Nothing quite signals the end of summer in New York (and the start of it here in Australia) like fashion week in September. While the shows themselves might be looking ahead to the Spring Summer season of 2027, the fashion on the street tells a different story. Between shows, summer dressing is beginning its slow transition towards autumn, with low slung denim, light layers, perhaps a polo shirt, maybe a button-down or a knee-length skirt. In essence, everyone is trying to make the most of the final warm days before the season changes properly.

Among the models, flat shoes – ballet flats, loafers, and sneakers from Salomon and Puma – have so-far proven a favourite. And who can blame them, with a schedule stretching across just about every pocket of New York? The festivities actually kicked off a day early this season, with Ralph Lauren and Coach both opting to show off-schedule. Next up, Henry Zankov ushered in a new era with his debut at Diane von Furstenberg, followed by glorious presentations by heavy-hitters like Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler, Calvin Klein and Khaite, to name only a few.

That packed schedule is reflected in the street style, where practicality is proving just as important as polish. An outfit need to work for a full day of shows, castings, appointments, cocktails and whatever else fashion week throws one's way. Naturally, familiar wardrobe staples are doing much of the work, and for those of us watching on from the southern hemisphere, providing plenty of inspiration for what we'll be wearing when we take our turn in the sun.

From bare legs to lightweight layers, see how they're making the most of the final days of summer, with the best street style from New York Fashion Week spring summer 2027, below.