Curvy Fit
“Honestly, I was so excited to get my hands on Madewell’s Harlow Pant in the new Curvy fit because I’m already a fan of the style. A while back, I purchased the OG black Harlow Pants (which are now available in Spring 2024 colorways) in a petite fit, and have enjoyed wearing them to the office and work events. But I’ve since found that “curvy” pants are best suited to my hourglass body shape. I was intrigued to see if Madewell’s Curvy Harlow Pants fit even better on me. The Curvy Harlows have the same signature style as its predecessors but feature a longer rise to flatter your curves, a narrower high waist with a contoured band to prevent gapping, and extra room around your hips and thighs for extra comfort. And, much like the others, the Curvy Harlows are also available in petite, standard, tall, and plus sizes.
Standing at 5’3”, and currently having a 31-inch waist and 43-inch hips, I opted for the same 10 Petite sizing as my original Harlow pants. But this time, I picked the versatile and cross-seasonal Dark Forest shade. When I finally got to slip into them, they truly fit like a glove. The contoured band perfectly fit and flattered my waist and gave me that cinched look that I love. When I compared them to my OG Harlow pants, there was a clear difference. The regular petite fit has much more wiggle room at the waist and a more oversized look that requires me to wear a belt. Meanwhile, the petite Curvy Harlows look more fitted and better hug my curves while still feeling roomy and comfy. I’ve already worn them to the office and plan on wearing them whenever I need an elevated yet effortless outfit.”—Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Madewell Satin Harlow Pant: Day Look
“I’m 5’2, so a full-length pant — let alone a wide-legged style — has always been hard for me to pull off; ill-fitting trousers had the unfortunate effect of making me appear shorter and frumpy, instead of nailing the whole cool-girl, intentionally oversized look. Madewell has been my longtime go-to for denim, especially for petite lengths that don’t require a trip to the tailor. Because of that, I was optimistic about trying the brand’s bestselling Harlow Pant (in petite size 0) reimagined in festive satin just in time for the holiday party season.
First impressions: The fit was on point — it hugged my waist but the legs were swishy and roomy without being balloon-like. I also loved that the black satin fabric wasn’t overly shiny, but mimicked silk with its lightweight, draped feel and subtle sheen. (This also helped it coordinate effortlessly with everything from a crisp white tee to a sheer blouse.) Bonus: These pants are as comfy as pajamas.”—Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Affiliate Writer
“While a lot of people tend to stay away from satin pants for fear of appearing too formal, I like silky fabrics for the way they can instantly elevate simple basics like a button-down or a tee while remaining comfortable, unlike more structured pant styles. This pair, in particular, has a more casual feel thanks to the wide-leg hemline and loose fit. Speaking of which: If you are between sizes (I go between US sizes 4 and 6), I suggest sizing down as the fit is fairly oversized.
For a weekend look, I paired the Harlow pants with a shirt-hoodie-hybrid top that I got during a recent trip to France. You can also wear these pants with a sweater: For a family dinner, I paired them with a ribbed cream turtleneck, an effortlessly cozy look that got me through the entire day.”— Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Madewell Harlow Pant: Night Look
“While watching Platonic earlier this year, I fell in love with one of Rose Byrne’s character’s looks that consisted of a pair of silky cargo pants and a halter top. I instantly bought the latter from Staud (albeit in a black colorway rather than the orange featured on the show), and have been waiting to find the right pants. When paired with the top, heeled mules, and a sparkly bag, the Harlow trousers instantly took on a going-out look that can go from a cocktail party to a dinner.”—Irina
Madewell Satin Harlow Pant: Day Look
“While I love tailored pants, satin ones always make me nervous. The material often wrinkles easily and it rarely carries the same weight as other heavier fabrics. Also, the shine makes it difficult to wear during the day. So I was pleasantly surprised at how versatile Madewell’s Harlow pants are. I recently packed them for a trip to Portugal, wearing them for a three-hour train ride, as well as a casual dinner in Lisbon. Throughout the trip, I found it easy to release the wrinkles created in the suitcase with a simple spritz of wrinkle spray.
I’ve also styled them for work, wearing a chocolate brown shirt and Oxford shoes for a look that easily translated from work-from-home to in-person meetings.”—Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Madewell Harlow Pant: Night Look
“The thing about these Harlow pants is that while they are very comfortable, they’re good party pants. For a holiday party look, I styled them with a feathered top and glitter platforms. Given how much I’ve worn them in just a week, I can see why they’re so famous on TikTok. A good investment for holiday party dressing and beyond.”—Frances
This story was originally published in December of 2023.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
It’s time to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a deep dive into one of our favorite AAPI brands: JW PEI. Lunar New Year is February 10, and with the growing success of JW PEI, we thought it was the perfect time to interview one of the cofounders, Stephanie Li, of the celeb-loved brand.
We are very proud of ourselves for achieving such a loyal celebrity following. It’s thanks to this that our brand and styles are recognized around the globe.
JW PEI CoFounder, Stephanie Li
But the brand has also won the hearts of editors, street style stars, and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. The viral shoulder and top-handle bags are truly designed for every fashion lover, as the vegan handbags — crafted from recycled plastic — start at the unbeatable price of $39. Conveniently, Lunar New Year coincides with JW PEI’s Valentine’s Day promotion, so for a limited time, you can get 15% off select styles — like Selena Gomez’s $129 Gabbi bag — with the code 24LOVE15. Lunar Year New Year just got even better. So scroll ahead to grab your own JW Pei bag and hear from Li.
What does the Lunar New Year mean to you?
“It’s a time for reflection, family, and celebrating our heritage. As an AAPI brand, we embrace the cultural richness of the Year of Dragon. Hopefully, we can incorporate some elements of the Lunar New Year into our designs that resonate with the festive spirit.”
