The first that springs to mind is Classiques Entier, a former Nordstrom house brand. It was exceptional. The assortment was especially strong for business formal, business casual, and cocktail attire, although many of the pieces could be dressed down beautifully with denim and other casual support acts.

The fabrics, quality, construction, and fits were sublime. The thoughtful and creative detailing gave the items enormous personality without compromising their elegance or dressy integrity. Jackets, coats, trousers, skirts, dresses, blouses, shirts, and knitwear looked interesting, sophisticated, and polished. Items were expensive, although they went on sale, and could sometimes be found at the Nordstrom Rack. People looked so, so sharp and chic wearing Classiques Entier. The brand consistently hit that sweet spot between modern, classic, professional, distinctive, and timeless.

Some of my clients still have Classiques Entier items in their wardrobes all these years later. We lovingly look at those pieces, which are often in excellent condition, and lament the loss of the brand. That kind of longevity says a lot about how well the clothes were made and how successfully the designs stood the test of time.

Nordstrom has launched several house brands since Classiques Entier disappeared, but for me, none have filled its shoes. Some of those brands have subsequently disappeared too. I don’t know why Nordstrom decided to discontinue Classiques Entier, but I wish they hadn’t. It was special, and it is missed.

Of course, fashion marches on. There are newer and excellent brands to enjoy today, and discovering them is part of the fun. But sometimes an old favourite leaves a hole that never quite gets filled. Over to you. Which clothing, footwear, or accessory brands do you wish still existed? What made them special, and do you still have items from those brands in your wardrobe?

1. Pants, Jeans, Skirts

I didn’t know that Ruti offers some of their pants and jeans in PETITE sizes until I went to NYC and visited the store. Notably, the Petite Slouchy Jeans are a very gentle barrel silhouette and fit our petite Fabbers perfectly. They come in three neutrals. The Petite Wide-Ish Pants are more horseshoe shaped and slightly dramatic. They come in an assortment of neutrals, and have a half elastic back waist. The On The Loose Work Pants are the brand’s best-selling bottoms, and very popular. They have a full elastic waist. Both pairs of pants are made of lightweight tech fabric (a nylon spandex blend), easy to launder, and are fantastic for Elevated Athleisure looks. The silhouettes are forgiving and fit a range of body types. Pass on the bottoms if you don’t enjoy wearing tech fabric. The Everlane Pull-On Carpenter Jeans are fably cheeky, and work well on curvier and straighter body types. The Everlane Gardener Pull-On Jeans are edgier in person and fantastic on those who like a high rise. Very unusual and awesome side seam pockets and no back pockets. Both pull-on styles have elastic back waists. Banana Republic’s Cotton Drop Waist Midi Skirt is very lightweight, and something you can wear in hot Autumn weather. The dropped waist feature is not noticeable when you wear a top over the skirt that covers the seams, which works better than you expect. The Levi’s Max Loose Blue Tab Japanese Jeans are amazingly dramatic and drape beautifully despite the lack of stretch. Comes in four washes. The MANGO skirts are wonderful for the price, although unlined.

2. Knitwear

Sizing on knitwear this season is a lesson in patience. The incredible inconsistency of sizing reigns supreme. If you want to know how an item runs, ask me in the comments section and I’ll help you out. The Open Edit Polo Sweater runs TTS if you enjoy a slimmer fit. The playful J.Crew Relaxed Sweater In Vintage Stripe runs a size big, and is made of lambswool that is not scratchy. I have it in the tomato and turquoise version. The J.Crew Blouson Argyle is gorgeously elegant and runs two sizes big. The Alex Mill Lillian Polo is beautiful and runs a size big if you want it to fit like it does on the model. The Uniqlo items run TTS or a size big depending on how you want them to fit. Shoutout to the Unisex Washable Milano Ribbed Full-Zip Cardigan which is an awesomely versatile modern sporty item that can be worn many ways. Click through the style and scroll down to styling tips to see how well it’s styled and worn by all sorts of people. I’m loving it with dressier bottoms and skirts. That white zipper launched me into orbit. Banana Republic’s Merino Polo Cardigan Shirt is refined, polished, elegant, and neat as a pin. It looks great with the last few buttons left unbuttoned, and might run a size small. Old Navy did a fun collaboration with Altuzarra, and the Fair Isle Mock-Neck Sweater is fabulous if you like HIGH necklines. Last, Bloomies Aqua sweaters are generally well priced, nice quality, go on sale, and always worth a look.

