2011 New York Fashion Week: A Recap of the Week that Was

By Nandini D'Souza
February 23, 2011

And with Lara Stone gliding down the fashion runway in a mod gold sheath at Calvin Klein, the last top fashion designer to show for New York Fashion Week, Fall 2011, the week came to a close. Of course, the story isn't over—London just wrapped, and then there's Milan and Paris. But as far as American fashion trends goes, we've finally had a moment to catch our breath.

The big news? Luxury and glamour made a comeback, if in a more subtle, relatable, recession-sensitive way than in seasons past. Top fashion designers also went mad for plaid. Seriously, if we had a dollar for every time we saw some form of tartan, we could buy into the other big fashion trend: fur (see how to tap into this style trend more accessibly via accessories here). Outerwear may seem like an obvious for fall fashion trends, but that's not always the case. Of special note: oversized parkas worn over whispery, delicate looks were everywhere. As for silhouettes, it's all about the defined waist, whether nipped or belted. There was also a lot of lace, though not the kind your grandmother wore.

Welcome Back, Glamour

As Seen At: Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan

Some shine here, a sequin there, an artfully skin-baring silhouette.... Glamour and luxury fashion trends are back.

Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera

Calvin Klein Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz); Micheal Kors Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images); Carolina Herrera Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Roll over items for details

New RYU Beige Nude Sequin Paillette Cocktail Dress

(buy it now price, $52.99)

New Stella McCartney Silk Dress

(buy it now price, $889.99)

New Marchesa Gold Beaded Dress

(buy it now price, $4,700)

2011 New York Fashion Week: A Recap of the Week that Was

Remember the Tartans

As Seen At: Thakoon, Tory Burch, DKNY, Yohji Yamamoto for Y-3, Rag & Bone

Top fashion designers must have texted one word to each other before the start of the season: Plaid. Big, little, subtle, bold. Embrace your inner Scot. Any tartan will do.

Tory Burch Fall 2011 (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz); Thakoon Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images); DKNY Fall 2011 (Photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images for IMG)

New Vera Wang Plaid Print Jacket Blazer

(buy it now price, $498)

New Abercrombie Womens Chelsea Jacket

(buy it now price, $129.95)

New Vivienne Westwood Crossback Dress

(buy it now price, $529.99)

Parka Avenue

As Seen At: Altuzarra, Vera Wang, Anna Sui, Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone

Good news for those of us suffering through a bitter, bitter winter. Next fall we'll have tons of gorgeous, stylish coats to wear, especially any kind of parka with a little fur.

Rag & Bone Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images); Anna Sui Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images); Altuzarra Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

New Abercrombie Women's Ella Green Fur Parka

(buy it now price, $149.90)

New Rag & Bone Waterloo Parka

(starting bid, $499.99)

New Aqua Bloomingdales Rabbit Fur Vest Parka Jacket

(buy it now price, $79.95)

Waists—It's a Cinch

As Seen At: Marc Jacobs, Rodarte, Thakoon, Donna Karan

Think strict '40s suit, '50s flared silhouettes or even the exaggerated nip-and-pouf of Marie Antoinette's garb. A defined waist comes into focus with belted dresses and pencil skirts. It's all about the hourglass.

Marc Jacobs Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images); Rodarte Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images); DKNY Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

New Abercrombie Women's Ella Green Fur Parka

(buy it now price, $149.90)

New Rag & Bone Waterloo Parka

(starting bid, $499.99)

New Aqua Bloomingdales Rabbit Fur Vest Parka Jacket

(buy it now price, $79.95)

About Lace

As Seen At: Jason Wu, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs

For fall 2011 fashion trends, this most evocative and sometimes starchy look gets a sexy and cool update. Go head-to-toe in the peekaboo stuff or leave it as a tantalizing detail.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 (Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for IMG); Jason Wu Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images); Marchesa Autumn Winter 2011 (Photo by Catwalking/Getty Images)