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Cary Randolph Fuller is a fashion editor living in New York City. A native of Missouri, she also manages the blog Fresh Every Day.
A major perk of living in Manhattan is the constant exposure to weird fashion trends long before they make the magazine pages. Fashion is the Big Apple’s second-biggest industry, so every sidewalk is a runway, and it can get crazy out here. Although my personal aesthetic rarely wavers from blue jeans, button-downs, and little black dresses, spring is about newness, and I always look forward to taking a few fashion risks. Reinvigorate your own warm-weather wardrobe with a few bold gestures recently spied on the streets of Manhattan.
Chic Pajama Tops
Vogue hailed this trend a few months ago in its more literal form, and the steam has been building. Imbue your evening look with boudoir elegance by pairing skinny jeans and heels with a silk button-down pajama top. J.Crew currently sells a pajama top in sleek emerald silk. Add piles of gold bracelets and a bold pink lip, and the effect is arresting, with just enough bedroom details (traditional PJ piping, the rounded collar) to make people stop and stare. Tucker’s version in classic navy is safe enough for the office yet still right on trend. For more pajama dressing inspiration, visit Who What Wear.
Floral Print Jeans
We’re still in the height of winter, but denim emblazoned with flowery prints will warm up any look. Citizens of Humanity made the It jean this season with their skinny Mandy style—its faded vintage blooms feel youthful yet somehow also sophisticated. Pair with thick knits and booties now, and when the temp hits 70, swap that sweater for a skimpy tank. Novelty denim usually doesn’t rank high on my investment meter, but these will get a lot of wear. For more floral denim inspiration, visit the Man Repeller.
Minaudiere Handbags
A clutch is the ultimate evening bag. Simple and sleek or loudly embellished, this arm candy can make or break an outfit. Over the holidays I noticed a lot of girls hitting the town with Art Deco-inpsired minaudieres. With its hard case and decorative clasp, the minaudiere is just big enough to fit the essentials, but its elegance packs a big punch and is the perfect retro touch to modern nighttime looks. DVF’s Lytton bag, for example, comes in cheery shades that, surprisingly, go with everything. For more minaudiere inspiration, visit Jessica Michault.
Barely There Sandals
Ladies, throw away your platform heels! The chicest shape is hardly any shape at all and harks back to those dainty slingbacks and T-straps that put Manolo Blahnik on the map about 15 years ago. Miu Miu’s patent leather style is minimalism at its best and will make your legs look ten miles long, while Nine West’s punchy orange ankle strap will look just right with white denim and a tan. For more skimpy sandal inspiration, visit Splurgerina.
Neon Jewelry
Dannijo is one of my favorite jewelry brands, and its designers, sister Danielle and Jodie Snyder, light up New York’s social scene. Their Hixson collar, with its wild stripes of Swarovski crystals, adds serious glam to a tee-and-jeans combo and gives formal looks a dose of rock ‘n roll. You may look at that color combo and think, “I’ll never wear that,” but I promise you it will match everything and never go out of style. For more neon bauble inspiration, visit the Jelly Blog.
