September 13, 2016 1:28 PM EDT
New York Fashion Week kicks off a month of fashion shows that will take place in London, Milan, and Paris, but for spectators and industry insiders alike, the first week in the Big Apple is the most exciting.
But not all the action is happening on the runways ; in fact, looking to the style on the streets can be an even greater indicator of where trends will be at for the next season in real time, on women in the street.
Here, we’ve rounded up the top five best trends we spotted from people walking outside of the shows at NYFW.
Print Mixing: Print mixing was definitely this season's zaniest street-style trend — the only rules to pulling off this style? More is more and brighter is best. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images Jenna Lyons and Courtney Crangi mixed and matched a floral pajama set to perfection. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images Patriotism has never looked so chic with this red, white, and blue combo. Melodie Jeng—Getty Images Monochromatic: Head-to-toe colorways reigned on the street-style scene this season. Bold hues and sleek silhouettes ensure that this trend will help you stand out, no matter what the occasion. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images An edgy all-black look gave rocker vibes at the shows. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images An all-white ensemble felt fresh, not prim, thanks to a playful leopard print handbag and voluminous silhouettes. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images Layering shirts with dresses: This season brought the return of the shirt-dress combo. Give the beloved '90s look an update by pairing a crisp white tee with a dress in this season's whimsical shades and prints. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images Elaine Welteworth gave her silky slip dress an edge with a leather jacket and mirrored sunglasses. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images Caroline Issa took this trend in a bohemian direction with a flowy maxi dress and flat sandals. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images Voluminous Blouses: Flowing sleeves and pneumatic bodices were trending hard outside of the shows. The key to pulling off a puffy shirt and not looking like Jerry Seinfeld in the pirate blouse? Play with the proportions of the rest of your look. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images Rachael Wang paired her polka-dotted Ellery blouse with a thigh-revealing black skirt. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images This peasant-style blouse was cinched in nicely with a pair of high-waisted jeans; the neck scarf added a touch of whimsy. Melodie Jeng—Getty Images Embellished Denim: Denim is a fashion girl's staple, durable and insouciantly chic. This season, it gets a rebellious update with embellishment, patches, and embroidery for a look that's both sweet and daring. Timur Emek—Getty Images Alessandra Codinha's floral high-waisted Levi's jeans were casual chic at its best. Daniel Zuchnik—Getty Images Sarah Owen's dark blue Canadian tuxedo got a playful update with colorful splashes of "paint" embellishment. Matthew Sperzel—Getty Images More Must-Reads from TIME