Hello! I’m a senior Journalism and Media major at Rutgers University, with a minor in Gender and Media. Growing up in the New Jersey-New York City area inspired me to write about fashion. I’ve always been amazed by the world of street wear, and I want to document different styles that I see around the streets of New York City within this blog specifically.
Fashion in a Post-Covid World
With the United States’ social distancing practices in full effect for over a month now, retail stores face an uncertain future ahead: will they be reopening anytime soon? If they do reopen, just as many shopping malls and stores have in China, will consumers be as willing as they were before to, once again, indulge in the world of fashion?
The fact of the matter is, the fashion world seems to be at a confusing halt. For now, many retail stores and shopping malls have closed down as per government orders, but nobody has a real answer on when business will resume as usual.
The numbers are scary – while it seems like the curve is starting to flatten within many parts of the US, it’s still imperative that individuals exercise caution, stay at home and avoid close contact with others not in the same household. It’s hard to admit for many that retail is a non-essential business, and amid a global pandemic, this kind of business must be put on temporary hold.
According to WWD, for most designers “having a single store, let alone a network, is a culmination of years of toil, dedication and sacrifice.” In other words, making it big in the fashion industry is no walk in the park. They will now have to reevaluate the situation and make a shaky decision on the future of their brand.
What’s next for the fashion world?
As numbers slowly start to fall, and more research is done on this situation, fashion will come back to life sooner or later. Many consumers are keeping up with the media now more than ever, which means advertising for online stores has garnered more numbers than ever before.
It’s important that different fashion brands maintain a strong online presence during this time. If they continue to remain relevant to consumers from the digital sphere, it’s highly likely they will have an easier time adjusting to the mass-business reopening in a post-covid world.
While not many people have fashion on their minds right now, look into topics like these might be a lighthearted and fun distraction from all the negativity going on in the outside. Even though everyone is confined to their homes, and there might not be a reason to dress for success, it is essential for our mental well-beings to stick to a routine we are comfortable with during this time.
Bridal Fashion
Hailey Bieber in custom Off-White
Here comes the bride… but make it streetwear.
Towards the end of September 2019, Hailey Baldwin officially became a Bieber as she walked down the aisle in a custom made Off-White wedding dress. As a prominent icon in the streetwear scene, Mrs. Bieber did not disappoint as she showed off an elegant off-the-shoulder ensemble with intricate lace detailing and a statement quote stitched on the end of her veil that solidified the brand and its originality.
Off-White is not typically known for doing wedding dresses, but Bieber reached out to have the piece specially made for her special day. The brand is known for it’s classic pieces within the streetwear scene and it’s equally iconic quotes stitched onto each item.
The end of Bieber’s veil reads “TILL DEATH DO US PART”, symbolizing a fitting trademark to both the brand and Bieber’s unique style as she celebrated eternal love and happiness.
Sophie Jonas in custom Louis Vuitton
For every woman, her wedding is a night to remember, so every little detail counts.
Sophie Jonas remained tasteful and sophisticated in a custom made Louis Vuitton dress for her rather intimate yet festive ceremony. The 24-year-old Louis Vuitton ambassador looked exquisite in a short-sleeve backless gown that still held conservatively beautiful.
Designer Nicholas Ghesquiere shared closer details on Instagram, captioning the shot of Jonas with the simple words “Absolute beauty.”
Vera Wang’s Spring 2020 Bridal Collection
Pretty in pink… or white… or…blue? Vera Wang showcases a breathtakingly beautiful bridal line for her Spring 2020 collection, with colors ranging from all sorts of posh pastels. Each gown is unique and tasteful in their own ways, yet they all seem to incorporate luscious ruffles and large floral detailing.
These wedding looks are ethereal and spectacular in their own way. Regardless of the unfortunate pandemic bringing a halt to wedding season, each of these dresses incorporate fun and playful Spring vibes that should still be celebrated.
Spring Stay-At-Home Style
With the stay-at-home orders taking up a huge portion of our lives right now, keeping up with fashion might be the last thing on our minds. Even so, it can be a much-needed distraction during these uncertain times, and even lift our spirits to look forward to better things.
It’s important now more than ever to stay comfortable in our clothes. Since we spend the most time to ourselves and our close family and friends, we need to make sure we feel good on our own. Although staying inside is the safest option for now, it’s helpful to catch a little bit of sun while maintaining a safe six-foot distance from others in the area.
For my spring wardrobe amid a global pandemic, I like to stick to hoodies and leggings. I am able to stay cozy while still getting ready for my day. During times like these, it’s essential for our mental wellbeings to at least feel like we still have a routine to get through, and changing into fresh new clothes rejuvenates this idea.