NOTE: Some rich content in this post was omitted because it isn't supported by the feed. Please visit the post on youlookfab.com to see the additional content.

Many Autumn and Winter trends flow into one another, and are related. For example, the tapestry trend is part of fashion’s current appetite for Texture, Dark Romance, and Maximalism. It overlaps with Poetcore where historical references, florals, embroidery, lace, tweeds, bows, and old-world charm reign supreme. There’s also crossover with the fringe Art Deco and 1920s trends, which bring brocade, velvet, beading, fringe, metallics, and glam ornamentation into the mix.

The palette is generally neutral and earth toned, just like an antique tapestry. Some tapestry pieces have a dark, quiet and moody vintage integrity. Others are more romantic, light, loud and whimsical. Florals are common, although geometric, abstract, paisley-like patterns, and animals are represented too. The intricate woven patterns give the simplest silhouettes depth and visual interest.

Despite their ornate appearance, tapestry items needn’t be reserved for dressy occasions. I particularly like them juxtaposed with more everyday wardrobe items. Wear brocade jackets, waistcoats, tops, and coats with all sorts of jeans and denim skirts, culottes and jorts, elevated athleisure bottoms, track pants, utility cargos and carpenters, or bohemian tiered and yoked skirts. Wear simple tees and sweaters, and let the tapestry do the talking. Conversely, combine tapestry pants and skirts with casual tops. Think casual footwear, or amp up the dressy with dressy shoes. Or add tapestry shoes and accessories to an otherwise simple outfit. The outfit tension makes the richness of the fabric feel and look modern rather than precious.

On the other hand, feel free to lean into dressy drama instead, and go all out. Remix tapestry items with velvet, lace, satin, fringe, faux fur, chiffon, bows, ruffles, feathers, embroidery, leather, refined wools, animal print, other patterns, more brocade, statement jewellery, piles of pearls, and brooches, for a more theatrical effect.

Tapestry fabrics tend to have substance, which makes them suitable for colder weather. They can also have an heirloom quality that feels decorative and distinctive. I remember the tapestry trend back in the early ’90s. I had a tapestry waistcoat and handbag that I thoroughly enjoyed wearing with my blue Levi’s 501s and Dr. Martens. Not sure I’ll revisit the vintage look, since I’m Fresh Preppy at heart. Of course, I enjoy the look on others, and am helping clients incorporate their tapestry pieces into fabulous outfits.

Over to you. Do you like the Tapestry Trend, and would you wear it?

NOTE: Some rich content in this post was omitted because it isn't supported by the feed. Please visit the post on youlookfab.com to see the additional content.

1. J.Crew Ballet Sneakers

These sneaker and ballet flat hybrids were an unexpected delight for my feet. Refined, dainty, and quite elegant on the foot. I bought a white pair in New York City a few weeks ago, and wore them right away. They are EXTREMELY soft on the inside, and have reasonably solid soles. They feel fantastic on my feet! They are flat and do not have arch support, so you’ve been warned. That said, the foot beds are removable so you can insert your own custom orthotics or supportive super feet insoles. I have low arches and insteps and do not need shoes with ample arch support, so these work extremely well for me. I pounded the NYC pavements for hours in them and had happy feet. They are working out beautifully in Seattle too. I tied the laces once, tucked them away, and simply slip on the shoes. Easy! They are leather and nylon, apart from the taupe pair that is satin. I’m wearing them here.

2. COS and Banana Republic Items

Right on trend, there are many rich purple, eggplant, cool-toned red and cobalt items at retail at the moment, notably from COS and Banana Republic, which I’ve shared in this collection. The sizing of COS items is inconsistent so I’ll try my best to guide you if you have questions. The Box Pleat Checked Wool Midi Skirt looks a million times better on my clients than on the model, so don’t let the stock photo put you off if you like the idea of the skirt. The Shawl Collar Wool Cape is an architectural beauty. The Shallow V-Neck Sweaters, of which there are many styles, have a fantastic relaxed yet polished vibe to them. The Oversized Folded-Collar Cotton Shirt has a stunning collar and fab architectural sleeves. The High Rise Wool Blend Culottes are a very subtle and gorgeous eggplant plaid, and more casual in person. They drape really well. They have a casual blazer to match. The Mesh Pleated Midi Skirt is very comfortable, fits well, swooshes with ease, and is easy to launder. The Merino Polo Cardigan Shirt is beautifully refined, versatile, and pretty. And if you’re after a super soft and comfy fitted long sleeve tee, the Ribbed Crew Neck T-Shirt feels fantastic against the skin, and has a neat and tidy neckline. A fab elevated essential. It’s an excellent layering item for under V-neck pullovers and cardigans, or to wear under jackets and blazers. I got two in white to wear under blazers and jackets, and am very pleased with them.

