5 Street Style Moments in Brooklyn

The executive!

I call this the “Canadian tuxedo” and I’ve been wearing it when I need a big dose of Canuck confidence in these trying times. 🙌🏼

I’m not 100% sure but they do look quite a bit like the Common Projects BBall Duo Slim!

I noticed the shoes, too! At first I thought they were Vans, but they look more polished and have no heel tag… so did a Google Lens search and I think they’re Jenni Kayne skater sneakers which are no longer available but there’s a few available on Poshmark!

hahahahahaha and a very chipped pedicure!

That fluffy dog is a samoyed!!! I have one and they are just as soft and cuddly as they look.

Hahaha! Thanks for pointing this out. I needed a laugh.

that’s a great idea! I’ll ask her!

Me too! I just clicked on her insta and I came here to type the same thing!

Yes please!!

+1!

And Rebecca, pretty please!!

Strong disagree. I love this look and find thick glasses frames so sexy!

clare, this is so unnecessary. perhaps they’re doing exactly what joanna thinks they’re doing after all? what a wild thing to go out of your way to bring someone down. enjoy your day, and i hope you feel fulfilled enough to wear whatever makes YOU happy and makes YOU feel confident and good, and may nobody tear you down.

I was just thinking of how cool they look… horses for courses!

OMG yes please loose those glasses with the old man vibe. Go modern, you are beautiful don’t hide it.

This is so unnecessary and mean.

Completely agree

You preface that your comment is said with love, but it reads a bit as condescension. People wear what they wear for any number of reasons, not least because they LIKE it. Why tell someone to buy more things, spend more money, consume consume consume, if what they are wearing works and makes them feel good?

Ouch to some of these comments.

I think they’re great! I remember my Dad wearing this style of glasses when I was a little kid. Its okay not to like every trend, but let’s be kind to each other about it.

I am having a bad week and today is a stressful day. I came on here to find the kindness and delight that this site always delivers. But this??? Clare. To paraphrase, I don’t think the word “love” is doing what you think it is doing. If this comment made ME feel bad I can’t imagine how it made Jo feel.

Clare, get a life. I’d love to assume no one is blasting you online about your fashion choices. How about be a real fan and embrace “Good for her, not for me”?

i´m desagreee!!! its marvelous!

A few months ago, my 90-year-old grandmother pointed out how ‘unflattering’ my very round, tortoise-shell glasses were. But the thing is? I love those glasses, and now it makes me laugh to think about my grandmother’s opinion. It’s incredible to reach a point where you can love someone ~but also~ not give a toot about their thoughts on your body and fashion!

haha it’s okay if you don’t like them, I do! I’m not offended at all, truly. they’re actually the thing I get the most compliments on — both on CoJ and in real life — but even that I don’t really care about, since I like them and that’s enough :)

Ever since I was a teenager I’ve worn things other people (my mom, grandmother, former MIL, strangers) have found questionable. I know this because they’ve made it their business to share their opinions on my style choices with me, often under the guise of being helpful, or saying it “with love.” I’ve never changed how I dress except when I wanted to, and I think my confidence in how I present myself is one of the more attractive things about me. I didn’t find this comment offensive, I think it probably reflects a lack of confidence in the writer. Literally who cares if you don’t like it. They’re glasses. Good for Joanna for having fun with fashion. I’d rather be bold than forgettable.

Not said with love. Love is letting people be and wear what they like. Nobody asked. Also, a commenter mentioned “old man” vibes. Old man vibes, especially on a beautiful woman, are the best! Comfortable, smart, a little rumpled, confident. Very sexy.

I am so glad that Joanna wasn’t hurt by this comment (based on her reply to Clare). I would have been (and have been under similar circumstances), but I am actively trying to be better about feeling confident in my likes/clothing/hobbies without worrying about what people think.

good grief. Your opinion isn’t doing what you think it’s doing either. Hope you feel better, and get what you need, or whatever, but next time maybe keep this kind of crap to yourself.

Jo, you look like a bada** boss in those glasses, which you are. Get it girl.

Hahaha! You totally nailed the big sister vibes. I have two big sisters and they can be such b-words sometimes. Props to Jo for letting this roll off her back

I WAS GOING TO SAY THE SAME THING!!!!!!!!!! and total sister vibes-said with LOVE, YES- like you’d tell your sister- the glasses, no. but you like em so what can we do? lol darn it!

