Celebrity stylist Austin Niesner has shared six key fashion trends from New York Fashion Week to help professionals update their fall office wardrobes. Reporting for E! Insider Shop on September 9, 2026, writer Lily Rose detailed how workers can adapt high-fashion runway concepts for nine-to-five environments without looking like they are wearing a costume.
The seasonal guidance focuses on incorporating sculptural tailoring, sheer layers, updated peplums, two-tone shoes, zebra prints, and structured handbags into everyday corporate wear. Niesner emphasized that successfully bringing runway styles into the workplace relies on balance, polish, and strategic fashion-forward details.
New York Fashion Week, held semi-annually in New York City, is one of the global fashion industry's premier events, where designers showcase seasonal collections to buyers, press, and fashion enthusiasts. E! Insider Shop, an editorial division of E! Entertainment Television, conducts independent product reporting and expert interviews to inform consumers about current market offerings.
Balancing Exaggerated Proportions and Tailored Jackets
To incorporate dramatic shoulders and sculptural jackets into office attire, Niesner advised maintaining structural balance between top and bottom garments. "When playing with exaggerated proportions, it’s important to create balance," Niesner said. "Define the waist with an hourglass-shaped blazer or add a belt over a more oversized silhouette."
He recommended pairing statement jackets with sharp, streamlined bottoms to keep the overall look polished rather than overwhelming. Among the tailored options featured is the Ida Hourglass Blazer, available at Revolve for $161, reduced from $171, featuring oversized shoulders, a buttoned waist, and two color choices.
For streamlined bottoms, Revolve offers the superdown Lucia Capri in a zebra print for $68. Additionally, retailer Aritzia offers the Standout Blazer for $248, a single-breasted, slim-fit jacket with notched lapels crafted from Eversential stretch fabric in several colors.
Styling Sheer Fabrics for Professional Settings
Sheer fabrics and lingerie-inspired garments can be integrated into work wardrobes when styling takes precedence over skin exposure. "The key is layering," Niesner explained, advising professionals to pair sheer pieces with solid, high-coverage base layers before adding structural outer layers.
Structure can be added using a tailored blazer, a sleeveless vest, or a trench coat. Recommended layering pieces include the Free People Lady Lux Layering Top, a lightweight lace garment available in several colors for $40, suitable for wearing beneath dresses, tees, or sweater vests.
Base layer recommendations include the Quince Cotton Linen Sweater Tank, priced at $44.90 in two colors, and the Quince Cotton Cashmere Ribbed Sleeveless Midi Dress for $59.90 in multiple colors, which features a boat neckline and ribbed knit construction. For bottoms, Anthropologie stocks the Mare Mare Sheer Organza Midi Skirt for $168, which can be styled over shorts, leggings, or a tunic for work, or paired with brightly colored hot pants or sequin bottoms on weekends.
Outerwear selections include the Lulus Thames Taupe Cropped Trench Coat for $68, featuring a classic double-breasted silhouette, collared neckline, side pockets, long sleeves with buttoning cuffs, an oversized fit, and a removable cape detail. Nordstrom offers the EDIKTED Bess Sheer Lace Cover-Up Maxi Skirt for $36.80, designed with a back slit for movement and recommended for layering over biker shorts or beneath a mini skirt.
Modernizing the Peplum Silhouette for 2026
The peplum silhouette has returned for autumn 2026, shifting away from the overly feminine sweetness of the early 2010s toward intentional modern styling. A peplum refers to a short flared or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waistline of a garment to enhance the shape.
To keep peplum tops feeling current, Niesner recommended simplifying the surrounding wardrobe elements. "I love leaning into a monochromatic look - whether that’s a head-to-toe neutral or even all denim," Niesner stated.
Featured peplum selections include the Romi Burgundy Satin Puff Sleeve Peplum Top from Lulus for $39, which includes seamed cups, a set-in waist, and a peplum hem. This can be paired with the Quince 100% Washable Silk Drawstring Wide Leg Pants, crafted from mulberry silk with pockets for $90.
For denim options, Lulus offers the Darby Medium Wash Denim Peplum Top featuring an under-bust seam and ruffled peplum hem for $31.20, marked down from $39. Bottoms include The Vintage Relaxed Slight Dark Wash Denim Flare Jeans from Just Black Denim, available at Lulus for $79, featuring stretchy denim, a high waist, five-pocket cut, zipper fly, top button, and subtle flared hems.
Updating Work Footwear With Two-Tone Shoes
While traditional loafers and boat shoes offer easy ways to update office wardrobes, Niesner highlighted two-tone pumps as a particularly fresh option for the season. "They add just enough visual interest to transform a simple office look," Niesner said, noting their ability to transition from workday meetings to post-office plans.
Featured footwear includes the Quince Italian Leather 65mm Cap Toe Slingback, available in a few colors for $94, crafted with an Italian sheep leather upper, cow leather lining, and a 4mm Ortholite leather insole. Reformation offers the Natasha Wedge for $328, designed with a pointed toe and an adjustable ankle strap.
Incorporating Zebra Print as a Neutral Accent
Zebra print is emerging as a primary pattern accent for fall 2026, offering an easy way to elevate neutral outfits. "Zebra is having a real moment, and it’s surprisingly easy to incorporate into an otherwise neutral wardrobe," Niesner noted.
Styling suggestions include pairing zebra-print flats with black trousers or carrying a printed handbag alongside a gray suit. Accessories options include the Lola Cruz Asymmetric Heels for $250 at Anthropologie.
For handbags, Kate Spade Outlet offers the Kate Spade Carter Zebra Sling Crossbody Bag for $81.75, reduced from $299. Nordstrom carries the Dole Vita Kairo Zebra Genuine Calf Hair Shoulder Bag for $178.80, marked down from $298, which features genuine calf hair, an elongated silhouette, and a polished handle.
Selecting High-Fashion Work Bags for Office Commutes
Upgrading standard work bags with fashion-forward accessories completes runway-inspired office looks. The Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39, priced at $495 at Coach, features natural grain leather, a minimalist hobo shape, a snap pocket, and interior capacity for a 15-inch laptop.
Brahmin offers the Aliza handbag starting at $365 in multiple patterns and colors, featuring a scooped silhouette designed to rest under the arm or on the shoulder. The spacious bag accommodates laptops, wallets, notebooks, sunglasses, and cosmetics.
Additional related styling guides published alongside the report address topics such as wearing white after Labor Day, styling summer pieces into autumn, finding affordable split-toe Tabi flats, and wearing cowboy boots without appearing costumed. E! Insider Shop editors independently create content and determine coverage based on research and reporting, with pricing and availability accurate as of September 9, 2026.