3. Vivaia Square-Toe Hybrid Mesh Mary Janes (Cecily)

The Square-Toe Hybrid Mary Janes (Cecily) are another sneaker and ballet flat hybrid with pretty good arch support and a very comfy and cushioning interior. They have fun crisscross lacing detailing across the vamp of the foot that does not irritate the skin. You can thread playful charms through the laces if you like. The charms are sold separately. Some of our forum members wore these straight out of the store after purchasing them; they are that comfortable. They look super cute too.

4. G-Star Items

G-Star is a hip and fashion forward casual brand from the Netherlands. It’s quite gender-fluid, and well worth a look if you enjoy that type of aesthetic. At the moment, I’ve found that the jeans run TTS, and the tops run big in that fashion forward oversized way. If that’s not your cup of tea, size down on the tops. The jeans come in several washes AND lengths, so take your pick.

NOTE: Some rich content in this post was omitted because it isn't supported by the feed. Please visit the post on youlookfab.com to see the additional content.

Interestingly, several years ago, wearing matching denim on the top and bottom was considered a fashion faux pas. Wearing mismatched denim washes and colours was thought to be the more stylish and sophisticated way to sport double denim. Oh, how things change. These days, matching your denim is precisely the point, and on point. It highlights how arbitrary fashion guidelines can be, and how dramatically they can reverse over time.

Denim tops can be jackets, shirts, vests, or blouses in a range of styles. Bottoms can be jeans, skirts, or shorts in any silhouette, fit, and length. Think wide-leg, straight, slouchy, barrel, bootcut, flared, kick flare, cropped, or slim jeans. Skirts can be mini, knee-length, midi, midaxi, or maxi across pencil and flared silhouettes. Shorts can range from very short to knee length across all sorts of fits. The collection shows a wide range of examples.

Most denim sets are some shade of blue, ranging from very dark indigo to faded mid blue and extremely light washes. That said, denim sets can be any neutral or non-neutral colour. Think black, white, cream, grey, brown, olive, red, pink, burgundy, or green. Sometimes the denim is patterned, colourblocked, patchworked, embroidered, studded, beaded, or otherwise embellished.

The matching denim top and bottom can be worn together without interruption to create a strong column of denim. Or you can break up the denim with a third piece. For example, wear a tee, shirt, blouse, knitted top, or sweater underneath an open denim jacket, shirt, or vest. Alternatively, create a column of matching denim with the top and bottom, and layer another topper over the lot. Scarves, belts, bags, shoes, and eyewear can also effectively break up the expanse of denim.

You can buy denim pieces that were intentionally designed and sold as a matching set, which makes getting the match exactly right very easy. Or create your own set by combining denim items from your wardrobe that weren’t designed to match, but are close enough in wash, fabric and colour to pass as a set. The match doesn’t need to be absolutely perfect if the overall effect looks deliberate.

Although they aren’t two-piece sets, denim jumpsuits and longer denim dresses create a similarly large expanse of the same denim, so wearing one isn’t all that different from wearing a denim set. You can break up the expanse with some of the styling tricks mentioned above, or leave the denim uninterrupted. You might prefer one approach over the other. Either can work well.

Personally, I LOVE denim and matching sets, so it makes sense that I love denim sets. I like the visual impact of matching denim, the ease of having a ready-made combination, and the versatility of wearing the pieces separately too. A matching denim set is quite daring, fashion-forward, and a fun way to wear double denim. It also feels fresh after years of being encouraged to mismatch our denim washes.

Of course, I like some sets more than others. I prefer denim sets in the form of a jacket with jeans or a skirt. At the moment, I can create exact denim sets from my wardrobe in pastel pink, white, and very dark indigo blue. I thoroughly enjoy wearing them. I’ll happily snap up an intentionally designed matching denim set if the right one finds me.

Over to you. What do you think of the denim set trend? Do you enjoy matching your denim from top to bottom, or do you prefer the contrast of mismatched denim? How do you vote?

