If I woke up one morning with my body on auto pilot and I had to choose an outfit for myself without thinking – I’m going straight for baggy jeans, a basic tank top or bodysuit, throwing one my Air Forces 1s, and adding gold jewelry. That’s my default go-to outfit. Obviously, being in New York City during the summer months and having to think “Am I going to suffer heat exhaustion or be drenched in sweat while I wait for my train?” plays a role in how I dress for my days out in the city. I take advantage of the basics I packed with me for the summer since I flew to NYC with two suitcases. It's a never-ending game of "What can I pair with what?" I would break it down into three categories: work outfits, school outfits, and weekend outfits.
1. Work Outfits: While trying to express my individuality and being blessed that my place of employment does not require a formal dress code has let me be creative with what outfits I strut into work in. I have been obsessed with this pair of satin, wide leg, black trousers that have an elastic waistband. They look professional but are super breathable and comfortable. I love pairing these pants with a graphic tee with a blazer over top to play on the casual meets NYC fashion intern look. I opt for a lot of casual dresses for work because it’s something simple and easy that I can throw on in the morning yet still look like I have my life together. While working at Marchesa, I've had the absolute pleasure of getting to try on dresses from past collections and have somehow collected seven dresses in my short two months of working there. It's like I get to play dress up for work but get to actually buy and keep some of them!
2. School Outfits: This is where the jeans and bodysuit look come in. I have to be mindful of the weather and keep in mind that the class building is usually cold when getting ready in the morning on Tuesday and Thursday. I’m not thinking for fashion-forward for these fits, my mindset is more centered about the overall comfortability of what I’m putting on. With the temps up in the 90s this week, I’ve been opting for denim shorts to wear to class. Shorts can be tricky for someone who is 6 feet tall like myself but opting for longer pairs that are appropriate yet stylish is the way to go.
3. Weekend Outfits: A big ole question mark. If I’m grocery shopping and just keeping things lowkey like walking to the promenade to catch the sunset, I’m going bike shorts and an oversized tee. If I’m strolling around Washington Square Park or catching a pop-up shop, I’ll go for my OG outfit of jeans/shorts and a summer top. If we’re talking rooftop drinks at sunset or a show on Broadway, then I will slip into a loose fitting dress and take my outfit to the next level with accessories or I will take advantage of my multiple years working in a specialty lingerie store and pair a sultry corset top with some leather pants and call it a night.
A major factor that has inspired my own personal style in NYC is simply looking to see what other people are wearing. Don’t get me wrong…I’m going to wear what I want to wear and feel comfortable yet confident in but I will see a girl running on the subway steps in a dope outfit and say “Wow, I want to try that out.” I feel really lucky that I don’t have to wear formal business clothes to my internship because it allows me a creative outlet to try different outfits and combine my existing wardrobe and make it appropriate for the office. That’s a huge perk about working in the fashion industry is that you’re encouraged to let your own style shine through. I wouldn’t say that New York has changed my style per say but it has made me feel more confident when I want to try out a new outfit or wear a satin blouse and skater jeans together. The city has definitely inspired me to be more myself and let that version of my creativity come through and be reflected in the pieces I wear.
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