Our September issue follows 19 of Washington’s most fashionable ladies and gents through a cool night out at the W Hotel. While the clothes do most of the talking in print, the Style Setters themselves get the last word online.
Describe your style in ten words or less.
“Vintage, eccentric, feminine, artsy, bold, daring, polished.”
Favorite places to shop in Washington:
“I appreciate independent local DC shops with personality and character. My go-to is the Adams Morgan vintage boutique Mercedes Bien (2423 18th St., NW; 202-360-8481). The owner curates an excellent collection of designer dresses and has an eye for unique, standout pieces. This summer, I picked up the most darling mustard-yellow high-waisted 1940s two-piece bathing suit. I also love Legendary Beast (1520 U St, NW; 202-797-1234) for antique and vintage jewelry.”
Fall gear you can’t wait to wear:
“I’ve fallen for the combination of houndstooth or tweed with colored tights, vintagey jewels, and full red lips. I’m also looking forward to fur and feather accents, gray as the new neutral, soft textures, and double-breasted jackets.”
Signature look:
“A ’50s swing dress. You can wear it with flats and a cute cardigan to brunch on the weekend, with a cropped jacket and pumps in the office, and with heels, cocktail jewelry, and glam makeup for an evening out. The swing style flatters the feminine figure and can be made more dramatic with the addition of a crinoline or lace gloves—or even taken down the rockabilly route.”
Style icons:
“Jacqueline Kennedy and Zooey Deschanel inspire different but complementary sides of my personal style, though I secretly wish I could be as edgy as Kat Von D. Over the years, Louise Brooks, Bettie Page, and Mary Quant have all influenced my hairdos.”
Best-dressed Washington neighborhood:
“The neighborhood around 14th and U streets, Northwest, has flair, style, and substance. It’s artsy, urban, and interesting—from the galleries and music clubs to restaurants and theaters. The scene is a stylistic mix of grit and glam .”
>> For more Style Setters extras, click here
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Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