Well now y’all are attacking Clare for attacking Joanna, haha. When I read her comment I knew Joanna wouldn’t be offended. We’re talking about style and Clare gave her opinion on style. Could she have worded it better? For sure. But men get away with saying unfiltered shit all the time. We as women are so hard on each other and everyone being hard on Clare for being hard on Joanna is ironic. Something to think anout!! Hi Clare, I’m a long time reader too.

Oh Clare. *slow head shake*

Whoa… pretty sure she was sharing street style, not asking for a review of her style, or anyone else’s. As my kids- ages 9 & 12 say, “that’s a thought to keep inside your head…” You are totally entitled to your opinion, as is every other human, but the words & tone we use to express them & where we share them are key.

I’m just completely fascinated by the latest glasses trends period. It seems the retro look Jo is sporting is quite popular – or at least among the younger women I see in the Bay Area. And Ameerah’s shades are new to me. I’ve seen so many friends and influencers wearing enormous frames which I initially found hilarious and wouldn’t you know it, months later…have myself a few pairs :)

I love the glasses! 10/10 Perfect statement piece. No notes. You know what would be fun? A post on home style. What’s everyone’s soft pant/ nap dress/ mumu/ fuzzy slipper situation? Nosey minds need to know. :)

Maybe say something like “have you tried [insert style]? It will make you look incredible!” instead.

I wish I could reply to a reply, but what Alison said made me LAUGH: Hahaha! You totally nailed the big sister vibes. I have two big sisters and they can be such b-words sometimes. Also, the original comment has strong “Don’t take this personally, but…” vibes and that is NEVER a good sentence starter.

Wow rude, also curious to know what you think she thinks they’re doing, that they’re not, in your opinion. I’m reminded of the great response by Samantha Irby when people say mean, judgmental nonsense to her: “I like it!”

I love this exchange! Sometimes I wish I needed glasses (I know, I know), so I could rock new looks everyday. Then I remember how expensive they are, and how timid I am with my style (kind of a “don’t look at me” vibe). To have the courage to wear what makes me feel good – now that’s something to aim for. Thanks Jo, for continuing to inspire!

Well, as they say, THAT ESCALATED. 1. I have no idea why Jo chose those particular frames, because I haven’t seen if she’s told us. But I like them, and I love that she loves them. I love when people have something they really enthusiastically love. And I love that she doesn’t care what others think about them. Because, yeah, irrelevant. 2. I struggle with my glasses because of a medical condition and it’s been a really long road since I started needing them, figuring out what works for me. Turns out I need big frames with big lenses that give me a big area of correction for my field of vision, but for years the people that help you choose the right frames for your face were giving me very petite frames thinking those were more flattering. Guess what? Flattering literally doesn’t work for me to see properly, so screw flattering. Glasses are for seeing better, right? Maybe what Jo thinks they are doing is helping her see better? 3. Some good rules are don’t make personal remarks and don’t give unsolicited advice.

Whoa, I also don’t think this was a very kind comment to make and I would never have come right out and said it myself HOWEVER I have to say I so associate this style of glasses with Jeffrey Dahmer that I just can’t like them on anyone. I feel like some people who wear them are going for serial killer vibes like, ironically, but I’m not sure I would want to even ironically dress like a serial killer. That said, plenty of people probably don’t even have this association with those glasses. But I do. And they really put me off for that reason.

This exchange made me smile thinking about the truly comfortable place Joanna has created here—bitchy sister comments included! :)

YES! It makes me smile every time there’s a link to secondhand. I do see my privilege as a straight sized person, but about 95% of my wardrobe was sourced from thrift stores. It started as a cost thing for me when I was a broke student, but eventually I realized it’s just much more satisfying to give already existing items a new life!

I saw two women in a coffee shop the other day who were dressed SO cutely, one in a jumpsuit and the other with a Doen quilted jacket (on my wish list forever and ever). I asked them where they shop, and they said Poshmark! It really inspired me to get on there and dig around for a second-hand, good deal instead of just impulse-buying when I see something in a store.

love that, Anne!!

I’m so intrigued. What does it mean to be ethically Mennonite? Is it different from the Mennonite religion?

