The Best New York Fashion Week Beauty Street Style Looks Are All About Bold Bangs and Crimson Lips

The Fall 2026 season is feeding my soul.

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last updated In News
a collage of five stylish women wearing dark coats and sunglasses during new york fashion week
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

New York Fashion Week is underway in the Big Apple as designers present their Fall/Winter '26 collections to editors, buyers, creators, and anyone lucky enough to snag a ticket to one of the various crowded venues around the city. But as someone who has attended her fair share of runway shows over the years, I know that the real style buffet is outside on the street. As photographers clamor to snap the season's new It bags, swoon-worthy outerwear, and sleek yet cozy knitwear (plus any chic shoe that can traverse the ice piles that still crowd the NYC sidewalks) I'm scouring the attendees for the best street style beauty looks.

So far this season appears to be all about a fringe. Whether blunt, wispy, micro, or curly, bangs are having a serious moment amongst the stylish set, with appearances on every hair type, texture, length, and color. And while short haircuts remain a fashion girl staple—from cunty little bobs to teeny weeny afros—long hair is most definitely making a comeback. Messy waves with rib-skimming length are giving the street style scene a decidedly '70s flavor, and ultra glossy locks are looking even more radiant under the chilly February sun.

As for the glam, this season is focusing on the lips in either a brilliant pop of ruby red or demure nude shade, paired with a glowy-but-not-too-glowy complexion that can withstand the wind and freezing temperatures. I suspect that many a show attendee remembered to leave the house only after applying a thick layer of barrier-protecting moisturizer and SPF (or maybe that's just my wishful beauty editor thinking). Either way, it's a very elegant, refined, and stylish approach to makeup this season, not quite bare-faced but not a full-on beat either. It's the perfect middle ground for the working woman on the go, whether that's running to the office or your next fashion show.

Keep scrolling for some of the best New York Fashion Week street style beauty looks from the Fall/Winter 2026 season.

New Nudes

a woman in a fur hat and graphic print t shirt and leather jacket with a nude lipstick

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

The newest rule for wearing the most perfect nude lipstick? Pair it with an XXL furry hat.

CBK Blonde

a woman with blonde hair and a dark lip in a black jacket

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

This chic show-goer must have channeled some Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy vibes given the recent release of the new American Love Story season with this flawless platinum blonde color. The deep maroon lip is also the perfect accent.

Modern Kiss Curl

a woman in a leather jacket with a braided kiss curl hairstyle

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

The kiss curl trend has been all over the street style scene (and the red carpet) so I was delighted to see a fresh take on the look with a stylish braided variation.

Moody Muse

a woman in a shearling coat with dark lipstick and a headscarf

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Dark moody lipsticks are the ideal winter beauty accessory, and this luxe burgundy shade is just divine.

Bald Is Beautiful

a woman with a shaved head in a leopard outfit with sunglasses exiting a car

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Major props to this diva for taking on the cold NYC weather with a chic shaved head—no scarf, hat, or balaclava required.

Go Oversized

a woman in a purple jacket with dark brown hair wearing a barrette

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

The quickest way to make a laid-back hairstyle work for the street style scene? Add an oversized barrette.

Brilliant Berry

a woman with bright red hair in a black jacket with sunglasses

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Ultra bright hair hues are having a moment this season, and this bold berry shade is one of my favorite options from the street style set.

Popping Pony

a woman in a white dress with a brunette ponytail

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

When in doubt, you can't go wrong with a high ponytail for New York Fashion Week.

Star Sign Signaling

a woman shot from the back with a red braid and a sparkling hair barrette

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Own your star sign's season with a little extra sparkle in your hair. This 'Aquarius' barrette is the perfect addition to this braided ponytail.

Scrunched Up

a woman in a scrunchie with a blue miniskirt and pink top holding a dog

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

If you can tear your eyes away from the adorable fashion pup, you'll spot that this show-goer took a cue from the recent Marc Jacobs Fall 2026 show and added an on-trend scrunchie to her look.

Braided, Baby

a woman in a mini skirt and fur coat with braids and glasses

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

A chic pair of braids is always a winner when it comes to street style, but this looped pigtail style defies gravity and expectations this season.

Give Us a Kiss

a woman with a kiss curl and sunglasses with a black dress and bag

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

The delicate kiss curl is the perfect addition to this chic monochromatic look.

Go for Bold

a woman in a white dress and fur coat with dark brown hair

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Who says you can't rock a strong eye and bold lip together? This winged liner look with the berry lipstick is so fierce.

Green with Envy

a woman with a shaved head and green eyeshadow wearing a green suit

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

The subtle green liner at the corner of the eye is everything with this beauty look. I love the color coordination with the suit!

