Lili Reinhart Michael Kors Comeback: A Masterclass in Sultry Minimalism at NYFW 2025 • CelebMafia

September 12, 2025 – Eight years. That’s how long Lili Reinhart stayed away from New York Fashion Week, trading the concrete jungle for the cobblestones of Paris, the grandeur of Milan, the eclectic energy of London.

But last night, at the Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2026 show, she made her return—and it was worth the wait. Clad in a glen plaid wool suit from the Fall/Winter 2025 collection, Reinhart didn’t just sit front row; she commanded it, proving that sometimes, absence really does make the sartorial heart grow fonder.

The Look: A Study in Subversion

Reinhart’s outfit was Look 48 straight off the Michael Kors runway, but with a twist only she could pull off. The sleeveless double-breasted blazer, cinched at the waist with a Kasia Leather Wrap Belt, was a lesson in power dressing—if power dressing came with a plunging neckline and an open back. The blazer’s structured shoulders and statement lapels screamed boardroom authority, while the elastic strip connecting the back vents added a whisper of rebellion. And yes, she went shirtless underneath, because why not? The Carolyn Glen Plaid Wool Straight-Leg Trousers completed the ensemble, their high waist and sharp tailoring elongating her frame.

But here’s where Reinhart made it her own. While the runway model paired the suit with Western-inspired boots, the Riverdale alum opted for black satin pointy pumps, a nod to old Hollywood glamour that felt effortlessly modern. And instead of the leather crossbody bag seen on the catwalk, she carried a coin purse—a trend already co-signed by Kendall Jenner, Priyanka Chopra, and Taylor Swift this summer. The accessory swap was subtle but significant, elevating the look from street style to star style.

Styling Cohesion: Less Is More (But Make It Bold)

Reinhart’s beauty look was the perfect counterpoint to her daring suit. Her hair, styled in loose waves, softened the blazer’s sharp lines, while her makeup—glowy skin, a swipe of mascara, and a nude lip—let the outfit take center stage. The only jewelry? A pair of diamond stud earrings with gold hardware, their sparkle catching the light every time she turned her head.

The attitude? Pure confidence. Reinhart posed with the ease of someone who knows exactly how good she looks, her smile suggesting she was in on a joke the rest of us were still trying to decode. It was the kind of moment that makes you wonder: Is this a fashion statement or a personality test? (Spoiler: It’s both.)

The Context: A Return to Form

Reinhart’s last public Michael Kors moment was in 2019, but if this look is any indication, her hiatus is officially over. The suit’s glen plaid—a fabric with roots in British tailoring but a firm foothold in American prep—felt like a homecoming, a sartorial olive branch extended to the city that never sleeps. And the timing? Impeccable. Plaid is having a moment for Spring 2026, with Ralph Lauren, Rachel Comey, and now Michael Kors all revisiting the classic pattern with fresh eyes.

Her front-row neighbors—Olivia Wilde, Gwyneth Paltrow, Leslie Bibb—might have been dressed to the nines, but Reinhart’s look was the one that lingered. Maybe it was the way the blazer’s open back revealed a glimpse of her tattoo, or the way her pumps clicked against the concrete as she took her seat. Whatever it was, she owned it.

The Cultural Ripple: Why This Matters

This wasn’t just a great outfit; it was a declaration. After years of European detours, Reinhart’s return to NYFW felt like a full-circle moment, a reminder that New York’s fashion scene thrives on boldness, individuality, and a little bit of rule-breaking. Her suit was minimalist yet sultry, classic yet contemporary—much like the city itself.

And let’s talk about the coin purse. In a season where micro-bags have dominated, Reinhart’s choice felt like a quiet rebellion. Practical? Debatable. Stylish? Undeniably.

Get the Look: Channeling Lili’s NYFW Energy

Want to steal a page from Reinhart’s playbook? Here’s how:

The Suit: Invest in a glen plaid wool blazer with a structured silhouette. Michael Kors’s Belted Backless Blazer is the obvious choice, but brands like Theory and Reformation offer similar styles.
The Belt: A leather wrap belt (like Michael Kors’s Kasia) cinches the waist and adds instant polish.
The Shoes: Swap out boots for black satin pumps—they’re the secret weapon for turning a suit from corporate to captivating.
The Bag: Ditch the tote. A coin purse or mini bag keeps the look sleek and intentional.
The Attitude: Confidence is the ultimate accessory. Wear it like you mean it.

The Verdict: A NYFW Mic Drop

Lili Reinhart didn’t just attend the Michael Kors show; she happened to it. Her look was a masterclass in balancing structure and seduction, proving that sometimes, the most powerful statements are the ones you don’t have to shout.

For more celebrity fashion moments that blend audacity with elegance, explore our archives here.