Additionally, wearing flexible clothing pieces like leggings helps you feel more motivated to stay active. It can be easy to fall into a fitness rut, especially when there’s a lack of change in your environment. Even so, looking after your own health and wellbeing is vital.
What’s the best way to conduct a photoshoot during a pandemic? Set your phone on self-timer and prop it against a surface or tripod in the comfort of your own home! Regardless of the gloomy news happening in the outside world, it’s still spring! That means it’s finally time to play with soft, vibrant colors and fun skirts.
In these photos, I paired a bohemian-style baby pink top with an asymmetric denim skirt for a nice restful day at home. It’s refreshing to play dress-up even if there’s no where to go, as it can really uplift your mood for the remainder of the day. Bright colors are also nice to look at, since we aren’t really being exposed much to other people and environments on the outside anymore.
It’s the best time to energize your mind and stay productive. Whether that means getting ready for your day and putting a nice outfit on, or spending time learning new things and remaining positive. On the other hand, it’s important to remember that this is not a productivity contest. It’s also just nice to take time for yourself and stay comfortable in whatever outfit you feel like wearing for the day.
Covid-19’s Impact on the Fashion Industry
With the rise of social media and celebrity influence on fashion trends, no one could have ever suspected for businesses to plummet so suddenly. The Covid-19 pandemic prompted many retail locations to close down worldwide, and in this case, rely solely on online markets and big department store partners to keep their work going.
All across the major fashion hot spots of New York City, popular stores are emptied and isolated. SoHo, Fifth Avenue and Herald Square are practically ghost towns compared to what they were a little over a month ago.
The fact is, businesses rely heavily on consumers to keep them running. However, with the recent stay-at-home orders in effect almost entirely worldwide, it has become more and more difficult to reach customers on services that are not necessarily essential.
Stacy DeBroff writes about the new “Stay-Home Economy” and how consumers now more than ever turn to the Internet and social media for “content, comfort and creativity.” In other words, online markets are still running, as people run out of options to keep themselves entertained at home. Consumers begin to rely more on social media Influencers to provide them the content they need during this time.
One important point about the business of the fashion industry is the need for celebrities and influencers to bring in more consumers and overall sales. People are constantly up-to-date on current trends simply from participating in digital media consumption.
While many different brands are struggling to keep up with the recent decline in sales, they understand now more than ever the importance of advertising through the media. Despite the mandatory stay-at-home orders, consumers are still being connected to each other through different sites on the Internet.
Philip Lim mentioned that although it seems like life is canceled at the moment, people still need to be doing everything they can to remain calm and sane. He recommends sticking to a routine, getting ready for the day, and keeping productive in order to ensure that when at some point life does return to normal, it will be one smooth transition.
Another tactic many fashion brands are adopting during this economic crisis is implementing many discounts and sales within their online markets. This piques consumers’ interests and allows them to remain connected.
Even so, this is a difficult transition for many in the retail industry. A large part of their business accounts for their physical stores that have now been put on hold during this time. Although now prioritizing websites and advertising, it is still a new territory for many to explore.
Fast fashion markets are also dealing with a huge change. Normally, product manufacturing goes through the supply chain, and with this pandemic affecting hundreds of thousands worldwide, it is difficult to keep up with the demand. Lots of people are out of work because it is a huge risk to even leave the house. Furthermore, retail services aren’t considered essential, so production has largely come to a halt.
As of April 13, New York state now has more than 195-thousand cases of the virus. Previously known as the city that never sleeps, the area is now visibly deserted.
Clueless: Fashion Icons from the ’90s
From plaid and preppy to classy and chic, the popular rom-com from 1995 changed the game in the fashion world. Clueless was one of the first movies to make plaid schoolgirl looks seem cute and stylish, with the influence of the movie spreading throughout television and other popular media outlets.
Plaid, along with monochromatic ensembles paired with hints of bright color seemed to be the main theme for the film’s wardrobe. The girls were the main focus, and were seen constantly strutting the school hallways with new and eccentric looks each time.
In the film, Cher Horowitz is a Beverly Hills high school fashionista. She rules her life and her school by the different statements she makes with her bubbly yet confident aura. Her plaid yellow blazer and skirt set is seen as the most classic look throughout, with modern day Halloween costumes being modeled almost identically.
Alicia Silverstone as Cher quickly became a huge fashion icon. Within the film, the actress was able to pull of a number of stunning looks, all representing the quirky charm that came with the character and overall storyline.
