Brooklyn Fashion Comes to Evanston

Falling into February, we might be dragging our feet through what remains of this winter. The blah grays and drab sweats have claimed their firm hold on our wardrobes. I’m here to offer some hope. While winter hangs around, let’s take some inspiration from East-coast experts.
 
The residents of Brooklyn, cousins to the nearby island where the uniform is a strict code of black, are skilled in the art of standing out. Their flagrant disregard for the rules of fashion make their street–style envious to the fashion gawker. In our humble town of Evanston, here’s a remix of the strongest elements of BKLYN style to the comfortable uniform of the collegiate. I’m not about to go a la Gossip Girl Vanessa on you. Instead, let’s inspire the sidewalks on Sheridan.
 
 

Ring, Flats, Turban Headwrap, Jeans, Shirt, Belt
 
Starting with a neutral base of gray and black leaves this outfit open to embracing color. Andrea fromBlondeBedhead points out a common misconception that “edgy” styles must always be dark and dull. A belt with a killer chain reinforces our toughness in a non-punk way while the gold studs are picked up again in the flats. [3] They retain some edge to them with studs of their own but their pointed shape lends to a feminine touch as well. A gold ring with a pop of turquoise rounds out the gold theme. The crucial part of this outfit, and the most fun, is the turban head-wrap. A staple for any local Brooklyn-ite, this piece adds even more color and finish to the look that’s not too Boho, hipster nor edgy. It’s simply Brooklyn.

 
Boots, Skirt, Beanie, Bracelet, Vest, Scarf, Shirt
 
If I could write a book on my love of maxi skirts, it still wouldn’t be enough. I am giddy with joy that they passed the test for winterwear. Choosing a richer color like burgundy, plum (or any neutral) helps make the style more winter-friendly. Alicia, fromCheetahistheNewBlack, deep in the trenches of New York Fashion Week, reports that orange is going to be huge this spring. But why wait until then? A shot of color in your beanie is balanced by the studded bracelet and neutral tones booties. The leather vest seals the deal for this outfit though: steering away from whimsy, the vest adds some serious sass to the whole affair.

Leggings, Belt, Tunic, HairPin, Necklace, Boots, Purse, Jacket
 
This whole “leggings-are-not-pants” ordeal needs to go away. The reason you choose them instead of your “skin-tight-jeans” in the morning is because they are so much more comfortable. As long as we cover our tushies with a long top, I say, “Long live the legging!” Still, we can’t get stuck in a legging rut. The liquid, leathery legging adds some spice, but it’s just as easy to yank on in the morning. Andrea recommends some black leather boots with the ensemble to elongate your figure. Toss on a black military jacket for good measure as well. Looking to the runways, Alicia also expects snakeskin to have a following this spring, so tie up the tunic with a chic snakeskin belt and grab a cross-body bag with the same texture.  No Brooklyn fashionista would shy away from some color – add some turquoise, a universally friendly shade, in a jaw-dropping statement necklace.

 
Earrings, Tank, Jeans, Blazer, Headband, Clutch, Boots
The neon is sure to rock your world and everyone else’s in your 9 a.m. lecture. By paring it with black pieces, tone it down to balance out the bright. The deep red in the pants adds more color but still allows the focus to be on the tank top. Some kitschy touches in the headband and a clever clutch, made to look like an envelope, reinstate your hip, carefree attitude because you just transferred here from NYU, right? If anyone dares to question, just point them to your studded earrings – just enough edge for Northwestern to handle.
 
I hope these few helpful tips to get you started on your Brooklyn styling. Take them as a guideline and feel free to experiment. This style isn’t about being perfect – it’s all about making it work for you. Your fashion inspiration doesn’t have to be catwalk – embrace the sidewalk.