Bucket bags at BCBG

Labor Day has come and gone and now we might as well leave the rest of 2015 behind, too. The fashion world is already looking to 2016 thanks to the beginning of New York Fashion Week. Designers started showing off their collections for next spring on Thursday (with a few smaller presentations occurring earlier in the week) and already there are some pressing questions:

Let's look to the best shows and collections from the first day and see if we can definitively answer these questions by the week's end.

BCBG went full-on California hippie surfer girl for Spring. Tie dye, palm tree prints, baja ponchos, and lightweight knits in pastel colors dominated the runway in this explosion of cool girl tropes. On the runway these clothes are perfectly eclectic, but it will be interesting to see how they translate to real life. Bucket hats, though? Really? Let's save those for fishing trips and Urban Outfitters catalogues. 

Creatures of the Wind is the ultimate in eclectic cool girl style. Mixing pop floral prints, brocades, and fishnets, the CotW girl has a lot going on and isn't afraid to show off her unique take on fashion. The rich palette of reds, olives, and golds gives for a decidedly autumnal feel for a spring show, but I'm vibing it. 

If I had a dollar for every time a fashion writer predicted Cuba would be a huge source of inspiration this season, I'd probably be able to buy Cuba. Halston Heritage always harkens back to the 70s heyday of the disco party brand, and for Spring 2016 HH went totally Havana Nights with an incredibly fun collection. Glam party girls and disco divas will flock to the fun maxi dresses and jumpsuits in springy peach tones, and a Bianca Jagger-style suit will have fashionistas begging for Studio 54 to re-open its doors. 

Tomas Maier

What were your favorite shows from Day One of NYFW?

1. An easy, breezy shirtdress in a bold hue; Equipment shirtdress

2. A carry-all tote; BCBG lazer-cut leather tote bag

3. A polished, heat-proof top; Kate Spade Saturday "Sexy-Back" top

4. A graphic print skirt; Madewell wrap-around skirt

5. Statement jewelry; J. Crew rainbow necklace

Summertime is upon us, my friends, and finally this girl is free from the shackles of 16 units and insane finals weeks and ready to celebrate a glorious summer. 

For me, summer is about looking fresh, laid-back, but still poised and polished, and finding pieces that can work wherever the day takes you. Bold, bright colors are perfect for sunny days, and tote bags are necessary when bopping around town. Plus, it gives you plenty of room to stash an emergency swimsuit - my only summer secret: never go anywhere without a swimsuit in your bag, just in case.

And, add some trendiness to your summer wardrobe by adding a graphic black-and-white piece inspired by the mod looks at Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton this spring.