As New York Fashion Week comes to an end, we can take a moment to appreciate the fashions that are somehow more relatable and less intimidating than their counterparts that just finished tromping the runway.
It seems as though Americans have always been a little slow on the fashion side of things. Revolutionary mass production assembly? No problem. Innovative technology? You got it dude. Yet, we can’t seem to get ahead of the fashion curve…but we are finally catching on. Thanks to beautiful pieces created by masterful designers and inspiration gathered from these fashion shows, American street style is a force to be reckoned with. While most of the world’s gaze was turned to the sporty and vintage-inspired looks rocking the runways, a few heads were turned to the streets.
Street style is the phenomenon that is taking our newfeeds by storm. But what is street style, you ask? Street style is literally what people on the streets are wearing (duh). Organically grown and observed (for the most part). However, thanks to digital cameras and sweet social media platforms like Tumblr, Pinterest, and WordPress, we can now observe New York street style all the way from China if we so desire. Not to mention plenty of fashion influencers like Olivia Palmero, Courtney Trop, and The Blonde Salad have made street style blogging a spectator sport. So let’s adjust our gaze from the catwalks to the front row of the shows, and see what the audience is wearing for a change.
Here’s the guide to the scandalous, chic, and tres wearable street styles witnessed at New York Fashion Week 2014 (this is in no way a best dressed list).
Scandal — everyone’s favorite television drama (and my favorite word), but also the perfect word to describe Miley Cyrus’ get up. Oh MiCy, how we love to hate. But I say, let your freak flag fly – but maybe not at Alexander Wang’s after rave (yes, rave) next time. Cyrus showed up to Wang’s rave in little more than black jeans and sunglasses, and to hide the goods? Cyrus sported ice cream cone-shaped pasties (confidence and liquid courage to pull that off, no doubt).
*Photo c0urtesy of MiCy Instagram
This look I am calling Scandal Marries into an Upper Class Family Named Les Chic. This sports bra clad fashionista is taking this everyday item and elevating it to a classy street style ensemble. Paired with sick boyfriend jeans, a classy blazer, and some sick pumps -she literally can do no wrong.
Chic — in a word, that’s how I would describe this show-goer’s ensemble. I love the look due to its minimalistic nature and her middle finger to that old cliché, “no white after Labor Day.” Rebellious in the best kind of way.
*Photo courtesy of Elle.com.
Instagrammer and Street Styler, Irene Kim (@ireneisgood), wowed us with this 1950s Throwback. The blogger edges this look up with a cropped top, multicolored paneled midi, and her wildly colored hair. I love the new take on the old school letter sweater. The perfect amount of slouch elongates the lines on the skirt, and even Danny Zuko would be electrified by her cool composure. For more of Irene’s sick looks, check out her Instagram.
*Photograph by Mark Iantosca.
Girl, you better work. This Minimalist look is everything; from the color neutral color palette to the dramatic flair of her palazzo pants, this look screams city chic. The boxy silhouette straight from the fall ’14 runway demonstrates just how ready-to-wear the trends of spring will be.
This brings us to Wearable, my favorite street style category because not everyone can pull off a chic scandal.
This cool muscle tee and midi skirt combo is perfect for the average Jane. The layered necklaces and shear stripe give this conservative ensemble just the edge it was missing (it’s all in the details, you know).
*Photo courtesy of Elle.com
Gigi Hadid nailed the wearable look. This simple get-up is totally doable for your average fashion lover. Destroyed boyfriend jeans not so neatly cuffed, a basic black tank, and the right booties, and you are set for a traffic-stopping look.
Who knew that black destroyed denim and a white blouse could look so…good. This effortlessly sexy street style is perfect for any season (although you Georgians may want to be careful in the summer). These girls add the right amount of drama to these looks with their too cool for school shoes.
Two things ring true consistently throughout Lara’s life: the first is that she can find the perfect song lyrics for any/every situation. The second is that she never leaves home without a Sharpie or Chapstick. Music is the heartbeat of her life, and laughter is the soundtrack. She lives for fashion and language (a weird combo, she’s aware). French was her first love, but Italian is a close second. She is a walking contradiction. Edgy yet sweet. Outgoing yet introverted. Classic rock yet hip hop. She’s a Southern Belle with big city dreams. The list goes on and on.