By fashion contributor Rachel Cothran. Find more of her writing and street photography at her web site Project Beltway.
In a city where power tends to dictate fashion, instead of the other way around, it is possible to see beyond the power suits and prove that the nation’s capital has a style as fascinating as the people shaping its unique culture. Each week we’re going to take an anthropological approach to style in Washington, presenting a literal and figurative snapshot of Washingtonians looking sharp — and interesting — on the streets and at events and parties.
On the one hand, we want to find who looks great in Washington: the gorgeous clothes, who’s wearing them, and where to find them. On the other hand, it is an examination of the unique people and culture here: the offbeat art student with the funky hair, the high-powered lobbyist with the Armani suit, the non-profit worker on the metro who looks so put-together. How does their style reflect who they are and what they do in the city? In this way, we want to find fashionable people, but more importantly, people who manage real style, outside the latest magazine model look.
This week we bring you snapshots of people on the streets of Georgetown, and two very different people convening at the same U-Street eatery for Sunday brunch.
On the Street: Rebel in Red
On M Street in Georgetown, a military-style Zara coat gets the grunge-meets-rocker-chick treatment. The peek of plaid and the bold color & cut are equal parts Claire Danes circa My So-Called Life and Gwen Stefani. She may have her own style, but she’s clearly following the important rules: know what colors look good on you and stick to them. For all of Georgetown’s entertaining pretty-people-watching, it can look overly put-together, especially during the evening bar crawls. She looks great without looking like she tried too hard–something tough to pull off in a town that too often emphasizes looking “appropriate” above all else.
