I’m defending DC as a fashion city with these styles

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

Last weekend, at a brunch in town, I had 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. Below I found 10 similar summer styles that everyone wore while shopping.

10 DC-Inspired Fashion Buys:

• Madewell low-rise straight jeans, $138; madewell.com
• Abardsion Crewneck Tees, $15 (originally $24); amazon.com
• Reformation Defina Knit Dress, $198; reformation.com
• Jeffrey Campbell Mesh Mary Jane Flat, $72 (originally $145); nordstrom.com
• Ssoulm Ruched Racerback Tank Maxi Dress, $30; amazon.com
• Ydaowkn Aviator Sunglasses, $11 (originally $12); amazon.com
• Aritzia New Supply cargo pants, $128; aritzia.com
• New Balance 530 sneakers, $100; nordstrom.com
• Nufiwi two-piece set, $39 (originally $42); amazon.com
• Levi’s Low Loose Rigid Jeans, $108; nordstrom.com

Reformation – Defina knitted dress

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

This Reformation dress is available in white, black and red in sizes XS to XL. It features a boat neckline, figure-hugging stretch knit fabric and a woven cotton and elastane skirt with pleats and a dropped waist. The length falls approximately mid-thigh.

Madewell low-rise straight jeans

While I didn’t see cargo styles like Aritzia’s New Supply Pant, it was 100% baggy denim that resembled Madewell’s low-rise straight jeans. The loose fit jeans are available in three washes and sizes range from 23 to 34 with customizable fit options: petite, large and regular. It’s made from 100% cotton and features a classic button and zipper closure, roomy pockets and a slim fit that stops at the ankle. I’ve seen the baggy style paired with oversized button-down shirts, easy white T-shirts, yellow-tinted sunglasses, and cool, comfortable sneakers, like New Balance.

New Balance 530 sneakers

If you’re from Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia, you know it’s basically a right of passage when you buy your first pair of New Balance sneakers. So it was no surprise that on almost every foot I saw, whether it was a runner, a man, a woman, or even a child, they were wearing some version from New Balance. 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, a cushioned midsole that absorbs the impact of each step and a heel at the back for better ankle support. There’s also a flexible rubber outsole for traction on slippery surfaces, tongue padding, and a removable insole for maximum comfort.

See more styles worn by the DC fashion scene below.

Ydaowkn aviator sunglasses

Nufiwi two-piece set

Ssoulm ruched racerback tank maxi dress

Abardsion Crew Neck T-Shirts