NOTE: Some rich content in this post was omitted because it isn't supported by the feed. Please visit the post on youlookfab.com to see the additional content.

Triangle scarves come in solids, textured solids, and patterns like stripes, checks, argyles, and Fair Isle. Some are fine-gauge and refined, while others are chunky and fuzzy. Sizes vary too. Smaller versions provide neck coverage and function a little like a woolly bandana or neckerchief. Larger versions cover more of the chest and shoulders, and can function much like a small wrap or shawl. Either way, the triangular shape makes an impact.

In my opinion, the BEST thing about a triangle scarf is how easy it is to tie. No complicated knots, elaborate folding, or endless lengths of fabric to manage. The triangular point does much of the styling work for you. Drape the point in the back or to the side, and tie the ends into a single or square knot. Some versions have a hole you can loop one end through, making things even easier. Or spread a larger triangle across the shoulders and let the ends hang, or tie them loosely. Uncomplicated and visually effective.

Triangle scarves are versatile layering pieces, and can be effective colour vehicles. Wear one inside a coat or jacket, where a smaller version adds warmth without creating too much bulk. Or wear one over a coat, jacket, or blazer so that it becomes a more prominent part of the outfit. Larger versions can be draped over outerwear almost like a wrap.

Triangle scarves can also be part of a matching set. A scarf that exactly matches a sweater creates a punchy and playful twinset effect. Visually, it extends the sweater up and around the neckline, which is interesting and versatile because you can choose whether you want the extra neck coverage. Alternatively, mismatch the scarf completely, or remix it with other items in your wardrobe. Use it to add a complementary colour, introduce a pattern, repeat a colour elsewhere in the outfit, enhance a tonal palette, or create a high-contrast accent.

Another advantage is that triangle scarves don’t necessarily look like outerwear accessories. Smaller and more refined versions can look at home worn indoors as part of an outfit. Instead of automatically removing your scarf with your coat, leave it on as an accessory. They’re practical too. Compared with a large rectangular scarf, smaller triangle scarves are less bulky, easier to tuck into outerwear, and easier to stash in a handbag or tote when you take them off. Yet they can provide surprisingly effective coverage around the neck and upper chest.

Of course, triangle scarves aren’t new. Versions have been around for decades, and shawls and neckerchiefs have an even longer history. What feels fresh is seeing the triangular shape interpreted as a cozy cold-weather accessory, and offered in so many colours, textures, patterns, proportions, and matching sets.

If you enjoy scarves but find traditional scarf tying a bit of a production, this might be your scarf. Simply drape, tie, and go. Easy, cozy, practical, and on trend.

Personally, I like the look and am all in. I wear scarves for warmth and insulation rather than purely decorative purposes, so this trend hits the spot. I got a large chunky triangle scarf with a matching beanie last year when the look was fringe trending. I also got a pullover to match. The items are shown in FINDS below. I can attest to how easy the scarf is to tie, and how well it stays put with a loose single knot. It’s effective worn over coats and jackets too, which is not something I usually do since I generally wear scarves inside my outerwear. I’d like to get a small, fine-gauge triangle scarf with a matching pullover in an argyle or stripe if I find just the right one.

Over to you. What do you think of the triangle scarf trend?

NOTE: Some rich content in this post was omitted because it isn't supported by the feed. Please visit the post on youlookfab.com to see the additional content.

Why an extension?

Many retailers now block bookmarklets for perfectly good security reasons. This is why the bookmarklet doesn’t work at stores like Aritzia, Farfetch, Kate Spade, Lululemon and Talbots. A browser extension, on the other hand, is a proper part of the browser and can read the page at every store.

Making the collector a browser extension also allowed us to make other improvements:

• Better pictures. Some stores hide their product images from the YLF server. The extension can fetch the picture straight from your browser, and if the picture it picks isn’t the one you want, you can choose another from every large image on the page.
• More stores. Beyond the more than 120 stores we support by hand, the extension can now read the standard product information that most modern retailer sites publish. That means we can often switch on a new store for you without writing any code for it.
• It tells us when something goes wrong. If a collection fails, you can report it with one click, and we get the details we need to fix it.

I have been collecting with it since August, so it has had a thorough workout. You can get it up and running with a simple three step process.

