I'm Making a Case for D.C. as a Top Fashion City Thanks to These Styles

Washington, D.C., is often overlooked when it comes to its impact on fashion. But growing up in Maryland, just 30 minutes away from D.C., we felt the impact of the styles coming out of the city. I’m not just referring to the tailored suits and Jackie O.-inspired dresses from those on Capitol Hill, but the off-duty looks around Georgetown and the heart of D.C.

Last weekend, while out to brunch in the city, I got the chance to really admire what everyone was wearing. This included baggy jeans, maxi dresses, yellow-lens sunglasses, New Balance sneakers, and matching two-piece sets. I found 10 similar summer styles everyone was wearing to shop, below.

10 D.C.-Inspired Fashion Buys:

• Madewell Low-Slung Straight Jeans, $138; madewell.com
• Abardsion Crew Neck T-Shirts, $15 (Originally $24); amazon.com
• Reformation Defina Knit Dress, $198; reformation.com
• Jeffrey Campbell Mesh Mary Jane Flat, $72 (Originally $145); nordstrom.com 
• Ssoulm Shirring Racerback Tank Maxi Dress, $30; amazon.com
• Ydaowkn Aviator Sunglasses, $11 (Originally $12); amazon.com
• Aritzia New Supply Cargo Pant, $128; aritzia.com
• New Balance 530 Sneaker, $100; nordstrom.com
• Nufiwi Two-Piece Set, $39 (Originally $42); amazon.com
• Levi’s Low Loose Rigid Jeans, $108; nordstrom.com

Reformation Defina Knit Dress

I’ve seen this mixed-media tank dress similar to Reformation’s Defina Knit Dress all over my FYP on TikTok, and now IRL roaming the streets of D.C. Initially, I was hesitant about picking up the style since I didn’t know how to style it, but after seeing it paired with Adidas Sambas, chunky gold charm necklaces, and baseball caps, I’m adding it to my cart expeditiously. 

This Reformation dress is available in white, black, and red in sizes XS to XL. It features a boat neckline, stretch knit fabric that hugs the figure, and a woven cotton-spandex skirt with pleats and a dropped waistline. The length falls about mid-thigh. 

Madewell Low-Slung Straight Jeans

If I wasn’t seeing cargo styles like Aritzia’s New Supply Pant, it was 100-percent baggy denim that looked like the Low-Slung Straight Jeans from Madewell. The loose-fit jeans come in three washes, and sizes range from 23 to 34 with customizable fit options of petite, tall, and standard. It’s made from 100 percent cotton and has a classic button and zipper closure, spacious pockets, and a body-skimming fit that stops at the ankle. I saw the baggy style paired with oversized button-up shirts, easy white T-shirts, yellow-tinted shades, and cool and comfy sneakers, like New Balance.

New Balance 530 Sneaker

If you’re from Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, you know it’s basically a right of passage when you get your first pair of New Balance sneakers. So it was no surprise that on nearly every foot I saw, regardless of whether it was on a runner, man, woman, or even child, they had some version of New Balance on. During brunch, I asked a girl what pair she was wearing, and it was the New Balance 530 Sneakers.

The sneakers come in five colors with sizes ranging from 5.5 to 15.5. It features a mesh upper, so it’s super breathable, reflective details on the side for visibility at night, cushioned midsole that absorbs the impact of every step, and heel cup at the back for added ankle support. There’s also a flexible rubber outsole for traction on slick surfaces, padding at the tongue, and removable insole for maximum comfort.

Shop more styles that D.C.’s fashion scene is wearing, below.

Ydaowkn Aviator Sunglasses

Nufiwi Two-Piece Set

Ssoulm Shirring Racerback Tank Maxi Dress

Abardsion Crew Neck T-Shirts

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK571pqqoaGenMGwuoydmmarpaK6pr6Mn5isoJmku25%2Bj2trZnBmaYN4fpg%3D