Summer Style Obsessions From Women in 9 Different American Cities
What they're wearing in Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, and beyond.
All it takes to live like a local when traveling are a few quick internet searches, but dressing like one requires actually talking to the people walking a city's streets. From east coast to west, we spoke with fashionable residents to find out what micro-trends and sartorial vibes they're seeing take root in their towns this summer.
Maximalism in Atlanta
Danasia Fantastic, @theurbanrealist
Atlanta isn't known to shy away from bold trends and Danasia Fantastic knows just that. "There's a level of youthfulness and excitement here that's starting to show in how people are choosing to dress," she says. "I think that's why the trend I've seen pick up the most steam is maximalist outfits." Of the graphic movement that mixes and matches vibrant hues for high impact results, the creator of The Urban Realist tells us, "It's playful and fun, which sums up Atlanta in the summer."
Clockwise from top left: Tibi top, $375, nordstrom.com; Rebecca Minkoff clutch, $75, nordstrom.com; Loeffler Randall shoes, $350, nordstrom.com
ACCESSORIES-FOCUSED IN BALTIMORE
Tia Nicole Newton, @fouroneohblog
Always on-the-go between NYC and her home base of Baltimore, Tia Newton of Four One Oh keeps it simple. "I'm a black t-shirt and jeans type of girl," she tells us. But her style isn't minimalist from head-to-toe. "I spend most of my money on accessories because they can make or break an outfit." For summer, she's taking a foot-focused approach. "A great pair of shoes never hurts. I love seeing women on the go in their sporty oxfords," she says of the comfortable and classic trend she's spotted in Maryland.
Clockwise from top left: Proenza Schouler shoes, similar at nordstrom.com; Loeffler Randall shoes, $395, nordstrom.com; Linea Paolo shoes, similar at nordstrom.com
SUNSHINE BRIGHTS IN BOSTON
Sofi Madison, @olivesandgrace
Working in her busy boutique on Boston's bustling Tremont Street, Olives & Grace owner Sofi Madison says, "Comfort is my first priority, but I'm most productive when I'm feeling confident and representing myself and my brand well." The artisanal focus of Madison's shop is a response to what she notices Bostonians wanting and fits in with her own style choices too. "I don't travel too much these days, so a colorful closet is my escape. I'll be seeking textured pieces with some history behind them this summer." Rich hues like burnt oranges, yellows, and "juicy colors that epitomize the warmth and energy of the season" are featuring prominently in her shop and on the city's most stylish sidewalks.
Clockwise from top left: Sea top, similar at nordstrom.com; Kate Spade sandals, similar at nordstrom.com; Tory Burch bag, $395, nordstrom.com
SPORTY IN CHICAGO
Jena Gambaccini, @ChiCityFashion
Chicago-based blogger and founder of Chi City Fashion, Jena Gambaccini counts on the windy city to guide her picks. "We're a very practical, utilitarian city," she tells us. "The weather can easily drop, so you have to be prepared." That's why this casual-comfortable city is becoming synonymous with an equally easy trend. "Athleisure has had a strong presence in Chicago: We like to be practical without compromising style. This trend does just that."
Clockwise from top left: FRAME jacket, $349, nordstrom.com; Gucci sneakers, $620, gucci.com; Nike top, $45, nordstrom.com
MINIMALIST BOHO IN LOS ANGELES
Natalie Live, @thetinycloset
Natalie Live of The Tiny Closet embraces the West Coast lifestyle in everything she does. "I work in downtown L.A., and I'm constantly running errands around the city, so I need to be comfortable while weaving through traffic on foot," the clothing designer and blogger tells us. Her laid-back "modern minimalist" wardrobe is built on "simple lines, with oversized and draped shapes. Comfort is primary, but I never leave the house feeling frumpy." That's why Live's loving the elegant boho trend she's been spotting as she makes her way around town. "Boho is looking cleaner and more classically feminine with off-the-shoulder cuts, flutter sleeves, ruffles, and embroidery."
Clockwise from top left: Cinq à Sept dress, similar at nordstrom.com; Mercedes Castillo shoes, $300, nordstrom.com
MATCHING SETS IN MIAMI
Daniela Moreno and Valentina Hernandez, @ironnsalt
Bloggers Daniela Moreno and Valentina Hernandez may live in Miami, but that doesn't mean they're always ready for the beach. "We tend to dress in a way that contradicts where we live," Hernandez explains. "In Miami bright colors and flowers are common, but we love a good pair of jeans with black booties." They do have to consider their city's steamy weather though, making this summer's heat-friendly trend one they're happily adapting. "We've been seeing a lot of two-piece outfits. Since it's very hot it's a great option that still looks very put together," Moreno says.
Clockwise from top left: Madewell top, $50, madewell.com; Tibi pants, $350, nordstrom.com; Tibi top, $245, nordstrom.com
SORBET SHADES IN NEW YORK
Sydney Oh, @milkandclay
Part tomboy, part feminine dresser, there's good reason for New York-based ceramicist Sydney Oh's style dichotomy: "I work in fashion PR and moonlight as a potter, so a lot of what I wear is either put-together for meetings or a muddy jumpsuit." But when it comes to her accessory choices, she's very one-sided, "Living in N.Y.C. requires a lot of walking, so I've ruled out heels and embrace flats as my footwear of choice." Another extra she's adding to her ensemble this summer: pastel-tinted shades. "Today I noticed even street stalls are starting to sell them and summer is around the corner, so get ready."
From top: Ray Ban sunglasses, $165, ray-ban.com; Tilda Swinton x Gentle Monster sunglasses, $286, gentlemonster.com; Karen Walker sunglasses, $203,karenwalker.com
MODERN ROMANTICISM IN SAN FRANCISCO
Jen Szeto, @windowofimagination
Living amongst the tech-cum-creative vibe of San Francisco, Jen Szeto is inspired by the city's sights and surroundings. "It has evolved into this well-populated, energetic, highly creative city, and being a part of that has most certainly inspired growth within my personal style," she says. "Getting dressed is an outlet for me and I'm almost always guided by geometry." This season, the Bay Area commercial producer is relying on a uniform of high-waisted, wide-leg pants, structured tops, and block heels for a style she dubs "modern romanticism." Along with spotting similarly creative looks on her fellow SF women, Szeto says layers are a constant too since the city's unpredictable weather means a chill can roll in quickly.
Clockwise from top: Tibi shorts, $325, nordstrom.com; Tibi top, $300, nordstrom.com; Mercedes Castillo shoes, $350, nordstrom.com
STATEMENT SHIRTS IN SEATTLE
Morgan Lillian, @morgan_lillian
Seattle is known for its forward-thinking mentality and local blogger Morgan Lillian is always looking ahead. "My style is an ever changing expression of who I am," she says. The trend-setter relies heavily on denim and is topping off her ensembles with something special this season, courtesy of a trend she's noticed around town. "This summer it is all about statement blouses. I will be living in them paired with raw-edge hem denim and one of my recently purchased pairs of loafers—there's nothing easier than slipping them on before running out the door."
Clockwise from top right: Tibi top, $425, nordstrom.com; Topshop blouse, $125, topshop.com; Topshop top, similar at topshop.com
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