New York – an irresistible year-round city – becomes just that little bit more magical in the spring. This is the fashion to pack, to match the city’s effervescent charm.
New York is a city where anything feels possible, its creative atmosphere extending from dining to exhibitions, neighbourhoods to fashion. From boutique designers in Manhattan to vintage stores in Williamsburg, it’s the perfect place for fashion-lovers. This is what I’ll be wearing during my trip to the Big Apple this week, including a classic mix of boutique American designers and British heritage brands, for a sartorial stay in the city that never sleeps.
FOR CAFÉ MORNINGS
For a relaxed weekend affair with stacks of berry-topped pancakes, or a celebratory breakfast over art-like cakes at boutique bakery From Lucie, it’s always fun to accessorise. My all-time favourite accessory is a silk scarf and Liberty’s – with heirloom prints and homage to classic styles – is one of my favourite places to shop for them. I’ll tie it around my neck for a slightly more dressed-up look, or around the strap of this Jil Sander raffia bag (I adore the baguette shape) for a more casual vibe. Either way, the pink and red hues of the scarf beautifully complement the navy Lisa Yang cardigan. Frame is my go-to American brand for sustainable denim and flattering, stand-out silhouettes, and I love dark denim in the spring. It looks so good with a crisp white shirt; this Palazzo pair in the shade Majesty is ideal.
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FOR HOPPING BETWEEN ART GALLERIES
While in the USA, I’ll be bringing a nod to my British roots with contemporary, London-based brand Aligne. I love their modern plays on old silhouettes, and the Daphne blazer’s cinched waist and dropped length is a fun update on the styles of the 1950s. It’s collar-less, so will feel lighter on sunny days, and its spring-like cream colour pairs beautifully with a tailored pair of navy trousers, giving a softer contrast than with black. Cuban-style heels are a chicer play on cowboy boots, and for me, a fun way to introduce some height in to an outfit in a way that won’t stop you from a full day of strolling between galleries. Vagabond, The Kooples, and Hugo Boss also offer great interpretations of this shape. I’ll start my day of gallery-hopping at The Costume Institute at The Met, before walking down Fifth Avenue to the spiral staircases at the Guggenheim, then on to the contemporary gallery Salon 94 housed in a beautiful Manhattan townhouse. There’s so much art to see in the USA this spring.
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FOR A CITY SHOPPING SPREE
French-American brand The Frankie Shop recently collaborated with Moda Operandi on a capsule collection called ‘The Art Of Dressing’ celebrating female New York-based artists. I love the capsule’s focus on sheer fabrics, especially in this skirt, reminiscent of Prada’s S/S24 collection. I’m definitely following private stylist Jordanna Sharp’s shopping recommendations, stopping by Tove’s stunning store as well as Savette, and vintage designer store What Goes Around Comes Around is top of my list – I love how you never know what you’ll walk out with!
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FOR DINNER DATES
Shorts are a fun alternative to mini skirts in warmer weather, and there’s nothing dull about this flared pair by Studio Nicholson with delicate folding to ensure a flattering finish at the waist. Plus, they’re comfortable for a night of dancing, if that’s on the cards too. I love the classically-chic bandeau neckline of Gauge 81’s Tona top contrasted with shorts: it feels a little more unexpected (and even better with a silk scarf loosely tossed around the neck). When in New York, a small heel with a touch of je ne sais quoi, like this gorgeous square-toe blue satin pair by Jeffrey Campbell, is an exciting way to add a pop of colour and to elevate your evening attire. All that’s left to do is find a wonderfully ornate bar – which New York has no shortage of, try Belemens Bar, Café Chelsea, or Libertine – order a dirty or espresso martini and enjoy whatever comes next, and wherever the night takes you.
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Lead image: Reformation
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