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NY Fashion

Today’s post was written by fellow blogger Tyler from the amazing Haute and the City. He shares his insight on fashion in NY and shares a few tips to help you blend in. Thank you so much Tyler!

To an insider, NY fashion can seem confusing, varied and sometimes stressful.

To an outsider, NY fashion can seem nonsensical, overly-complicated and over-indulgent.

…after all, NY produced Lady Gaga. 

Fresh off the Spring/Summer 2011 New York Fashion Week circuit, after soaking in countless hours of the finest in fashion, I began to ponder about the multifaceted world of New York fashion. Is the essence of NY fashion the Madison Avenue luxury boutiques, or the downtown thrift shops with one-of-a-kind pieces?

As a 20-something NY professional and fashion blogger, I get the opportunity to attend a variety of events: everything from book launches to birthdays to parties celebrating other parties. Dressing “for the occasion” has become less and less occasional, and more and more routine.

Unfortunately, picking out what to wear in the morning still is no easy task.

Earlier this year, I attended a launch party for a fashion photography exhibit downtown. Fresh from my day job as publicist, I thought I had chosen acceptable apparel with my cardigan sweater and tie. Perfect for some mingling amongst wine and photos, right?

That’s what I thought… until I saw the other attendees!

Men in five-inch heels, people wearing purses as hats, clashing patterns, self-made clothing galore; it was clear my cardigan was a bit too “Park Avenue” conservative for this outgoing Lower East Side Crowd.

The next day, I had the pleasure of attending a party being held on the 57th floor of the Time Warner Center in a $35.5 million penthouse apartment. Although the invitation said “wear comfortable clothes,” that was clearly a test that I miserably failed, because my grey suede boots and maroon cashmere sweater were completely out of place amongst the Tom Ford suits and Diane von Furstenburg dresses.

So how do you navigate the concrete jungle of NY fashion?

Be yourself. I love reading Miguel’s blog posts because he stresses individuality. In New York, being an individual is everything. So whether you’re spicing up your suit with fun cufflinks or wearing your favorite new shirt, just keep it true to who you are and what you like. Plus, there’s nothing worse than showing up to a party in the same outfit as someone else, right?

Always follow your gut. If you’re worried that you’re underdressed, you probably are. If you have to wear the new pair of shoes you just bought, make it work. When you follow your instincts, you’re going to feel a lot more confident, which means everyone’s going to love your look, too.

BUT:

Keep it simple. The line between being unique and being fashion roadkill is pretty thin. If you’re worried how a certain look might be received, stick with the classics. A well-tailored white shirt will take you very far.

While navigating whether or not to wear a suit or a one-of-a-kind cape designed for you by your fashion designer friend can be a bit complicated, the most important thing about living and dressing in New York is to just be yourself.

In the end, I’ve decided New York fashion is a bit like a puzzle, no two pieces are alike, but when they come together, there’s a really great picture. 

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Pictures from: http://marinnyc.com/

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  1. tylerwilliams reblogged this from beyondfabric
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