As stated in Fashion on Television, “it is primarily the display of lifestyle within extra-textual material that contributes to the construction of the star as ‘glamorous’ and as an object of desire” (111). It’s no secret that Cher lived a life that every girl would dream of having. Let’s face it – there was basically no limit to the amount of clothes she could shop for.
The chapter focus primarily on Sarah Jessica Parker and Blake Lively being their own respective shows’ style icons living in a dream-like fashion world (110). Women like these are being portrayed as powerful protagonists who just also happen to be style icons. They are figures within the media that young girls look up to for style inspiration.
As one of the original movies to showcase a strong female protagonist, Clueless will be remembered as a classic moment in fashion history. Hints of the ’90s fashion being worn by all different characters in the film are still being incorporated into modern day fashion. Similarly, many streetwear styles show a lot of designs with plaid, or laid-back preppy looks.
Michelle Obama: A Political Style Icon
Who says political fashion can’t be affordable?
Back in October 2008, Michelle Obama stunned the crowd during an appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno when she told him about how her outfit was from J. Crew. Previously, the talk-show host had assumed the price range of the First Lady’s clothing choices to be in the tens of thousands of dollars.
First Lady Michelle Obama made an impact in history with her fashion statements alone during her time at the White House. From controversial sleeveless dresses to classy and professional ensembles, Mrs. Obama never failed to impress.
In March 2009, the newly appointed First Lady consistently made headlines with her choice to bare her arms within numerous photos and public appearances. Although seemingly normal for most women outside of the political world, Mrs. Obama was heavily criticized by her fashion choices. Many individuals called her out for dressing too informally and out of season, considering her sleeveless ensembles were worn multiple times during the Winter months.
On the other hand, many fashion outlets and designers referred to Michelle Obama as a revolutionary style icon. The role of the First Lady holds a tremendous weight on the fashion world and what is essentially advertised during public events and photo opportunities. It was certainly a surprise when the 56-year-old mentioned at the time that she shops at J. Crew just like everybody else.
The former First Lady knows how to rock a multitude of different looks: from relaxed yet presentable to formal and elegant. Michelle Obama is a visionary with a simple J. Crew sweater paired with a classic pearl necklace and a mint-green skirt to match. At the same time, she can instantly change up the mood at black-tie events by showing off a solid white Tom Ford gown and long white gloves.
Let’s not forget about her take on the coveted pant suit trend – Mrs. Obama spiced up the political uniform in sparkles and stripes as she glowed while making an entrance.
Michelle Obama’s fashion statements are truly unpredictable. On some days, she can be seen as casual-chic and off-duty in white ripped jeans and sandals, while on others, she is bright and diplomatic with vibrant neon colors and loud patterns.
The First Lady also experiments with a lot of different dresses and tops with unique cut-outs and shapes. She is definitely not one to disappoint on stage with her impeccable wardrobe.
The mother of two is known for keeping things professional, yet familiar. She constantly advertises her more relaxed looks in addition to other, more refined combinations. The most important thing about the First Lady’s role in fashion is that one would ever really know what to expect.
A constant risk-taker in the industry, Mrs. Obama will forever be known as the First Lady who made history as a fashion icon. She is known to be versatile in any of the clothes she chooses to wear, and that’s what makes her the anomaly we didn’t know we needed in the political world.
Back to the Basics: New York City Street Style
Who doesn’t own a good old fashioned pair of blue jeans? This trendy, yet relaxed and comfortable denim staple has become a hot commodity on the streets of New York City.
Although commonly seen as a means for casual and lazy days, denim jeans can certainly be dressed up to appear more stylish and classy. Within New York City in particular, many women are seen going about their daily lives, sporting a pair of jeans with a fluffy jacket and solid boots to match.
The best thing about jeans is that everyone owns at least one pair. With varying styles and agendas, many people put their own fun twist to an otherwise classic piece.
With such a common closet must-have, it’s important to be creative with different shoes and accessories in order to stand out among the crowd. A quirky little handbag or intricately designed pair of flats would certainly be able to do the job.
The best part about New York City is the fast-paced environment. Whether taking a casual stroll along the busy streets or rushing up the avenues to beat the subway wait times, it’s nearly impossible to miss a good pair of denim on any one passing individual.
An essential piece for all: both men and women are seen comfortably showing off their personal styles. Blue jeans come in all sorts of different sizes and shapes. An outfit is only truly put together when an individual radiates that confident, yet unique aura.
Different kinds of men are seen all throughout the city, pairing the classic denim jeans with a cool retro cap, or perhaps more professionally with a sleek vest over a casual long-sleeve top or button down. Additionally, boots can add a refreshing twist to an otherwise informal ensemble.