1. Install the extension

You need Google Chrome on a desktop or laptop computer (Mac, Windows or Chromebook). The extension isn’t listed publicly in the Chrome Web Store, so the link below is the only way to find it.

Open YLF Collector on the Chrome Web Store in Chrome and click Add to Chrome. Chrome will ask you to confirm. The permission it lists covers youlookfab.com and one image server; the extension can’t see any other site until you click its button while you are on that site.

2. Pin the extension

Pin it to your toolbar: click the puzzle-piece icon at the top right of Chrome, find YLF Collector, and click the pin next to it. You’ll now see the little YLF icon next to the address bar.

3. Connect the extension to YLF

Make sure you are logged in to YLF in a normal tab, then click the YLF icon and press Connect to YouLookFab. You only do this once. (If you weren’t logged in, it will send you to the login page; log in, then click Connect again.)

To check that everything is working, click the icon while you are on any YLF page. You should see the message “Your finds collector extension is correctly installed.”

Collecting an item

1. Go to the page of an item you want at any supported store. If the item comes in several colours, select the one you want on the store’s page first.
2. Click the YLF icon. The popup shows the store, the brand, the title and the picture the collector found.
3. Tidy it up if you like: edit the title, choose the department, add a note. If the picture isn’t right, click Choose a different picture and pick one from the page.
4. Click Collect This Item. That’s it. The item is in your Finds the next time you look, ready to attach to a forum post.

A few other things worth knowing:

• To collect a second colour, switch the colour on the store’s page and click Collect again; it becomes a separate item in your Finds. If the popup still shows the first colour, reload the store’s page after switching and try once more.
• If you have already collected an item, the popup says so and the button becomes Save Changes, so you can update the title, department or notes without creating a duplicate.
• Clicking the icon on a page that isn’t a product (a category page, say) just tells you so. Nothing is ever collected until you press the button.

When a store isn’t supported

The list of supported stores is on the Finds help page. If you click the collector at a store that isn’t on it, it will tell you so and offer a Request this store button. Please use it, and add a note if you like. Requests come straight to us, and since many stores can now be switched on without new code, yours may be added quickly.

If a supported store fails (the collector can’t find the product, or the picture won’t load), you’ll see a Report this to YLF button. That sends us the store, the page address and the technical reason, which is usually all we need to fix it. There is also a “report a problem” link at the bottom of the popup for anything else.

Your privacy

The extension does nothing until you click its button. It doesn’t watch what you browse, and it talks only to youlookfab.com. When you collect an item, the product details you see in the popup are sent to YLF and stored in your Finds. When a collection fails, it sends us a small diagnostic report: the store, the page address, the extension version and the reason. That’s all. The details are in our privacy policy.

A few questions you might have

Does it work on my phone or iPad? No. Chrome on phones and tablets can’t run extensions, so for now this is a computer thing, just as the bookmarklet was.

What about Safari, Firefox or Edge? We support Chrome only. Edge and other Chrome-based browsers can install extensions from the Chrome Web Store and may well work, but we haven’t tested them.

Do I need to update it? No. Chrome updates extensions automatically, so new stores and fixes arrive on their own.

Do I need to reconnect? Only if you see “Your connection to YLF has expired.” Click Connect to YouLookFab again and you’re set.

What about the old bookmarklet? It keeps working at the stores that allow it, and you don’t have to do anything to it. But it isn’t going to get any better, and the list of stores that block it will only grow, so if you use Chrome I’d recommend switching now. Once the extension is set up you can delete the YLF Collect bookmark.

As always, please tell us about any teething problems in the technical support section of the forum, or through the contact form.

Enjoy!

NOTE: Some rich content in this post was omitted because it isn't supported by the feed. Please visit the post on youlookfab.com to see the additional content.

This year I’m especially struck by the huge variation in skirt styling. There is no dominant skirt silhouette, length, proportion, or styling direction. Pleated, pencil, A-line, flared, tiered, asymmetric, lantern, bias-cut, denim, leather, suede, satin, corduroy, lace, patterned, and plaid skirts are all represented.

Remarkably, the variety of support acts is just as broad. Skirts are being remixed with everything from tees, button-down shirts, sweatshirts, quarter-zips, blouses, rugby tops, polo tops, and knitwear across ALL lengths and fits. Think body-con, tailored, fluid, boxy, or oversized, and cropped through to tunic length. Blazers, bombers, denim jackets, leather jackets, puffers, vests, waistcoats, and coats provide third pieces across every fit and length variation too.

