The StyleEyeZer

Watching what Washington wears…and talking about it later.

An “oxymoron” is what one recent Google search result called Capitol fashion. “Non-existent” said one relocated DC-native.  Washington routinely gets ribbed for its style – or lack thereof.
Many look to Michelle Obama to set a new style tone as the First Lady of Fabulous.  (There hasn’t been this much focus on a woman’s arms since Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2)  Fashion rags have paid increasing to what Washington is wearing (okay, what Madame Sleeveless is wearing).  But before we get ahead of ourselves with some kind of “style stimulus”, let’s reflect on the current state of DC style.  The good, the bad, and the opportunity.

1. Good – Washington style is classic

No one understands the basics better than a Washingtonian.  Men and women alike appreciate comfortable, functional pieces that never go out of style.  And the variety of activities in the greater Washington area requires a versatile and always fashionable wardrobe. Washingtonians have mastered the ability to create a look that will take them from professional to party (and even back to work) with little effort.

Bad – Washington style is classic

In DC, classic equals boring.  That work-to-party look? A dark suit, dark shoes and bland top.  We’re mired in old mentality that professional means only dreary suits and safe accessories.  In our town, conformity wins over personality far too often.  A good friend of mine, who shines in her bright and bold Florida style outside the office, gets nervous every time she wears her knee-high black leather boots with one of her best black suits.  Washingtonians are afraid to stand out after work too.  Many Washingtonians idea of going out style is dressed up jeans (yours truly is no exception).  Just this past weekend at a friend’s birthday, the table next to ours was full of young women dressed in jeans and black tops.  Every single one of them. There are some party gals who have rebelled against the denim chic trend, but the skimpy outfits outside the clubs along K St. make it difficult to tell who’s working it and who’s simply “working”.  Remember, there are plenty of options in between.

Opportunity – Buy a classic piece in a bold color.  Taking my own advice, I just picked up a London Fog knee-length trench – in orange.  And spruce up your office garb with a billowy blouse.  It’s also polished way to wear color and patterns.  At night, try a switch from jeans to skirt.

2. Good – Washingtonians embrace the latest trends

This has always been a well-informed town, so it’s no surprise that Washingtonians are up to speed with fashion trends. All the fashion magazines I give to the gym are snatched up by the end of my workout. Washingtonians are also early technology adapters and have long been in the top five cities for online shopping.  And while DC may not be a fashion capital, Washingtonians travel.  We are quick to note the latest styles and pick up great pieces on our trips.  In DC, we know what’s going on.

Bad – Washingtonians embrace the latest trends

I was recently walking in Georgetown and saw a young woman dressed in an empire-waist, turtleneck knit dress with black leggings.  And so was her friend.  Although her friend’s dress was a slightly different shade of taupe.  Washingtonians tend not only to embrace trends, but to wrap their legs around it and squeeze it for all its worth, like Famke Janssen’s infamous scissor squeeze in GoldenEye.  Take a look around.  Low-waisted skinny jeans with flats (a la Miss Winehouse). Folded-over waist bands at the gym.  Denim at night.  Crocs, Uggs and flip-flops.  Ugh!  And why, oh why, is there such an unabashed 80’s resurgence with teens/tweens?  Salmon-colored jeans at H&M.  Leggings.  Flashdance tops.  Popped colors.  Did you not see how ridiculous your parents looked in these things the first time around?

Opportunity – Develop your own individual style and only wear a trend if you like it, not because everyone is wearing it. And wear it your own way.  The perfect example is the menswear vest.  A big trend over the past few months and sure to continue into summer, this trendy item can be worn in a variety of colors and as part of a layered look.  The same goes for brightly-hued cardigans.

3. Good – The DC area has some great stores

Being a large metropolitan area, DC has the benefit of having all the big chains.  Between Arlington and Tysons Corner alone, there are four Macy’s and two Nordstroms.  I have three Targets within 15 minutes of my place.  Quasi-chains Anthropologie and Intermix have also been welcome additions to DC’s style scene.  In the past decade, a number of boutiques have opened, featuring up & coming designers. The old Daisy in Adams Morgan (and their maternal off-shoots, Daisy Baby and Mommies Too in Bethesda), Muleh along DC’s alt-chic 14th Street, and Arlington’s Denim Bar have all received national attention.  Shoefly (Arlington), Wild Women Wear Red (U St.), and Hu’s Shoes (Georgetown) give the Washington women even more footwear options.  There is definitely some shopping to be done in DC.

