Moving back to New York City has enabled me to fully delve back into one of my favorite hobbies–People Watching! There is seriously no better place to people watch than in NYC, where people feel free to express themselves and are not afraid of being who they really are. (This is one of the main reasons I think that this is the greatest city in the world!) Whether you are looking at what people are wearing for fashion inspiration or for admiration or simply watching the way that people interact with one another, you can pretty much pick any street corner and your people-watching cravings will be fulfilled in no time!
One of my favorite places to people watch “the show” is from the Union Square Playground. This is a great spot because people are coming and going all day long, as they visit the Union Square Market, the stores, the restaurants, or even the hospital in the area. I also can let my little man play happily, while I sit back and enjoy the sights, um, I mean, people. Of course I get a front row view of what all the Union Square parents are wearing to play with their kiddos, but I always try to look beyond those gates to explore life outside the playground. (Even if I don’t always get to live it at this stage in my life, I get to observe it!)
While visiting this spot last week, I decided to observe from a fashion perspective (of course!), but instead of silently critiquing everyone’s outfits, I decided to explore each person’s fashion sense from a different angle. I began asking myself the question: How does the way that a person dresses effect the way that the world perceives them? My answer was really astounding and a lot of fun, because I realized that clothing really does speak volumes to others about the outlook you have on life, your profession, where you might be going, and even, sometimes, your income.
I know that as parents, it’s important to teach our children not to judge a book by its cover, but my observations on this particular day were geared to what these “covers” could possibly be saying about the contents of the “books”, strictly from an observational standpoint. I know that New York City can be awfully stereotypical (for instance, if my observations were being done from the Upper Easter Side, it would most likely be focused on women who wear their money), but my perch in my downtown Manhattan location revealed an eclectic assortment of looks:
The Relaxed Chick- This not unattractive woman is dressed in an overall casual and unfussy manner, and she looks comfortable for her everyday adventures. Shoes geared for walking, hair in a ponytail, clothes casual and not too far from what she could wear to the gym, with a well worn jacket looking all soft and comfy. I conclude that she is not fussy about fashion trends, as she mostly makes her purchases based on how much comfort an item will give her and how long the items will last. She may glance at the mirror on her way out the door to run some errands, but might regret her haste if she runs into her ex-boy friend.
The Corporate Lady- This tall, elegant woman epitomizes the “Dress for Success” concept to the ‘T’. Her job is apparently lucrative enough for her to choose expensive, well-fitted, and custom tailored clothing. She has paid a lot of attention to detail, with her not too high yet still lovely pumps and ALL of her accessories combining well to achieve the effect of a Power Chick. She is not trying to exude sexuality, but serious purpose. I think she must be in one of the more staid corporate careers like banking, since she looks a bit too conservative for a fashion or advertising job. (I just hope that her Gucci tote bag does not hold those awful running shoes to don on her lunch hour!)
The Mama- Well, it is not just the kids in tow that give her away. I try to imagine her on the way to pick up her children in day care… would I still know she is a Mama? Well, yes, the diaper bag with the cute little carousel horses is a dead giveaway! (Hasn’t she been introduced to the Rosie Pope London Shopper Classic yet?) And the face with very little make-up. Her clothes are very casual but still cute…jeans, cute sneakers, a cuddly coat sweater. No accessories other than a simple hand knit scarf. She looks tired, but she also manages to show kind affection as she directs her little ones across the busy street, and into the playground. She sits on the playground bench with a sigh of relief and a smile, as her precious ones run off to join the fray!
The Hipster- She is slight and very thin and her brown curls cut into a short bob fall messily around her face. Her jeans are skinny beyond skinny and her tight little t-shirt sports an algebraic equation of some sort. She bounces along in her Converses, her jeans rolled up enough to show her unmatched socks, as she carries a heavy-looking messenger bag and a purse with a Disney Princess embossed upon it. How can anyone look so conspicuously effortless? And so concerned about looking unconcerned? Art student? Math major? Or beating to her own drum? Something like that, though I confess to thinking she looks totally adorable!
