Much like in Miami, it’s always sunny at New York Fashion Week. Well, it is in the case of the 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear show that took place on Monday, September 8th. The Chinese-American designer’s newest collection is a testament to Lim’s signature impeccable tailoring whilst remaining fresh and of-the-moment.

Each model that strutted down the runway embodied the persona of a bona fide “cool girl,” despite their intentionally frizzy updos and complete lack of makeup. The clothes truly spoke for themselves, and boy, did they talk. Lim played with airy, lattice-like textures, cutouts, and wavy hems. His palette screamed, or rather, softly cooed, “spring,” with touches of sunshiny yellow, mint, powder blue and mango.

This is New York Fashion Week though, and no New Yorker would ever be without her black. Stark onyx, luxe emerald, rich leather and navy accented the collection. The abstract prints Lim featured on his statement pieces would not be out of place at the Museum of Modern Art. Classic modernity seemed to be Lim’s aesthetic for this collection, as even tried-and-true looks such as a shorts-suit and a short-sleeve blouse and trousers felt new.

Nothing Lim sent down his runway was without structure. Sleeveless jackets, pants, dresses, and even crop tops featured belting, which played up the casual-cool vibe and defined his models’ waists.

A Miami girl can really take a nod from this collection when crafting her fall wardrobe. A struggle in Miami is embracing fall fashion while still remaining cool in the hot South Florida sun. Lim, with his cutouts, use of aesthetically pleasing geometric shapes, and mixed fabrics struck the perfect balance with looking fall appropriate without donning a chunky sweater or wool pants.

If Lim can send a model down the runway in a crop top and have her not look like she’s going to the club, then you can wear one to class. Take a hint from Lim and pair a crop top with a light, slouchy pant. Looser or boxy shapes can look more put together with a belt. Try a loose cinch for a modern, relaxed vibe. Cut outs and slits can be appropriate for class too, just make sure you’re showing just a hint of skin in the right places rather than too much skin in the wrong places; that’s for tailgates and frat parties only.

words_kelly brody. illustration_claudia fernandes hernandez.