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The New York street's a runway

The view from New York, fashion style.

By Justin Whaley

Published March 5, 2010

Step one: Hail a cab. Step two: Check into an ultra-mod hotel. Step three: Hit the streets.

One facet of the New York persona stands alone: From the hipsters of Greenwich Village to the sharpness of upper Manhattan, to the street styles of Brooklyn, the city has a multiple personality disorder in fashion. The charm of the city, for me, lies not only in the enchanting skyline, but also in the lining of the streets — the people and their avid display of androgyny, luxury and happiness through fashion.

As snazzy leather ankle boots were laced, scarves draped and umbrellas expanded to shelter, the bitter cold and torrential downpour of snow never stopped stylish savants from pulling out all the stops. Forget cabs. If you're dressed to the 10s (weather accordingly), why not be seen on the streets?

For example, look at the crowd at Stand, a sleek bar and restaurant in Greenwich Village, known for its toasted marshmallow gelato shake. It accommodates the casual Friday night crowd winding down from a long week of work and warming up from last week's blizzard. Waiters and waitresses almost blend in with the crowd in their solid black shirts and skinny jeans, a basic look that can't go wrong. A dashing couple of men perch nearby on the backless leather benches, sipping martinis. Sitting comfortably in selvage jeans and sporting slim button-ups, the couple spoke softly in an eastern European language, preening their coiffed hair on occasion. Glancing over to the bathroom line, slightly tipsy ladies pose in slinky dresses and dagger-esque heels, taking turns between the women's and men's rooms. The village at its finest.

Midtown Manhattan has a totally different breed of fashion. Business suits line the streets day in and day out. Yes, the typical sea of black business suits appears from time to time, but gents clearly try to stand out in the crowd. Tan trench coats laid gently over light gray suits created a barrier between man and weather. Wing-tipped shoes tapped along the slushy sidewalk. Gelled and slicked hair seemed immovable against gusty, frigid winds. Strolling past Prada or Giorgio Armani stores on upper Fifth Avenue seems tempting, and expensive, of course. If you can keep up with Manhattan-ites' air of swag and confidence you're ensured easy entrance into these upscale boutiques. Save the smirks and remarks for the slow walker (or "road block," one could say) taking their time while walking directly in front of you.

But one concept of my experience in New York baffles me. Never did I see a single person wearing sweat pants, though Ugg boots appeared quite frequently. New Yorkers, despite their borough of origin, always seem to dress to a T. The suit jacket complements the shirt, which complements the tie that brings out eye color and skin tone.

A sartorial story, they tell, and with all casualness, even in the most formal situation. Stylish citizens of New York, I salute you for your boldness, for your charisma, for your kick-ass wardrobes. The street is your runway.