In group settings, there will almost always be at least one person wearing jeans. Being such a popular closet essential, it’s no question how common and simple it truly is.
In other cases, it may come to no surprise that within one small group in particular, everyone is wearing jeans. It’s also amusing to note that everyone in the far right photo is also wearing sneakers, giving off that infamous comfy-casual vibe.
However, some individuals can stand out just with the distinct style of the infamous bottoms. The center photo features a woman in a ’70s-style flared denim. She puts the entire look together with a long padded jacket and subtle black boots.
To switch things up from a busy city environment, basic blue jeans are also a popular find within college student style on campus. Pictured here are three different girls wearing the classic denim bottoms, all styled similar yet different with only the slightest distinctions.
From flats, to sneakers, or even boots, jeans can give off many different energies. From being comfy and practical, to presentable and stylish, it’s always fun to experiment with all kinds of looks.
Lastly, pictured at the center is a girl who wears a specific style of jeans different from the rest. The bottoms are cuffed and slightly ripped, tying in a refreshing variation to an otherwise common find.
Five Classic Streetwear Icons
Lisa Manoban (@lalalalisa_m)
Source: X-Girl x NONAGON Collab Campaign; Hypebae
Lisa Manoban is not your everyday K-pop girl group member, as she is known for her edgy and eccentric streetwear style. The 22-year-old is the main dancer and rapper for YG’s Korean girl group Blackpink, and she is set to release her fashion line Manobal in the near future.
While also being an ambassador for Celine, Manoban is known for being an iconic figure within the fashion industry in South Korea. In September of 2018, the dancer officially became the face of X-Girl’s collaboration with South Korean brand NONAGON, promoting a cool black-and-white theme with loud pops of color. The campaign featured many exciting pieces from thigh high black boots, to loose-fitted graphic tees and much more.
Additionally, Manoban has continued to expand her influence through social media by being the most followed K-pop idol on Instagram, with almost 30-million in her fan base.
Jenn Im (@imjennim)
Source: Instagram @imjennim
As one of the first Asian-American fashion bloggers on YouTube, Jenn Im continues to go out and make a bigger name for herself within the industry.
The 29-year-old fashion mogul launched her clothing line Eggie in August 2017, selling out within minutes of its release. The brand features unique looks that fall under many different styles, including streetwear.
As an influencer, she keeps up an active presence on Instagram, catering to her 1.7 million followers. Although Im sports a wide range of looks, she occasionally showcases that relaxed, yet chic ensemble that follows the traditional vibe of streetwear style. From a casual and classy Fendi mini, to a loose-fitted blazer with jeans and sneakers, Im never fails to stun a crowd with knock-out looks.
Hang Nguyen (@hangtw)
Source: Instagram @hangtw
From programming to blogging, Hang Nguyen has been through many career phases, documenting her transition through fashion and lifestyle on social media. Standing at only five-feet-tall, the blogger has certainly made a name for herself, racking up almost four hundred thousand followers on Instagram.
This petite style icon consistently highlights her adventurous style, through her travels to different locations all around the world. From bucket hats and beanies, to sneakers and combat boots, Nguyen is definitely no stranger to the streetwear scene. Whether dressed up for a fancy night out, or dressed down for a cozy night in, Nguyen never disappoints with her fresh and bubbly aura.
Ashley (@best.dressed)
Source: Instagram @best.dressed
After recently graduating with a bachelor’s in film from the University of California, Los Angeles, Ashley made the full dive into freelancing, YouTube, and social media influencing. Also known as “bestdressed”, the YouTuber is known for her quirky and relatable personality, publishing videos based on thrifting hacks, lookbooks, seasonal clothing staples, etc.
The 21-year-old style icon made the big move from Los Angeles to New York City just a little over a month ago, and is already seen making the grand transition into grunge-y city streetwear. While also being known for rocking flirty and flowy looks during her time in LA, Ashley has recently changed up her wardrobe to match the gloomy New York scenery.
Just a couple days ago, the Influencer posted a series of photos posing on the solid black stairs of SoHo, with an entirely monochromatic ensemble to match.
Francis Lola (@flamcis)
Source: Instagram @flamcis
Known for her classic short blonde hair and extraordinary style, Francis Lola keeps up her fashion blogger image on Instagram to her nearly three-hundred-and-fifty-thousand followers daily. The 30-year-old Influencer is constantly uploading new and fresh content to her feed, with styles ranging from all different kinds of aesthetics.
