THE JOURNAL

Photograph by TheHapaBlonde/Backgrid
After a long hiatus, fashion week is back. Well, at least in the physical sense. No more Zoom events with a dodgy signal or “phygital experiences” to pretend to enjoy. The industry’s best and brightest designers have returned to showcase their craft on the world stage in real life. Which means that street style (ie, what people are wearing to attend the shows, and arguably the best thing to take one’s own style inspiration from) is also back.
First up is New York Fashion Week, which – perhaps thanks to the current boom of talented NYC-based designers – now boasts some of the best-dressed show-goers in the industry. And what better way to celebrate this new opportunity for post-pandemic peacockery than to pick out five of the finest fits that caught MR PORTER’s eye?
01.
The sweater vest

Photograph by Shutterstock
We’re all Friends here, and Chandler Bing’s influence certainly lives on in this iteration of the sweater vest seen on GQ senior associate editor Mr Sam Hine outside the Eckhaus Latta show. The sweater vest has recently emerged as a street-style staple, beloved by the likes of Tyler, the Creator and Mr Jaden Smith, and it looks like it is here to stay (see below). But gone are the beige versions your grandpa might wear. Here, the lime-green stripes with contrasting navy trims show the impact a colourful vest can have on a simple white tee and pleated checked trousers.
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02.
The naked sweater vest

Photograph by Ms Valentina Valdinoci/Imaxtree
As mentioned above, this season, there really is only one item you need to wear, and it’s a vest. Of course, trousers would also be preferable, even practical. But, as the gentleman photographed here demonstrates, from the waist up, it’s all about the sleeveless sweater. Not that there isn’t still a lot going on here. Less clothing allows accessories to come to the forefront. For this guy, that means, appropriately enough, that it’s his jewellery’s time to shine, although the square sunnies and snazzy courier-style messenger bag are not to be ignored. But also note the texture – not to mention the autumnal tone – of the vest itself, meaning he’s set for the fall (although, if his mother is reading this, he might want to add a layer or two). In short: invest in a vest, like right now.
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03.
Tailoring 2.0

Photograph by Shutterstock
In recent seasons, street style may have slid into streetwear territory, but as these unflappable chaps show, well-executed tailoring still has a place in the urban style arena. The secret? Swap the starchy tie and shirt combo for a crisp white tee, and let your louche, American Gigolo-esque tailoring in cool neutral and classic shades do the talking. For a little extra style kudos, some coordinated sterling-silver accessories and a solid Swiss timepiece will work wonders.
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04.
Effortless is worth the effort

Photograph by Mr Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
We could talk about the nondescript headphones, or the vintage, thrown-on nature of his clothes (and that lime-green shirt). But what makes this guy so cool (too obvious? We tried to think of something more fitting, but there’s nothing) is the fact that he’s slightly put out that his trip to the library has been interrupted by a catwalk show for a fashion week he has absolutely no knowledge of. He isn’t at fashion week. And he doesn’t particularly want to be on this list. In fact, he doesn’t even care. He’s better than this. Honestly? We feel guilty for featuring him.
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05.
Don’t sleep on pyjamas

Photograph by TheHapaBlonde/Backgrid
Not satisfied with outdressing all his teammates on his tunnel walks during NBA season, Utah Jazz player Mr Jordan Clarkson is now set on dominating New York Fashion Week, too. With this particular half-and-half look (really, aptly, a game of four quarters), he offers newly appointed loungewear devotees a masterclass in stepping out in your pyjama bottoms and getting away with it – just add chunky jewellery, statement knitwear and a sharp pair of shades.
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The people featured in this story are not associated with and do not endorse MR PORTER or the products shown