WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — The thriving Upper Manhattan social scene can lure the best-dressed into impromptu fashion parades around Washington Heights, especially on summer weekends when chic trends hit the streets.
Local Washington Heights artist Tony Peralta, 37, who was at the popular club APT 78 on July 11 to see Questlove hit the decks, was wearing a Christie fedora hat with a J.Crew shirt, Club Monaco cutaway shorts and Kenneth Cole boat shoes.
But, Peralta said, despite his label-heavy getup, his fashion tastes sway to the original.
"I wear what I want. Sometimes I wear jeans and t-shirts, cut off corduroys, polos. It really doesn't matter. It can be anything," he said.
Martha Presinal, a 24-year-old hostess at Apt 78 who lives in Washington Heights, wore a chiffon coral blouse with a black band-aid skirt — as in, impossibly short — from Forever 21. Presinal told DNAinfo.com New York that her personal fashion trend is striking that sexy and classy look at the same time.
"I like sexy and I like highlighter colors, neutrals, chiffons," she said. "Blazers are things I consistently wear with neutral colors like burgundy, beige, white and grey."
Another local fashion-conscious clubgoer, Christian Brown, 24, shared his own fashion advice.
"If you like it, you buy it, don't follow any trends," said Brown, who came decked out in Puma sneakers, an American Apparel v-neck shirt, and an H&M vest. "I think everyone has their own style. I don't think its something that's black or white."
Brown said the uptown scene is a mix of "younger people wearing suits and blazers," while others prefer baseball caps and sneakers.
Brown went on to add that one of his fashion inspirations was rapper Jay-Z.
"I don't follow any trends. If I see it and if it catches my eye, then I know I'm dressing down cool."