Footwear runs the gamut from mules, loafers, glove flats, pumps, slingbacks, refined dressy booties, and tall boots, to casual riding boots, Western boots, moto boots, and stompy boots. The result is an interesting assortment of proportions, tensions, and vibes. Some outfits are casual and others dressier, but even the dressier combinations tend to have a small relaxed element that makes them feel current.

The collections here are large because I wanted to show the many ways to create a transitional skirt outfit. Feast your eyes on the visual inspiration, and hopefully something sparks an idea using items that are already hanging in your wardrobe. I’m inspired and ready to wear my tall boots and dressy booties with skirts in colder weather. Some of these looks might suit your Winter weather too.

1. More Casual

The casual combinations are wonderfully varied. Think denim, corduroy, cotton, wool, leather, suede, satin, and patterned skirts worn with relaxed knitwear, tees, shirts, sweatshirts, polo tops, and casual jackets that run from trendy to classic. Chunky or flat footwear, boots, sneakers, loafers, and casual bags further relax the look. Some combinations are quite rugged, while others are eclectic, English countryside, ’90s and Y2K, sporty, preppy, bohemian, classic, goth, Western, hard-edged, or avant-garde. The juxtaposition of a dressier skirt with a casual support act is particularly effective.

2. More Dressy

The dressier outfits are more refined and smarter without looking overly formal or too form-fitting. Silky and swishy skirts, refined pleats, lace, leather, interesting textures, and dramatic shapes are combined with sleek, fluid, or boxy knitwear, crisp shirts, pretty blouses, jackets, elegant coats, and dressier footwear. Some tops are tucked or semi-tucked, while others are worn over the skirts. What makes these combinations feel particularly NOW is the relaxed element that runs through many of them. A roomy sweater, fluid top, bomber, flat shoe, tall boot, or casually styled layer takes the edge off the dressiness. That little bit of ease and juxtaposition is key. The result is sophisticated and pulled together, and comfortable enough to wear day to day.

Some outfits straddle the line between casual and dressy, which is part of the appeal. Your own definitions of the appropriate dress codes for work and play are what matter most. Perhaps Team Skirt has gained a few new members.

NOTE: Some rich content in this post was omitted because it isn't supported by the feed. Please visit the post on youlookfab.com to see the additional content.

It’s also where you’ll see some of the newest and most daring trends in action. Hip combinations, fashion-forward outfits, creative styling, modern classic perfection, and all sorts of other chic and fab are part of the everyday landscape across all ages and genders. New Yorkers are also famously fond of wearing black, including black from head to toe.

On this trip I stayed in Manhattan and didn’t venture into the other boroughs, so my observations are specific to the areas I walked through. The style quotient remains high, but one thing struck me right away: NYC street style is remarkably more casual than I remember it.

The casualization of our wardrobes is a worldwide phenomenon, and even NYC has not escaped it. I suspect the pandemic accelerated the shift. I also saw less black than I usually associate with New York street style. Outfits were generally neutral, but not as relentlessly black.

Sneakers Rule

By far, the number one shoe on the streets of Manhattan was some type of sneaker. Chunky, sleek, athletic, hybrid, retro, sneakerina — you name it, and I saw it. People wore sneakers with EVERYTHING. The next most popular shoes were flats, particularly ballet flats and loafers. It was a little too hot for boots at that time of year, although I saw some of those too.

What surprised me was what I didn’t see. Despite some very hot and sticky days, sandals, mules, clogs, Crocs, and socks with Birkenstocks were not popular in the areas I frequented. I hardly saw them. Given the extensive walking you do in NYC on any given day, the popularity of sneakers and other closed shoes like flats makes sense. You need comfortable shoes that cover your feet and can go the distance when you’re pounding those pavements for hours. Personally, I walk a lot in Seattle, and feel similarly about foot coverage and protection.

Athleisure, Jeans, and Relaxed Fits

I saw more athleisure than I remember, along with elevated athleisure. Another strong nod to casualization. Jeans were extremely popular, as were dressy dark trousers styled in casual ways. I saw fewer people in skirts and dresses, although they were certainly represented. There were more skirts than dresses, which makes sense since trend-wise it’s a skirt season.