Within the streetwear scene in particular, Lola always brings new and fun elements to her looks: from neon green, snakeskin heels, to bold and chunky combat boots. Furthermore, she is seen continuing the coveted bucket hat trend, putting the entire outfit together in a soft, almost ethereal getup. Putting everything together with statement shades to match is what makes Lola’s style so special in this industry.
New York Fashion Week: Four Fall/Winter Runway Trends
- Warm Fall Tones
From left to right: Vivienne Hu Fall/Winter 2020 and Badgley Mischka RTW Fall 2020
When we think of Autumn, our mind immediately jolts into a vibrant yet muted palette, using the changing leaves and foliage as the general template. One trend put on full display for New York Fashion Week involved brands like Vivienne Hu and Badgley Mischka, unintentionally color coordinating these iconic looks for the Fall. An important thing to note about these specific looks is the hint of copper being paired with complimentary monotonous shades like black, grey and white. Overall, these looks are modest yet sleek, adding a dressy feel to a typical Fall outfit.
2. Psychedelic Prints
Source: Anna Sui Fall/Winter 2020 and Alice + Olivia RTW Fall 2020
Who says you can’t rock bold colors and prints during the colder months? Anna Sui and Alice + Olivia showcase fun, frilly dresses featuring eccentric prints for their Fall/Winter 2020 collections. The creative designs exhibit patterns a wide range of different fun patterns, with a carefully-selected color scheme to match. The colors may seem crazy at first, but they pair well with the models’ bold makeup and confident strides. Additionally, all the dresses displayed in this particular slideshow accent modest necklines and overall length. The baggy sleeves are also great accents that pair well with the vibe of both collections.
3. Pretty Pastels
Source: Oscar de La Renta Fall/Winter 2020, Proenza Schouler Fall/Winter 2020, Marc Jacobs RTW Fall 2020
Although light and fluffy pastel tones are usually associated with warmer seasons like Spring and Summer, many designers showed New York Fashion Week that Fall and Winter collections should not be so limited. The dreamy vibe given off by the soft baby pinks and blues of the featured pieces really helps uplift the mood of the colder months. With that, Oscar de La Renta showed off a bold high-low gown with a simple glittery flower detailing contrasted by a heavy train. Furthermore, Proenza Schouler’s baby blue and soft white pieces match well with the darker accents given off by the boots and bag. To top everything off, Marc Jacobs made a statement at this season’s Fashion Week with a wide range of colors on the runway. Honing in on the pastels specifically, the brand was able to tone things down with a few mellow looks.
4. Preppy Plaids
Source: Claudia Li and Rag & Bone RTW Fall 2020
Claudia Li and Rag & Bone gave off major ’90s vibes with their latest Ready-to-Wear Fall 2020 collections. Plaids and blazers on the runway curate a look reminiscent of the iconic film Clueless and it’s quintessential wardrobe. With plaid as a pattern being the main focus for all of these looks, the designers did not disappoint in their delivery. These preppy looks are modest yet classy in the way they are accessorized, with Claudia Li’s staple berets. and Rag & Bone’s ruched boots.
This season’s New York Fashion Week definitely did not disappoint – delivering unique yet classy looks to the runway for the Fall and Winter collections.
Dion Lee’s Fall/Winter 2020 NYFW Show
Australian designer Dion Lee took an inventive twist at his Fall/Winter 2020 showcase at New York Fashion Week. Displaying iconic architectural silhouettes and strong metallic chains, the brand based in Sydney brought on a new and inspired twist to the streets of New York City.
Dion Lee’s brand is described to be “technical with an intelligent sensuality”, bringing unique forms of fashion to both men and women on the runway. For his Fall/Winter collection, Lee told Vogue:
“[it] started with this idea of incorporating jewelry elements into the clothes. I found this chain for myself that I have been wearing for the past year… [it informed the development of] a custom chain that moves between the jewelry, bags, shoes and into the clothes, used to gather fabric, to control pleating and to bring in the silhouettes in places.”
In addition to the subtle display of chains on models with different looks, Lee also brought his own spin on beauty by decorating the models’ faces and hands with small silver beads.
The runway extended across each floor of The Shed in New York, with the models descending in elevators to reveal the newest collection.
Certain models were accessorized differently, with some showing off distinctive makeup or face paint to match their carefully-curated looks.
The entire collection featured a wide range of colors, from dull and muted, to loud and vibrant. Overall, the shape of each individual piece was something to take note of, with different aesthetic cuts and designs being incorporated together to exhibit similar themes and works of art.
Although having originated in Australia, the brand brings a new and fun element to the streets of New York City, implementing remarkable shapes and designs in the world of fashion. The cool aura given off by this specific collection blends smoothly with the street style in the area.
Street Style in the City 