With an endless stream of fashion dictums coming at us from both coasts, it’s hard to sort through the various personalities a wardrobe can portray. Here’s a glossary …
By Cory Schneider
Bohemian: A romantic, soul-drenched look with roots in peasant, gypsy, Indian and folk costume. The craze is abating—but you’ll still see members of both sexes digging for finds at Urban Outfitters and Ziezo. Mary-Kate Olsen, Liam Neeson
Classic: She wears her jeans with a tweed Chanel jacket with jeans and the family pearls, and he wears his with Prada loafers and a sportcoat. Tailoring is everything here: Play it safe at Plaza Frontenac. Catherine Zeta-Jones, George Clooney
Hipster: Black, more black, and faded vintage band T-shirts. Overpriced skinny jeans—excuse us, “cigarette pants”—are a necessity, however unflattering. Prowl Rag-O-Rama and Testimo and scowl at anyone “mainstream.” Kate Moss, Johnny Depp
Preppy: Not to be confused with the ‘80s yuppie. Wears what always appears to be the same outfit; the details—emblems on polos, carats of diamonds—make the difference. Stock up on Lilly Pulitzer at Resort Classics and the obligatory driving mocs at Talbots. Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Broderick
Trendsetter: Cropped denim vest, ascots and newsboy cap— the trendsetter may look a
hot mess, but she’s really a couture clairvoyant—and a month from now she’ll be copied from head to toe. You never can tell where you’ll find a trendsetter shopping—vintage? Target? a European boutique?—but you can be sure you’ll be there soon. Madonna, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs.
Urban: Metallics, sexy jeans, 4-inch heels and labels galore—if she’s without a Coach bag and fur-trimmed parka, she’s got no street cred at all. The urban male leaves behind oversized Hilfiger gear and steps up the preppy’s country-club chic with some bling and a sense of humor. Check J. Lee, Splash, R. Sole or Peses for the props. Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake.
