Industry people will tell you that fashion changes all the time, but that’s only a half-truth: most current trends are rooted in the retro. The saying “there’s nothing new under the sun” is more than just a platitude, it’s the reality of nearly all contemporary style. Fashion constantly poses the question: how can you update the classics and make them modern and of-the-moment, rather than dated and passé?
The Fashion Spot went on a city-wide expedition, from 125th Street in Manhattan all the way down to Brooklyn, to find out how New York City women were doing exactly that. We focused on a few spots that have historically been centers of creative life and music in NYC, including The Apollo, The Village Vanguard, and Washington Square Park.
You can see these photos and more on our Instagram account @TheFashionSpotOfficial, but for now — what are you waiting for? Click on!
New York Street Style Retro Chic
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Red Dress
Daytime glam is as easy as standing out in a red dress.
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Sparkly Doc Martens
And really, I love everything about this girl's look, from the rolled-up jeans to the scoop neck top to the chunky beads. This is one of those times it's still totally acceptable to say, "I die."
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Striped Maxi with a Cover-Up
Stripes are glory, guys. (Outside of The Apollo.)
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Choppy Cut and Collared Shirt
Saw this girl taking pictures, wanted to take my own picture of her choppy haircut.
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Patterned Top with Demi-Sleeves and High-Waisted Shorts
An easy and classic way to do summer style. Hair up is a lovely choice. (At The Apollo)
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Floral Mini-Dress with Puffy Sleeves
Super-glam at a secret spot in Brooklyn.
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Long-Johns and Tunic Top
A topknot completes the look. Really effortless and youthful at Washington Square Park.
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Printed Pants
While she was taking photos of the star plaques at The Apollo, I was captivated by her printed pants, which are a slimmed-down version of the harem pant. Smart move to pair it with a simple white tee.
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Doing Denim Shorts Right
Take a cue from her shades, round-toed flats, and color accent belt.
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Matching Mini-Dress Silhouettes
Particularly like the embroidery on the white dress.
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Adorablez at The Apollo
Two great things happening here: a simple, long black dress and a denim vest over a floral dress. Both looks are very of-the-moment, but grounded in classic, retro style.
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Mod-Ish Shift Dress and Denim
Not to mention: fun with the girls never, ever goes out of style.
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Taxi Limo
For your time, a new task for the bucket list: taking a ride in this.
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New York Cycle Chic
And yet another item for your bucket list: get a bike and a romper with a cut-out back.
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Mixing Staples
Two different takes on perfect hair — and one great use of yellow — at The Village Vanguard.
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Oversized Sunglasses and a Silk Robe Dress
Both girls are super cute, but the look on the right is head-to-toe perfection.
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Yellow Sneakers with a Fitted Yellow Top
Another great use of yellow, outside of The Apollo
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Structured Blue Skirt
Pair it with some boat shoes and a chunky statement bag and you are my hero.
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Three Girls Doing a Serious Blast from the Past
New York girls really killing it with the yellow!
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BB King's!
To get you in the mood.
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Cat-Ete Sunglasses and a Polka-Dotted Dress
Give me polka dots or give me death.
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The Apollo
Iconic signage is its own style statement.
