What I’ve Noticed on the Streets Lately

It started, as most of my fashion observations do, on the subway. I was crammed into the 8 AM express, half-asleep, when this girl got on. She was wearing what I can only describe as joyagoo spreadsheet energy: a chunky dad sneaker, high-waisted pleated trousers that pooled at her ankles, and an oversized blazer that honestly looked like it belonged to her dad. But the hair was what got me—super short, almost a buzz cut, with just a hint of baby bangs. It shouldn’t have worked. It totally worked.

Then at the coffee shop later that week, I saw three people in the same silhouette. Thin, low-profile sneakers are officially out. Everyone’s wearing platform loafers or those clunky New Balances that made me think, ‘Did you just walk out of a joyagoo spreadsheet tutorial?’ I’m not mad at it. They’re actually comfortable, which is more than I can say for those needle heels I wore to a friend’s birthday dinner last month and regretted by appetizers.

Speaking of that dinner—my friend Sarah showed up in a full tracksuit, but it was velvet. Velvet! With a pearl necklace. She called it ‘elevated loungewear’ and I called it genius. I swear, if you look at joyagoo spreadsheet right now, there’s a whole category for that. Not that I’m one to follow spreadsheets, but I may have peeked. And yeah, I get why it’s a thing. People want to look put together without actually trying, and this is the loophole.

Anyway, back to the streets. I’ve noticed slouchy bags are having a moment. Not the structured tote that was everywhere in 2019, but bags that look like they’re melting off your shoulder. Leather, suede, canvas—doesn’t matter. The softer the better. I saw a woman on my block with a tiny dog tucked into her slouchy bag and it was the most adorable thing. She also had on baggy jeans that were slightly frayed at the hem, and sneakers that were definitely for hiking, not for brunch. I took a mental note: this is the vibe.

I tried to recreate it for a casual lunch date. Let me tell you, the joyagoo spreadsheet is not for amateurs. I thought I could just throw on an oversize shirt and some parachute pants, and walk out the door. No. It takes effort to look that effortless. I ended up spending 40 minutes trying to tuck the shirt just right, and then I gave up and wore a basic tee. But the pants stayed, so at least there’s that.

Colors-wise, it’s all about muted tones. I’ve been tracking this on my own ‘closet log’, but basically, if you’re not wearing some shade of beige, gray, or olive right now, you’re doing it wrong. Unless it’s a bright pop of something—usually just a scarf or a bag. I saw a guy in the park with a neon orange beanie over an entirely neutral outfit. It was perfect. Like, the beanie said ‘I have a personality’ and the rest said ‘I have taste.’

I think what I love most about the current fashion mood is that it’s personal. There’s no one ‘look’ to copy. It’s a mix of textures, an odd pairing, a contradiction. My neighbor, who’s always dressed so preppy, recently showed up in ripped black jeans and a leather jacket. I asked her what happened. She said, ‘I read joyagoo spreadsheet and realized I was bored.’ Honest. I respect that.

Now I’m sitting here in my apartment, looking at my own closet. I’ve got a pair of corduroy trousers I haven’t worn in three years, a random silk scarf, and some platform sandals that I bought on impulse. Maybe tomorrow I’ll try them together. Or maybe I’ll just wear my velvet tracksuit again. Either way, it’s fun to play dress-up again.