New York Fashion Week has officially kicked off, drawing a wave of celebrities to Manhattan for runway shows, parties and red carpet events. Designers hold catwalk shows across the city each September and February to present their upcoming clothing and accessory collections to retail buyers, the press, celebrities and the public.
Stars including Jessica Alba, Hilaria Baldwin and Martha Stewart impressed with their outfits at this year's events. But others, among them Paris Hilton, Katie Holmes, Julianne Moore, Tracee Ellis Ross and Lisa Rinna, drew criticism for looks featuring over-the-top ruffles, nearly-nude fabrics, clashing patterns and oddly shaped silhouettes.
Worst dressed at New York Fashion Week
Sports Illustrated model Brooks Nader turned up to a CFDA event in a completely see-through black lace dress that left her breasts and underwear exposed, finishing the look with pointed black heels.
Tracee Ellis Ross wore an oversized outfit to the 19th Annual Harlem's Fashion Row Show & Style Awards, pairing a large, balloon-sleeved black coat and white top with flowing, oversized black silk trousers and two mismatched dangling earrings.
Vogue's Global Editorial Director Anna Wintour appeared twice on the worst dressed list. At the Ralph Lauren show she wore a navy and white striped dress with a chevron pattern and menswear-style cuffs, paired with snakeskin high-heeled boots.
At the Proenza Schouler show, Wintour wore a long-sleeve blue checkered dress with red trim and camel-colored leather boots that gave the outfit a Western feel, finished off with her signature black sunglasses.
Julianne Moore chose a black gown for the Kering Foundation's Caring for Women dinner, but its over-the-top feathered skirt landed her on the worst dressed list.
Lisa Rinna also went with a feathered gown, wearing a bright red, fluffy dress with boxy shoulders and white pumps to the Michael Kors fashion show.
Katie Holmes looked too casual heading to the Cult Gaia fashion show on September 9, wearing an oversized black top that fell awkwardly on her frame with shiny dress trousers.
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo wore a black and red jacket, dark trousers and a matching beret to the Ralph Lauren show, accessorized with a black handbag, an array of rings and her signature long nails.
Eiza Gonzalez layered skin-tight jeans, a turtleneck top and a dramatic leather vest at the Ralph Lauren show, completing the busy look with knee-high leather boots and a bold belt.
Elle Fanning's outfit for the Ralph Lauren show clashed, combining a bright red, high-waisted pencil skirt, an unbuttoned black top revealing a lacy bra, a leopard print fur coat, black pumps and a black hat.
Rachel Zoe's choice for the Tommy Hilfiger show, a blue and white patterned set with a matching scarf, dramatic necklace and oversized white sunglasses, made for an eyesore.
Paris Hilton went nearly naked at the Alice + Olivia show in a lacy, sheer black dress that left her black underwear on full display, finished with a dramatic shawl hanging off her arms.
Salma Hayek's black gown at the Kering Foundation's Caring for Women dinner was undone by a massive, awkward ruffle around the chest and sleeves.
Amanda Seyfried wore a red leather pencil skirt and neon green tank top at the Tory Burch Spring Summer 2026 show, a combination let down by both the clashing colors and the awkward fit of the top.
Best dressed at New York Fashion Week
Lea Michele looked chic in a black suit jacket and matching skirt at the Michael Kors show, skipping a top underneath so the low-cut neckline showed just the right amount of skin.
Actress Viola Davis wore the perfect fall outfit to the Michael Kors show, posing in a high-waisted brown skirt, a turtleneck knitted tank top and leather boots.
Jessica Alba kept it classy at the Alice + Olivia show in bell-bottom black trousers and a suit jacket, also going without a top underneath so her bra was visible, in a simple but elevated black ensemble.
Rachel Brosnahan wore a brown leather top and matching trousers at the Ralph Lauren show, with a black belt sitting at the center of her midriff and silver chains hanging off it helping the outfit stand out.
Martha Stewart dazzled at the Kering Foundation's Fifth Annual Caring For Women Dinner in a sparkling black gown and several dramatic necklaces. The 85-year-old businesswoman styled her blonde hair in loose waves with striking makeup.
Elizabeth Debicki's olive set at the Ralph Lauren show suited the fall season, pairing a light green top, matching tie, jacket and trousers with brown dress shoes for a slight pop of contrast.
Nikki Hilton wore a black and white patterned skirt and matching collared top with a black bow at the center to the Alice + Olivia show, finishing the look with black and white bowed heels.
Hilaria Baldwin's skin-tight, ruched, button-down tan dress accentuated her figure at the Moncler Fifth Avenue Flagship event, elevated with hooped earrings and matching pumps.
