Let me cut to the chase – I’m something of a clothes horse. I appreciate quality, well fitting clothes constructed from good fabrics with a flattering cut. I’ve learned that the peplum and sheath are not my friends, but that I can rock trapeze and empire cuts like nobody’s business. I can still get away with a high hemline because, as they say, the legs are the last part to go south. 🙂 Lucky me.
I was in NYC recently for 24 hours of self indulgence and I’m not going to lie, my ’fits were on point.
Especially Monday.
I wore a sunflower yellow dress with burgundy tights and velvet booties. My bag was a shade of cranberry patent leather that only sounds gaudy. The dress was tiers of yellow ruffles in a lightweight chiffon. Cute af – something I know to be true by the sheer number of people who complimented me on my ”look” as I walked strutted around the West Village.
During my 36 hours in the city, I devoured the fashion and ’fits I saw on the streets and am happy to share my observations with you. While I may not have been catwalk-side at a major season launch, my view wasn’t lacking in the slightest. New York City never disappoints when it comes to sidewalk strutting.
Here are my observations…
Lots of exposed ankles with frayed hems. This length held true for pants in an array of fabrics, including denim, poplin and jersey.
Midriffs also were on display between high waisted jeans (not skinnies!) and low cut, cropped tops. It was juicy.
Cropped versions of moto jackets in a rainbow of colors were rampant.. I was so ahead of the herd on this one, friends. See my palest of blushes pink moto jacket for proof.
The consistent “shrinkage” of garments prompted me to wonder if it was a metaphor for the shrinking of our purchasing power during this time of inflation. We’re all getting less for our $ these days, aren’t we? Seems like that trend also holds true when it comes to clothing.
Pricey sneakers were all over the streets tempered by Adidas and Chuck Taylors. The latter came in countless styles including high-tops and platforms in too many shades to count.
Suit wear and matching sets were everywhere, frequently in oversized versions. Jackets and tops were usually cut in a square fashion with a straight hem that fell well below the hips. Comfortable? Yes. Flattering to the figure? Not so much.
That being said, there were men in tailored pants. Thank God.
It was a beautiful autumn weekend weather-wise and there were plenty of shorts/minis with bare legs and army boots. Blessedly, that tights-with-cutoff-jean-shorts thing has looped around for the third time in my life. For the record, I’ll be jumping on that (again) train immediately.
Hair came in every hue imaginable and there seemed to be a fair balance between those sporting natural grey shades and the equally bold repping bright colors not seen in nature. Fun!
While the matching sets tended to obscure the bodies of the wearers, there plenty of folks rocking second skins, be it leather (both genuine and faux) or Lycra. In past years, only thin people seemed willing to display their shapes, but we’ve moved past that kind of skinny-centricism to a more inclusive representation. I say ”bravo” to a generation comfortable in both their clothing and their own skin.
Waxed is the popular finish on denim this fall and I’m a fan. This fabric technique creates a shiny finish that resembles leather but is completely washable and, generally, far less expensive. The look elevates denim into something much more chic than simple cotton and it’s a look that can take your jeans from basic casual to upscale in an instant.
Fall classics such as corduroy (particularly wide wale in earthy colors), turtlenecks and flannel (especially oversized cuts) are perennial favorites and the sidewalks were awash in them. If you’re in the market for a couple of items to refresh your autumn attire, you can’t go wrong with wide cut trousers in camel corduroy, a black beatnik turtleneck (preferably in cashmere or merino wool) and your favorite guy’s flannel in plaid. I promise those three items will be what you reach for time after time.
Get yourself on the train with some Fall ‘22 looks and have some fun. It’s what fashion is all about.