Yulia, I had to read that twice too and she said “ethnically,” meaning her family is mennonite, etc. — not “ethically”

Ann-I bought my favorite dress (doen) second hand from Poshmark! It’s a mustard yellow with ditsy floral and a wide dress collar with a plunging neckline. I wear it in the fall and I always feel so beautiful! I got it for $50 instead of whatever crazy amount doen goes for (I wouldn’t even know honestly because I can’t afford it)

I may be a bit loopy, as I’m studying for a linguistics exam right now and have spent the past three hours staring at words like “epenthesis,” but I was so tickled by the unintentional wordplay of “ethnically Mennonite, ethically-minded”! Kara, I think you may need a t-shirt or hat with this descriptor!

Seconding! And that bag!!

Ditto

My thoughts exactly!

I never see trench coats in Seattle. They feel very East coast to me, too.

I’m in Portland and see more rain jackets than trench coats!

I think it does depend on the place! In Edinburgh, sidewalk grazing, wide-leg, loose-fitting denim + crop tops/oversized button downs/crewneck sweatshirts + center-parted long hair in a low bun/claw clip/down + Adidas/Mary Jane’s/platform sandals + beige trench coats/barn jackets/puffer coats/long wool coats + tote bags/canvas shoppers are all the rage. Casual, athleisure with leggings + white socks worn on the outside + oversized sweatshirts or jackets is also popular. And work clothes for 20-30 somethings are typically high-waisted, wide-legged black trousers + oversized knit sweater + cool sneakers or loafers. Seattleites, in my experience, are a bit less trend-conscious, but some of the above will eventually seep in. Always on the more casual end, though, with a bit of REI and thrift. San Francisco is similar. NYC, on the other end, will be more trend-conscious but erring casual, versus Paris or London which would err a bit dressier. (FWIW, I’m not in fashion, but do enjoy people-watching!)

I live in San Diego and wear my trench coat very frequently in the winter months. I love it – because you’re exactly right. Nobody wears them here.

how funny — i’m flying to seattle tomorrow and have been debating packing a trench!

I know, right? Is it because we have such little rain, and it’s all in one short season? I aspire to own a chic softly rumpled trench, like a “slightly smaller than Peter Falk as Columbo” version, but – I can never find it. And, I don’t know when I will need it! A fashion moment I would enjoy that is probably never meant to be mine… :(

I agree. Trench coats are things I hear about — I don’t think I’ve ever seen people actually wear them. I even own one, and never wear it, because the weather never seems right for it!

Coats are huge in DC – everyone was wearing long wool coats, and then trenches. East Coast is more dressed up and people do dressy (or work appropriate) outerwear here. I was shocked when I lived in Seattle and my coworkers would put a rain jacket over a suit!

I don’t spot them much here in Ottawa. When I do, I find it’s typically on a man! And Kim – LOVE a Peter Falk reference. I hope you find it!

I live in LA and bought one when I was in London a few years back. It’s perfect for chilly mornings when I’m dropping off my daughter at school with my sweatpants underneath ;)

I’ve been in cafes before where EVERY WOMAN is wearing a trench. they’ve been all over New York for the past two years especially. so funny how styles can be so local!

I’m in Atlanta, and trenches are popular down south! We have such a mild winter that often times a trench is all you need, even in the colder months (especially because we blast heat in public spaces once there’s even the slightest chill in the air). I lived in an oversized, louche ankle-grazer in a cognac brown through the spring, and am currently coveting a shiny red j. crew number that plays into my secret desire to slink through the city like Carmen Sandiego.

Trench coats were everywhere this spring in Philly and NYC! Although I think they’ve kind of always been in style in the fall and spring in Philly/NYC for decades? It’s one of the few wardrobe items I have that actually is a classic. Another one is a long black puffer and a leather moto. I am very open to being wrong about this though

I’m in PDX region and trenches definitely feel east coast to me. Only a small handful of people in my office (~300) who wear a trench. Outdoor gear style rain shells are definitely the norm. I used a very brightly colored one as my maternity rain jacket, which worked really well for keeping that growing belly dry. But most of them don’t have hoods, so I don’t really understand them as rain jackets.

What a fun question! I mean, we have zillions in NYC? Any particular vibe you have in mind? My husband immediately thought of Monkey Bar, Polo Bar, or Gallagher’s, which all have a great classic vibe, while I thought of places like Balthazar or The Consulate which are a little more French… but there are great modern/minimalist/colorful places as well! Be sure to take a walk on the High Line while you’re here… and just enjoy exploring together! have a great time on your adults-only trip!!