Fits were seldom tight unless tops were deliberately body-con. There were lots of fluid and oversized silhouettes, relaxed proportions, some architectural looks, some tailored looks, and clothing that moves when you do. Bottoms were generally big. The overall effect was comfortable and relaxed, some polished, some RATE (rough around the edges), some wacky, some elegant, some avant-garde and lots of super cool.

Interestingly, and unlike what I regularly see on the streets of Seattle, I didn’t notice any hard-edged grungy gothic rocker looks with lots of tattoos, body piercings, and rainbow hair. At least, not in the parts of Manhattan I walked through on this particular trip. I see that more on the West Coast of the US, like in San Francisco and parts of Los Angeles.

Of course, that’s part of the fun of watching street style in NYC. Keep looking and eventually you’ll see just about everything. No matter what your style is, you’ll find your tribe in NYC. There is enormous variety, plenty of individuality, and always something interesting to catch your eye. Never a dull moment in the city that never sleeps.

Over to you. What are your thoughts on NYC street style? Has street style become more casual in your neck of the woods since the pandemic?

NOTE: Some rich content in this post was omitted because it isn't supported by the feed. Please visit the post on youlookfab.com to see the additional content.

This was the first time I’ve devoted such a concentrated amount of time to shopping in NYC. It was well worth it, and quite the eye-opener. If there’s an American, European, British, Canadian, Australian, or Asian fashion brand you’re curious about, chances are high that there’s a brick-and-mortar store in NYC. It’s a shopping paradise, albeit crowded and overwhelming.

All the stores I visited had their good points, although some stood out more than others.

Shout-Outs to These Stores

The iconic Ralph Lauren flagship on the Upper East Side is four stories high, and THE most beautiful store I’ve seen in my life. The shopping experience is exquisite, completely on-brand, and stands the test of time. It covers many of the varied Ralph Lauren collections, as well as homeware and accessories. The Polo Ralph Lauren floor was my happy horsey place. The flagship has a fancy café, and dogs are welcome throughout the store. The staff was extremely diverse and inclusive in every way, and immaculately kitted out in Ralph Lauren. Service was welcoming, professional, and helpful.

Nordstrom is quite new and spectacular. An assortment of price points, sizes, and lifestyles are represented, and the staff was friendly and helpful. My heart is with the Nordstrom flagship at home in Seattle because it’s store #1, although the NYC store is a close second.

Bloomingdale’s flagship has particularly good menswear and footwear departments. I much enjoy their assortment of price points, and their house brand Aqua is affordable and always worth a look.

Japanese Uniqlo, Spanish MANGO, and Swedish H&M are more budget-friendly options that impressed me. Their SoHo stores are enormous and several stories high. I have a retail buying and manufacturing background, and here’s my two cents. It’s generally easier to manufacture an expensive, high-quality item in small quantities and sell it at a higher price. It’s much harder to manufacture mainstream items in enormous quantities, sell them at lower prices, and maintain good to excellent quality. The quality at Uniqlo and MANGO is particularly good, and H&M has greatly upped its game.

Swedish COS, French Sézane, and British TOAST are exceptionally fab, and competitively priced considering their gorgeous fabrics, pristine workmanship, and interesting design details. They’re much less expensive than designer items, can look every bit as good, and are sometimes superior in quality.

Dutch G-Star and Belgian Essentiel Antwerp are close to my heart, and in my opinion, amongst the coolest brands on the planet. Their stores are much smaller, and were personal favourites. The hip, edgy, creative, and fashion-forward looks of these smaller Euro brands are magical. The quality and design are off the charts, and pricing is competitive considering they’re more exclusive than mainstream brands.

The denim and casual bottoms selection at G-Star is exceptional and gender-fluid. You can barely distinguish the women’s and men’s sections, which is precisely how the brand wants it. The staff was fully decked out in G-Star and extremely attentive.

The Essentiel Antwerp store in SoHo is the only one in the US. Their creative and playful use of vibrant colour and pattern in a dressy way launches me into orbit. Most Belgian people speak Dutch, and since two Belgian staff members were working in the store, we spoke Dutch the entire time. Loved that! All the sales staff were dressed in Essentiel Antwerp and looked sensational. Both of these Euro brands seem to be gaining traction, and stock was running low due to increased popularity. Love that even more.

