Fall's big street-style trends: Statement tights, shirtless blazers and fancy socks with flats

There's a reason street style continues to translate into big business for fashion houses: we're influenced and inspired by those looks. And that's extra true when it comes to seeing how industry insiders and off-duty models get creative and dress up to attend fashion shows. 

On the street and outside the shows during the various fashion weeks, the runway trends that are resonating with some of the most fashionable folks in the business are on colourful display.   

While some of these showgoers are wearing brand-borrowed clothes or straightforward replications of runway looks, others are creatives putting together chic looks all their own, deftly mixing and matching designer and fast-fashion pieces, and incorporating vintage finds and wardrobe staples in interesting new combinations. Their looks are strong enough to be snapped by the best street-style photographers and worthy of checking out and referring to as we put together our own favourite fall ensembles.  

Inspired by the best street-style looks of the season, here are six styling tips you can use this fall — no shopping required. 

Drape your sweaters 

The best way to wear your knits on transitional weather days? Draped around your shoulders, of course. This veers into Preppy Handbook territory, but the key here is to go for a knot or drape that is loose and asymmetrical. It's a great, time-tested way to add a pop of colour and a dash of texture to your outfit. 

Pull out your statement tights 

Colourful and patterned tights appeared on the Fall 2023 runways at shows like Miu Miu and Antonio Marras. On the street at the recent fashion weeks, showgoers wore fishnet, opaque and novelty tights in high-contrast colours to liven up traditional, tailored silhouettes. Paired with a matching handbag or shoes, the impact is eye-catching, feels intentional and looks very put together. 

Leave the shirt at home 

Perhaps with the exception of your stuffiest business meetings, consider wearing your blazers all buttoned up, and without a shirt underneath. It's an easy way to make a traditional suit look more contemporary and cool; just keep in mind that this styling tip works better with double-breasted styles and jackets with a higher buttoning point, especially if you're going for a look that's edgy — but not risqué. 

Bring out your sporty side 

Some of the season's top street-style looks mixed sportswear with high fashion pieces, making track and athletic pants an unexpected go-to for fashionable occasions. Try wearing your wide-leg, slouchy-fit pairs and colour-coordinate them with the rest of your outfit, whether that's a nylon jacket, tube top or mesh tank. 

Layer dresses over pants

Designers showed dresses over pants on the Spring 2024 runways, and it's also a great way to style your favourite silky dresses and pencil skirts deep into fall. There's no one right way to get the look, as long as you consider how the layers will flow together — this combination looks best with skirts and pants of matching volume. 

Pair flats with cute socks 

This fall, wear your fancy socks and your favourite flat shoes (or sandals!) with otherwise bare legs. The pairing was seen everywhere on the streets this season: ribbed designer socks with pointed-toe flats, sheer styles that added a girly touch to lug-sole shoes, anything-but-basic crew socks with slingbacks, brogues and ballet flats.