Burgundy Bob Beauty

a woman with a short bob haircut in a maroon color with a black jacket and jeans

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

I adore this bowl cut bob so much, but the stunning burgundy color really takes the look to another level. Is this the red hair shade that will take over 2026?

Totally TWA

a woman in a shearling jacket with a teeny weeny afro and white headphones

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Is there anything cuter than a teeny weeny afro? Allow those cheekbones to take center stage with this chic, short cut.

Alt Hues All Day

a woman with green hair in a maroon jacket with a black studded bag

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Who said alternative hair colors are just for the cool teens of the world? I'm obsessed with the turquoise shade on this show-goer, and paired with the trendy black nails? Perfection.

Cherry Kiss

a woman with brunette bangs and red lipstick

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

A pop of red on the pout is my favorite street style beauty look, no matter the city or the season. This brilliant cherry shade is simply divine.

Brushed Out Curls

a woman with brunette curly hair and a pink scarf and t-shirt

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

As someone who didn't understand that she had wavy hair until she was 16, I typically loathe the idea of brushing out my texture. But this fluffy curl look is so editorial chic, I can't wait to recreate it for myself.

Gorgeous Grays

a woman with long dark brunette hair in black and white jacket and sunglasses

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Be still my heart! The stunning sliver of gray in this brunette babe's bangs is giving me life, especially as someone who is going silver in her 30s.

Copper Top Knot

a woman with red hair in a top know bun in a brown fuzzy jacket and sunglasses

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Another drop-dead-gorgeous red head outside the shows this season, with the most elegant top knot to allow that shearling coat plenty of time to shine.

Super Sleek Bixie

a woman with a short black bob in a black jacket with sunglasses and large pearl earrings

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

The grown out pixie-meets-bob, aka the "bixie", is a forever fashion-girl favorite. I'm utterly obsessed with this chic version, and with the perfect little flippy ends, too.

Platinum Perfection

a woman with platinum blonde hair with sunglasses and a red and black coat with blue feathers

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

The platinum blonde locks (with yet another set of bangs) and the rosy red lipstick is the ideal combination for winter.

Matching Maroon

a woman in a black jacket and maroon beret with maroon lipstick

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

The quickest way to look like a street style star? Match your lipstick to your beret (and your gloves!) for a monochromatic maroon moment.

Barrette Babe

a woman in a blue cardigan with a short brunette bob

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Ella Emhoff proves, once again, that she knows her way around a hair accessory. The little barrettes in her flippy bob are too chic for words.

Bangin' Braids

a woman in a leopard coat with dark brown bangs and a braid

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Upgrade that set of blunt bangs with an equally chic braided ponytail. It's a must-have addition to your leopard coat, trust me.

Perfectly Imperfect Pixie

a woman in a gray suit with a black jacket and a brunette pixie cut

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Toying with the idea of a short haircut for winter? Allow this artfully messy pixie to inspire you to get a little scissor happy.

Barrette Trio

a woman in a black and brown shearling jacket and hair clips on the street

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

When it comes to hair accessories, more is most definitely more. Elevate the humble barrette with a three-part stack, and pair it with an effortless low ponytail to complete the look.

Sleek and Chic Bun

a woman in a tan Coach jacket and jeans with a dark brown bun

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

When in doubt, go classic. A middle part and a sleek bun are a timeless combo for a reason, as seen on this show-goer.

Beautifully Boho Braids

a woman with dark curly extensions in a black leather jacket

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Like I said, length is in this season, so indulge in a set of boho braids that can nearly touch your waist. The protective style will keep your hair safe from the harsh winter weather and have you looking like a NYFW street style star.

A Pop of Crimson

a woman in a black, tan, and red jacket with a black hat and red lipstick

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

A brilliant splash of crimson on an otherwise bare face is so painfully stylish, it almost upstages Chloe King's magnificent black bonnet hat.

Hannah Baxter
Hannah Baxter
Beauty Director

Hannah Baxter is the Beauty Director at Marie Claire. She has previously held roles at The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and Bust Magazine, covering beauty, wellness, fashion, and lifestyle. She authors the Marie Claire newsletter Face Forward. Her writing has appeared in Harper's Bazaar, Allure, The Cut, Elle, InStyle, Glamour, Air Mail, Vogue, Architectural Digest, Byrdie, Nylon and more.

She is also the founder of Anxiety Beer, a weekly newsletter about the intersection of culture and mental health. In her spare time you can catch her reading too many overdue library books, thrifting, or hanging with her hairless cat, Norman. You can find her on Instagram and TikTok @hannahbaxward.