One of the biggest perks of going to school in New York City is that it’s pretty much a real-life Pinterest board. From soft girl-glam to Carrie Bradshaw wannabes, you can see every style and aesthetic represented out on the streets.
Whether you’re taking your daily walk to class or heading uptown for a side quest, you can find fashion inspiration in any corner of the city. So if you’re in a bit of a style rut, head to these spots around the boroughs to build your dream outfit arsenal.
Village Works
12 St. Marks Place
St. Marks Place in the East Village is notable for its variety of affordable, delicious eats and busy nighttime scene. However, it’s also a great place to go if you’re a fan of the maximalist, Y2K styles that are currently trending. At Village Works, a hybrid of bookstore, cafe and gallery, you’re bound to encounter eclectic, bold looks. You’ll spot fur boots, studded belts, fishnets and many pieces that people have distressed or DIY-ed to personalize their outfits. If you’re into creative, kitschy fashion, you’ll find many different ideas here that you’ll surely want to emulate.
The Morgan Library & Museum
225 Madison Ave.
For the internship girlies or anyone into business casual attire, take the train to Murray Hill’s Morgan Library & Museum, where you can read a new book, explore historical records and peruse the outfits of its attendees. Not only does the museum offer views of gorgeous architecture, but it’s also full of inspiration for academia and workplace fashion — at the library, you can figure out how to style that tight button-up blouse you’ve been waiting to wear. As a major finance hub, Murray Hill has plenty of people to take notes from when it comes to looking for a classy outfit for the office, your Stern class or even a night out.
La Bomboniera
1378 Lexington Ave.
Tucked away in a cozy corner of the Upper East Side, this chic Italian cafe is ideal for grabbing a pastry and sitting outside on a sunny day to watch passersby. If your personal taste leans towards preppy and elegant, this is the place for you. At this uptown gem, you’ll be able to enjoy your coffee while watching residents on a morning stroll or on their way to work. You’re likely to see high-quality tailored garments, cashmere sweaters and tons of timeless, traditional outfits that fit perfectly into a quiet luxury aesthetic.
The Museum of Modern Art
11 W 53rd St.
If you’ve already been to the MoMA, you were probably busy taking pictures of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” — but the museum also offers a plethora of inspiration for lovers of the academia aesthetic. After getting a free ticket using your NYU ID, take a walk around the museum to spot all sorts of casual-chic outfits against the backdrop of artwork. Trenchcoats, mock-necks, straight-leg denim and simple, neutral pieces are commonplace at the MoMA, where you can embrace your inner Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Washington Square Park
The truth is, fashion inspiration is pretty much everywhere in New York City, and you can find it closer than you might think. Spend an hour people-watching at Washington Square Park after class, and you’ll probably spot a band of fellow students in alternative punk-goth wear, artists painting in the grass wearing vintage sweaters and Dr. Martens and New Yorkers rushing to work in bespoke suits. In this small but bustling section of Greenwich Village, you’ll find a significant mix of different aesthetics and personal styles — all of which are bound to motivate you to dig through your closet and build a few new outfits.
Contact Yanel Siqueiros at [email protected].