The Tourist- Can’t miss the guide book, the subway map, and the staring up at all the tall buildings! She is chatting away to her two friends while they try to get their bearings. She is wearing cute orange patent wedges with at least a 4 inch rise that she will soon begin to regret, as she has underestimated the amount of walking we do in the Big Apple. She already has more shopping bags than she can handle. But she looks euphoric, and who can blame her? Do you remember the first time you laid your eyes on this place?!!
The Nanny- Young, blond, with a short bob and even shorter edgy bangs, and an Eastern European accent, maybe a young relative of Zsa Zsa or Eva. As the children in our nanny’s charge play happily, she sits elegantly on the bench and listens to her I-pod. Her clothes are European cool, mostly black, and her lovely fringed scarf is wrapped and arranged as only someone from across the pond can do. Boots are expensive leather, and, of course, black. I watch as what appears to be her high-powered American boy friend shows up and kisses her once on each cheek. He is wearing a well-tailored and close-fitting dark suit and clearly must work in the Financial District. I’m pretty darn sure he feels great about having this beauty at his side.
The Student- Her red hair falls long and straight down her back. She wears the student’s uniform of faded jeans, Uggs, and a college T-shirt (NYU, of course) with a close fitting grey hoodie. (Speaking of Uggs…have you checked out their summer shoe collection yet?) She couldn’t really look bad if she tried! She carries a few books as she hurries along (to take an exam, I’m figuring), giving the aura of someone who was up all night…and wishing it had been partying! That will be tonight, I suspect!
The Fashionista- Well, there she goes, Ms. Fashion NYC, while all eyes are upon her. Her make-up is polished, like everything else about her. Her clothes are color blocked, but in an uncontrived lovely way, letting the trend work for her, instead of dominating her. Her skirt is unexpected with her top, but on her it works perfectly. Her shoes are to die for. Her little jacket is just right…did I see this at J.Crew? Or is it a Designer? Her purse reeks of “whole paycheck” and she walks down the street with total confidence. Everyone wants to be her. I imagine that she is going to have a wonderful day at the office. And beyond.
Well then, after this awesome session of people watching, I look myself over now. How do I fare in comparison? I think I look good. I managed to take the time to put on a bit of make-up, and I am wearing some very flattering skinny jeans, with an easy white blouse and a simple yet smart Calvin Klein blazer. My scarf and earrings add some flair, and my Kenneth Cole flats allow me to chase Branden when I need to. I always try to be aware of my presentation before I leave the house, even if it is just to go to this wonderful playground. Overall, I tend to dress for the place that I am going, whether it be work, or an event, or out to lunch, whatever. I think it’s very important to be dressed appropriately.
Here are a few of my personal guidelines for what to wear: 1. For me, overdressed is always better than underdressed! 2. When in doubt, I go for stylish and understated over flash. 3. When I have absolutely no idea of how people will be dressed for a particular occasion, I tend to wear the latest trend, since for me, being spot on goes a long way towards countering just about anything.
On days off, I like to dress for whatever mood I am in. If I feel like getting dressed up, then I will do so. If I’m having a “fat” day, I will wear something less form fitting. And I always follow Fashion Rule Number One: Never leave the house without looking in the mirror – from every direction!
Looking for more fashion tips?
- Recap of the Peter Som For Khol’s Collection
- Fashion 101: Ralph Rucci
- How to Make a Change in Your Life
- Copyright Laws vs. The Fashion Industry
- Fashion vs. Politics
- Why Every Woman Needs a Personal Photo Shoot
At the end of the day it’s important that you are confident and comfortable in whatever you are wearing, and, of course, that you are dressing for you! Remember, to take the time to strut, my lovelies! Let’s make “Mama” look and feel good!
Fashionably Yours,
Allison
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