Are there any particular styles you’d recommend for Lunar New Year outings?
Are there any new bags you’re particularly excited about?
“We’re thrilled to unveil the Maren bag, which reflects the warmth and love of Valentine’s season. It’s a true embodiment of elegance and romance! The heart-shaped silhouette features a stunning crystal design in a beautiful shade of pink. It captures the essence of JW PEI’s commitment to chic, timeless fashion.
“If you are looking for more of a classic style, we also just launched two shoulder bags: the Jana and Harlee bag, both of which are perfect for everyday looks.”
Is there a message that you would like to send to JW PEI shoppers for the new year?
“Yes! To all JW PEI fans, we extend heartfelt wishes for a joyous and prosperous new year. Thank you for being a part of our journey. May the new year bring you happiness, good health, and the opportunity to express your unique style through our collections.”
How would you like to see JW PEI grow in 2024?
“In 2024, we’re further expanding in footwear, and we plan to introduce a full ready-to-wear line. We’ve also been exploring a pop-up or even permanent retail storefront in SoHo NYC, through which we’ll be able to provide a new and exciting experience for our community.”
This weekend’s Super Bowl match-up in Las Vegas is usually football’s pop culture highlight. But this year, the unprecedented attention on the NFL, largely fueled by the romance of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, the sport took over pop culture way before the final game, especially when it comes to fashion. Inspired by the celebs and players taking on the sport with style, what to wear to rep your favorite NFL team has become just as important.
Over the past season, Google saw a 115% spike in searches for “how to style a football jersey,” while searches for “NFL outfit” increased by 50% compared to the 2022 season. “With the increase in interest for NFL jerseys and merch in general, people are turning to search for information on how to rock their gameday fits,” says Google Trends analyst Annanya Raghavan. Similarly, outfits worn by Taylor Swift to Chiefs games captured public interest: On Google, “What did Taylor Swift wear to the Chiefs game” is the top “what did Taylor wear” query over the past 90 days.
While sports fashion is nothing new, there has been a spike in interest from the industry into athletic style. There’s a frenzy for Formula 1 fashion, for example, with brands like Puma and Abercrombie partnering with carmakers like Ferrari and MacLaren. Last year, soccer also took a fashionable spin with celebrities like Julia Fox, Addison Rae, and Kim Kardashian sporting jerseys, a trend TikTok named a “blokecore.”
And, over the past few months, a myriad of NFL-adjacent celebrities have made the sport fashionable. There’s Taylor Swift, of course, whose stadium street style has spotlighted brands like Baublebar and Paige. She also turned to Wear, an athleticwear label by sports reporter Erin Andrews, and designer Kristin Juszczyk, who creates upcycled clothes from vintage NFL merch. Influencer Alix Earle, dating Miami Dolphins’ player Braxton Berrios, has also taken on football fashion, sourcing vintage Dolphins merch, as well as sporting blue-themed outfits at the stadium. Gymnast Simone Biles, who is married to Green Bay Packers’ player Jonathan Owens, has also gathered attention for her game day fits, which have included Packers-themed jackets by labels like Bro Denim and MVP Bae. Their combined fashion flexes have had a big impact on consumer interest for football fashion. On Klarna, for example, the top breakout NFL searches for 2023 include “Packers” and “NFL Taylor Swift merch.”
With celeb hype gathering more attention to American football, it was only natural for fashion brands to capitalize on the trend. American label Staud released a limited-edition collaboration with the sportswear giant Fanatics that included NFL-themed takes on some of the brand’s most popular styles. “We wanted to offer fans an opportunity to express their team spirit through Staud signature pieces,” says the brand’s founder Sarah Staudinger. “I believe that fashion and sports go hand in hand, and this collection is the fusion of both worlds.” The collection is the kind of marriage between sports and fashion that can easily live outside a stadium: maxi cardigans and V-neck sweaters in dual-tone knits that can both rep team spirit and serve as coloblocking styling later on. “The collection was designed to reimagine Staud classics in NFL team-inspired colorways enabling fans to embrace their team loyalty,” says Staudinger.
Brands like Kith and Aritzia also bet on the football craze. Back in September, the streetwear label Kith partnered with the NFL for a collection devoted to the New York Giants, which ranged from hoodies and caps to leather jackets. Earlier this year, Aritzia introduced the Endgame Jersey, a limited-edition V-neck mesh model available in four colorways, including a red-and-white version with “87” on it, a reference to Kelce’s player number. Meanwhile, the label Bffs & Babes dropped football-themed pieces, following months of increased searches for non-traditional team gear, which resulted in the brand releasing “Football Era” and “Taylor MVP” sweatshirts. “The female audience is embracing sports like never before and putting a new twist on game day gear,” says the brand’s founder Chevy Berndt.
Off-field style may be resonating the most, but players’ pre-game style is also spotlighting the NFL as a fashionable scene. Kelce’s outfits, for example, which have included everything from striped shirts and beanies to all-black looks and velvet pants, continuously go viral online. On Google, the term “Travis Kelce pre-game outfit” has become a top search term in the United States. And while his out-of-the-box choices are sometimes the inspiration for countless memes, the Chiefs’ tight end is having fun with it. ““I’m not going to be offended if somebody says I look like a clown if I got a fun hat on and some wacky jeans,” he told Wall Street Journal Magazine last year. “For the most part, I do it to put a smile on somebody’s face.” Cleveland Browns player Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has also made a splash with his fashion choices over the past few years, sporting custom pre-game looks that feature nods to his Ghanaian heritage, as well as other African cultures. He was voted as GQ’s Most Stylish NFL Player of the Year earlier this month.
As the SuperBowl concludes the NFL season, it’s clear that football stadiums became a top street style scene. Will fashion’s football era go the distance?
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
