Wonder what’s in fashion on the stylish streets of NYC? As temperatures reach a scorching 90* tank tops with short shorts or flippy skirts, and dresses, some long, mostly short in all shapes and colors prevail. And colors it is! Of course there are a number of black ensembles, but I was surprised how much head to toe white is worn, (I know it’s totally on trend this summer, but in the dirty streets of NYC? You’re blush nail polish is gray in a few days.) Primary brights in bold hues of red, yellow, green and blue are popular as are stripes. Some subtle patterns and tonal hues in beige and tobacco brown look cool and comfortable.
Style definitely matters depending what neighborhood you are in. In the Meat Packing District, where I constantly ask, can everybody be a trustafarian (a.k.a. trust fund heir, ) the guys and gals at Pastis looks like they just rolled out of bed and threw on the nearest shorts and t-shirts. Later in the afternoon, unique artsy pairings of skirts or dresses with chunky sandals step out. Occasionally you spot a well dressed mother and daughter on an afternoon shopping outing. (I was a freshman in High School last time my mother took me shopping.)
On the north side of SoHo, starting at West Broadway women in their summer bright shifts are put together well with designer handbags, stylish flats or wedge heel sandals. On the weekends you can easily spot the Jersey girls as they are overdone with hair, makeup and jewelry. True downtown girls look put together without trying too hard. Make up is minimal and hair is tousled up.
As you venture south past Mercer towards Broadway, the crowds thicken and the variety and casualness of outfits changes. Some unattractive, but you can easily spot a hip, put together scruffy look, especially at 8:30 am when people are scurrying to work. Ballet flats are as ubiquitous as strappy flat sandals with breezy dresses.
Cross LaFayette and you can eat in Balaboosta, one of NoLita’s finest restaurants in shorts, tank tops & flip flops, and that’s women as well as men. I’ve worn more makeup to yoga than I did this afternoon running errands. I looked cute in a royal blue wife-beater, black flippy skirt and multi-colored Havaianas. No jewelry, just lip gloss, hiding behind my sunglasses. No one really pays attention to anyone else. Even at night on the weekends, anything goes downtown. I guess you’re only dressing to impress your friends, your spouse, or most important, yourself! All this being said, it will be a totally different picture next week, uptown at the McQueen exhibit at The Met.
