Let's talk fashion in DC

I'm finally back from my trip (physically AND mentally, the mental part has taken a couple of days...).

I was SO a tourist. I just looked at everything: museums, signage, cherry trees, parks, buildings... and OF COURSE what everyone around me was wearing! What people were wearing on the Metro... at museums... in the cafe... at Starbucks... in Whole Foods... shopping at Georgetown...

For the most part on the Hill, I noticed lots of boxy suits and separates on women. I have a feeling it's because most young professionals don't think they have the time or money to get their suiting tailored (um, a pet peeve of mine if you couldn't tell...). I felt a kind of stifling force, as though no one accessorized or worked within the professional dress code to express themselves. I didn't see very many blouses (just yaaaaaawn, a shell under a blazer) or accents really. Given my Southern roots, I was dying to put a hot pink blouse on someone or throw on a hammered gold cuff or something. Or throw a piece of paper with "barneys.com for shoes, please!" into someone's drab work bag...

That said, Georgetown and Dupont Circle showed me DC's more casual style. No one was rocking the boyfriend jeans, yet... but I noticed lots of pretty, easy jersey knit sundresses worn with gladiator and metallic sandals. I noticed lots of pretty colorful cotton scarves tossed casually around the neck and for going out, a floral print tank with bootcut jeans. At G&T, I noticed everything from denim cut-offs worn with cowboy boots to a pair of black leggings with a sorority tee shirt. Guys primarily were wearing a preppy, all American look... even the guys working at Barney's Co-op!

While DC has the reputation for being a very fashion-shy and conservative city, it definitely lacks the stuffiness that you would think goes with the stereotype. You don't have to wear a twin set and pearls, and you definitely can wear jeans most places. I like that you can wear the same outfit all night, whether you're hopping to G&T or Russia House or Dove and Hawk. Pretty much anything goes!

As far as cool, local labels... I really didn't find any in the boutiques I wondered into. I did find a great Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet that I snatched up on sale at Cusp in Georgetown... it's a very neon yellow! My only souvenir, but it definitely came in handy with me buying Metro cards left and right...