Zinc Bar by Washington Square is very cool and chic!

https://www.compagniewinebar.com/nyc-flat-iron Is lovely and not far from you!

Not necessarily a beautiful space but a unique and fun wine bar experience–Terroir in Tribeca. Go early and sit at the bar. Have fun!

I live relatively close to where you’re staying. There are a lot of beautiful new restaurants nearby. Coqodaq is incredible looking – a must see – 22nd between Park & Bway. Hawksmoor. Time & Tide is restrained. Aqua is fairly over the top. Making your way south in Gramercy. Carlotto has a show-stopping ceiling design. Dear Irving is a classic and beautiful cocktail bar on Irving Place, and around the corner you’ll find the inspirational Japanese cocktail bar Martiny’s. Gupshup is near there too – what an immersive design experience. Pranakhon is on University near 10th St. It’s two stories and designed to look like a Bangkok streetscape. It’s one of our favorite places to take visitors and timely now thanks to the White Lotus. Take a walk through the Flatiron Nomad piazza on Bway between 25–27th. There are a number of new(ish) restaurants and shops along there that may inspire you, as well as those around Madison Square Park. Further out of the way there’s Kyuramen on Bowery in Chinatown. It has two-tiered booths that are shaped like honeycombs. Highly photogenic; check out photos. I don’t know how you could possibly have time to see all this. Just pumping out ideas.

@rachel ball, I only know Terroir from the very entertaining wine book, Cork Dork, by Bianca Bosker. If you know that bar, you will probably enjoy this book!

It really is the perfect chambray shirt. I just spent way too much time Google image searching “women’s chambray shirt” and zooming in on the pockets, and I actually think it’s – Old Navy!?!!? https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=870150002&vid=1

I found my denim shirt at Tractor Supply, I think! I know it was some farmer store. My dad had told me he’d started shopping at one because the clothes are made to last through hard work and rough weather! I wanted one that wouldn’t immediately wear holes in the elbows, so that’s where I went!

Gap has a pretty good one—it’s their “organic cotton perfect shirt”. I found mine on Poshmark 🤗 (I did size up one size)

I think those are both excellent suggestions that I can also vouch for – workwear is the best – but I’ll add one more to the mix. How about looking up old Gap options from the 80s and 90s? While it can be hit or miss with them now, I found everything they made then to be beautiful quality!

I found an excellent one used that is JCrew for men.

Ooooh thank you for posting that, Alana! I think you may be right!

Don’t sleep on Old Navy! I have some items from there that people ask me about all the time: a chore coat, cream-colored denim overalls, white jeans, etc. I mostly buy used these days but for certain staples, especially in all-cotton, Old Navy is actually pretty awesome, with good cuts. I would probably just advise staying away from anything too trendy and polyester…

Thanks everyone, I’m inspired to keep searching! Omg Alana, excellent sleuthing!

Alana, I think you are right! Thanks for the hot tip! But also, I think it’s the jeans that make the outfit and her beautiful posture. Striking. And love the birks and socks.

It must be said! I have an Eileen Fisher backpack that I love, but I still swoon over a beautifully designed tote bag. But! Our spinal health, friends! Severe Scoliosis made that decision for me, but I urge everyone else to think of their future selves.

Omg as a lifelong Birkensocks evangelist why have I never thought to call it Birkensocks. Too good! It’s so comfy and so cozy – different weights of socks in different seasons makes them three season shoes, even in Canada. Also, I’m 36 and they have already been in and out of fashion a few times in my life so far (both Birkenstocks and Birkensocks lol) so it was an early lesson that almost everything cycles back in eventually, so why not just wear what I love and be comfortable, regardless of what point we’re at in a fashion cycle!

Yes! Feel the same way as another person in the Midwest. These post make me feel like I’m at a least a little in touch with what’s cool haha.

oh we would love to!!! I’ll take a ton of photos in Paris when I’m there for work next week :)

My brother lived on the east coast, and when he would come visit me he would always gripe that people in Chicago had no style, and I would say “I know! That’s why I love it.” 😂

Kell, I also had a brother on the east coast who said the same thing about my region of the PNW, and I always responded “I KNOW! Isn’t it GREAT!?!” hahaha!

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Good one 😂