Color and the City
Trends may come and go, but colors are forever.
Each season, the mega moguls of fashion inform us of the latest trends that dictate our wardrobe for a given season. In the fall, we trade our strappy sandals for the perfect pair of brown boots. Then, when that first winter chill comes, we bundle up in the latest charcoal puffer designed to keep us warm while feeling hot. The colors of spring, often delicate pastels, paint our skirts and floral dresses until May. Finally, when summer hits, the topical tropical trends typically involve pops of color or classic white linen fits.
It’s hard to boil down the seasons to just one color. From the chromatic color trends of fall to the pale tones of spring, there is too much to choose from. However, the evergreen color palettes of the places we live offer some direction when assembling our outfits. The staple colors of US cities represent the essence of that area. Like most art forms, fashion reflects a cultural composition of a moment in time. I argue that each city, each mecca of culture and social trends, can be identified by one color. From my experience living in four very different US cities, I have gathered some insight into the prevalent color palettes that each seems to wear year-round. Let’s take a look at the timeless trending color in four major US cities.
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New York or Nowhere
To kick it off, my favorite and arguably most fashionable city I have lived in: New York City. While the fashionable diversity in New York is unmatched, the common factor of most pieces in the Big Apple is the color black. From the Upper West Side moms to the East Village hipsters, black is a safe and fashionable color fit for any walk of the streets of NYC. New York is a place of chic elegance and refinement that clashes with creative culture and art. Black fits the sleek, financial corporate aesthetic, as well as the creative, millennial trends of the city.
When I think of the perfect little black dress, I think of the queen herself, Audrey Hepburn, who captured the essence of New York black in 1961 as she ate her croissant on Fifth Avenue gawking at Tiffany diamonds. Her outfit reflected the dichotomy of New York: a young, beautiful woman draped in pearls and an elegant dress enjoying her croissant on one of the wealthiest streets of Manhattan, knowing she in fact cannot afford any Tiffany’s diamonds (spoiler alert her character was a mess)! The simple elegance of black speaks to the chicness and accessibility of the city. It is formal yet tasteful and can be paired with anything. The versatility of black parallels the plethora of experiences for all to enjoy in the city that never sleeps. Against the backdrop of some of the tallest silver skyscrapers in the world, black exemplifies the mix of classic and modern influences in New York that can make even the simplest of outfits appear sophisticated.
Boston Blue
Boston, a city rich in history, has a certain patriotic feel that is reflected through the loyal models of navy blue that walk the streets of Beantown. Whether you are walking to work in the Financial District or strolling the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, navy blue embodies the patriotic and smart-looking style of Bostonians.
Let’s be honest, Boston is not known for keeping up with the newest trends. I have never seen the 8-inch neon yellow heels and miniskirts that I have seen in other major US cities around the streets of Boston. The appropriate attire for a night out in Southie consists of ripped jeans and white sneakers. That being said, the conservative and often preppy nature of Boston fashion can involve a dapper navy blue that elevates overlooked ensembles. You can’t go wrong with a navy blue blazer and blue jeans for a day at Quincy Market or a navy cardigan on your shoulders on a walk in Cambridge. Navy blue pairs well with the historical brick buildings and cobblestone streets as well as the sparkling sea of the Boston harbor. A historical city needs a patriotic color, and for Boston that is navy blue.
Welcome to Miami
Miami is one of the wildest US cities for many reasons, but for me, the fashion adds a whole new layer to public indecency laws. If you thought the Miami sunshine was bright, you should see the neon colors that light up Ocean Drive. You can’t wear too much in the Miami heat, but when you do, you better be tropical and trendy! I love a spicy hot pink in Miami because it represents the fun and flirty culture of this southern city.
Miami is all about making a statement with color. The fashion reflects the vibrant atmosphere of the city that illuminates through the hot pink outfits. Neon pink bikinis paired with a fun straw hat is the Miami beach uniform. Miami, like its fashion, is bold and bright, so hot pink is the perfect sexy-chic combination for nightlife and daytime fashion. Neon pink is accentuated by the contrast of the white sand beaches and crystal clear skies-not to mention it might help draw attention away from your Miami beach burn!
City of Pastels
My time in Los Angeles was short but sweet. The laid-back vibes, immersion into the beautiful landscape of the West Coast, and dry but hot climate reminded me of that blissful time between spring and summer on the East Coast. Linen is always a good option to sport in La-La land, but I found that pastels and white spoke to the true nature of The Big Orange.
White is an easy, flowing color that can be paired well with anything. Throughout the year, the diverse population of LA can sport white for a variety of activities. The large population of creatives in LA can be somewhat simplistic in their fashion. I often saw men wearing white t-shirts with white linen pants to work, which would be frowned upon in the more formal offices on the East Coast. Monochromatic white outfits often seen in LA can be casual or formal but always look put together. Los Angeles always feels like summer to me and white encompasses the effortless, relaxing aura of summertime. The color white goes with any element of the Los Angeles scene, from walking on the Malibu pier to hiking in the brown sandy desert. In white, you will glow on the golden coast.
