Street Chic: Soho

On a recent afternoon in Soho, it was warm enough to walk around in short sleeves – maybe for the last time in a long time. Sportswear is the direction fashion is going for the foreseeable future: Think layered tees, vests, and leggings. Major influencers for this trend: Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, and Stella McCartney’s collection for Adidas. Despite the towering platforms on view at Fashion Week, the sans-chauffeured-Escalade set took to the streets in oxfords, sneakers, and flat boots, many of them tough looking biker boots. And the favorite print right now is leopard, wherever possible.

Three women hailing a cab. One reason dancewear/sportswear is so popular now is that it can be sexy and comfortable at once. Neutral colors of black white and gray are the way to go. Love the black leather vest in the middle.

Two women in leopard – one in a fur vest.

On the right is a look I’ve been seeing a lot of recently: the long white tee worn as a sort of tunic (a look indebted to Alexander Wang). You can even wear it over just leggings if it’s long enough – a trend NY Mag calls “pantslessness.”

Letters and numbers! These are some of the most fun, clever prints this season, as also seen in this Chanel alphabet dress.

A nice contrast between conservative (trench) and punk (studded boots).

Again, a neutral palette of black and gray, worn with a black motorcycle jacket. Mini skirts seem like they will never go out of style, because they’re more fun and less formal than knee-length skirts. Plus, such a cute haircut.

Super skinny highwaisted black jeans go well with oxfords and a button down for a sexy menswear-inspired look.

There may be a lot of color on the runways for spring, but a big contingent of New York women are still wearing all black. This monochromatic outfit with tough boots is a good uniform in unpredictable times.

Such an adorable office girl look with the tie and the polished oxfords. The purple skirt is a nice splash of color.

A leopard skirt for day.

More layered sportswear in shades of gray and black. Is that a mini or is this pantslessness? The line grows finer every day.

Ankles are a big focal point this season. Wear booties like these with cropped trousers. In this case, she’s even paired them with blue ankle socks – a clever twist.

That is a stone-washed denim jacket in a motorcycle cut, and it actually looks good, especially when worn with warm colors and light brown boots.