The Styling Room is a boutique filled mostly with lesser-known dressy Italian and Scandinavian brands, and an absolute hidden treasure. It was another favourite of the trip. The items are distinctive and unusual, and I’d never seen anything quite like them. Exquisite pieces with fabulous detailing in pretty colours, all with a “one-of-a-kind” integrity. Prices there ran the gamut. Some pieces were very expensive, while others were more competitively priced. Surprisingly, there was a good assortment of sizes too. The staff and owner were friendly, welcoming, and not in the slightest bit pushy. I felt completely at ease browsing, trying things on, and shopping there.

American brands J.Crew and Alex Mill were very good too. J.Crew seems to have dug itself out of its retail rut and downward spiral, and is offering fabulous things this season. Lovely colours and fabrics, fab collaborations, an assortment of fits, and good sales throughout the year. The J.Crew stores I visited were busy for good reason.

Alex Mill was created by Alex Drexler, son of retail legend Mickey Drexler, who is also heavily involved with the brand. Walking into their stores in SoHo and on the Upper East Side pleasantly transported me back to Benetton in the ’80s. Fantastic, colourful casual clothing in wonderful fabrics, with a strong gender-fluid focus. Preppy fabness.

Upper West Optical is an eyewear store on the Upper West Side, right next to the hotel where we stayed. It’s very unassuming, yet unexpectedly fabulous. The sales staff and optician wore scrubs in bright colours, which was different and quite charming.

I’m hard to fit and please when it comes to eyewear. I’d visited many other eyewear stores in NYC on this trip, including the quirky Fabulous Fanny’s, without much luck. I walked into Upper West Optical and found TWO absolutely stunning and perfect-for-me pairs of frames in five minutes. Unbelievable. I had hubs Greg take a look at the frames just to make sure I hadn’t lost my marbles, because one pair is extremely dramatic. When Greg said they were spectacular, I was reassured and it sealed the deal. I received a fantastic discount for buying two pairs, and can’t wait to get them in a couple of weeks.

Canadian Aritzia was a sight to behold. The gigantic three-story SoHo store was PACKED to the brim on Saturday afternoon, like I’ve seldom seen before. You could barely move on two floors, although the basement was more manageable. It was full of Gen Z teens and adults browsing, purchasing, and trying things on. The couches were filled with partners and parents patiently waiting for them to finish. I suggest going when it’s less busy if you’re into dressy and sporty attire in an assortment of fits and neutrals. The look is trend-driven, modern, urban, polished, and minimalist. The brand does wearable “everyday luxury” very well. Aritzia wins the prize for the busiest store I visited in Manhattan.

A Few Disappointments

I adore the dressy style integrity, colours, and outfit combinations of British ME+EM, and was excited to see one of their stores in person for the first time. Unfortunately, I found the fabrics and quality inferior to what I expected. The brand felt overpriced and didn’t live up to the hype. There was a $495 piece of knitwear on display with a hole in it, which I brought to a sales assistant’s attention. They promptly took it from me, only to hang it straight back where I’d found it, on full display with everything else. The staff seemed aloof and unprofessional. Based on this visit, the brand didn’t seem as good as it once was. Hopefully things will improve.

Lastly, I went into several consignment stores and The RealReal store: two on the Upper East Side, one on the Upper West Side, and a few in SoHo. I found them overpriced and disappointing. Items were selling for hundreds of dollars, and some for thousands, yet didn’t look particularly pristine. There were polyester tops and bottoms in the mix too. Some of our forum members find sublime treasures at bargain prices in consignment and thrift stores. Clearly, they weren’t shopping at these consignment stores!

YLF Shopping in NYC

We had multiple days of YLF gatherings in Manhattan and covered a fair bit of shopping ground. COS, Uniqlo, G-Star, The Styling Room, Ralph Lauren, and MANGO were the shopping favourites of our Fabbers on this trip. It was delightful seeing them have fun and buy items that were perfect for them.

Personally, I had a brilliant shopping trip, and brought back six wardrobe items: two pairs of specs from Upper West Optical that are made in Japan, a pair of pretty sneakerinas from J.Crew that I wore straight out of the store, an Italian modern classic orange turtleneck sweater from The Styling Room, edgy jodhpur jeans from G-Star, and a playfully patterned bomber jacket from Essentiel Antwerp. These items will forever remind me of celebrating 20 years of YLF and the launch of my first book.

NYC is definitely the shopping and style capital of the US. ‘Till we meet again, Manhattan.

NOTE: Some rich content in this post was omitted because it isn't supported by the feed. Please visit the post on youlookfab.com to see the additional content.