Bad – The DC area has some great stores

Just some.  We may have the big chains and new boutiques, but they all carry the same things.  It’s still a challenge to find quality basics and refreshing new styles.  Getting ready for a long vacation last August, I spent hours over several days obsessively searching for a pair of white pants that were not tapered, not see through, and not crazy expensive.  Discount stores, department stores, the chains… I had given up the search when it happened.  At Pentagon City mall for a mani/pedi the morning of my departure, I went into Macy’s as a shortcut to the nail salon.  As I walked around to the up escalators, out of the corner of my eye, something stuck out.  White.  Pants.  I walked over to them. Straight-legged.  Cuffed.  Lined.  In. My. Size. I looked up at the rack’s topper. Clearance. (Hark, the herald shopping angels sang!) I got my pants, which looked amazing with my black halter and turquoise wrap.  But it should not take a stroke of luck to find such a wardrobe staple.  As for the boutiques, they carry a smaller inventory and in smaller sizes.  And their prices often reflect the exclusivity of their (trendy, not investment) pieces.

Opportunity – Online shopping gives you more options.  Every month, Lucky magazine gives reviews of several sites with a variety of sizes and styles.  And if you fall in love with something at a boutique, ask them to help you find it in your size or to contact you when it goes on sale.

4. Good – Washingtonians love their deals

Washingtonians shop smart.  We hoard Macy’s and Bed Bath and Beyond coupons like squirrels hoard acorns.  We heart our many outlets, from Potomac Mills to Leesburg to Rehoboth, when the Delaware beaches get rained out.  I am the queen of the deals.  That orange London Fog trench?  $39.99 at Square One at Tysons.  Those white pants at Macy’s?  75% off.  I bought a Roland Mouret knock off for $15 at Ross.  A grey and black plaid patterned cap-sleeved dress for work?  $6.24 at Tarzhay.  (Trust me, it’s cute.  Mom called it ‘Audrey Hepburn-esque’).  And “cheap chic” is a must for many in this economy.

Bad – Washingtonians love their deals

Let’s face it.  For most out there, a splurge is (over) paying full price for a suit at Ann Taylor.  We also own too many of the “guess-how-much-I-got-it-for” pieces that get worn and shorn after one season.  DC women spending hundreds of dollars on their hair, but wince at paying a fraction of that on pants.  Instead, Washingtonians should familiarize themselves with the concept of “investment pieces”.  These are wardrobe staples made of superior quality with timeless appeal.  Their value is unsurpassed.  Here’s a personal example.  In 1999, I purchased a pair of Prada shoes for $425, in what I perceived as a splurge back then.  In 2009, I’ve only had to replace the heels once and they look as chic as ever.  I can’t estimate the cost per wear, but over time it’s been $42.50/year.  Think of the $40 shoes you’ve bought over the years.  How many do you still wear?  Such pricier investments may not be feasible right now, but the next time you’re out shopping, remember quality equals real value.

Opportunity – Again, online shopping.  There are many sites offering designer pieces at big discounts.  Bluefly.com was one of the first to do this.  The site I’ve been checking out lately is ideeli.com, which offers designer fashion, accessories and home goods from 50-80% off.  Remember BagBorroworSteal.com, made famous in the Sex and the City movie?  You can purchase from their inventory of designer bags for up to 80% off in the outlet section of their site.  And stop by upscale department stores.  This past December, Bergdorf Goodman in NYC was running a good chunk of their stock at 50-75% off, months earlier than the usual seasonal clearance.

So, there it is, Washington.  We’re a smart bunch, but not always when it comes to style.  That includes Washington men.  I have some observations for you too, which we’ll save for another time.  But we are well-positioned to improve DC style.  The eyes of the world are always upon us.  The least we can do is look good.

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