As It Turns Out, Civilians Are the Real Street Style Stars
These Instagram accounts are documenting the real-life fashion shows of city streets around the globe.
The end of fashion month is always bittersweet. While the chaos settles down, it also means the end of the new season’s collections to devour, but most of all, it means the end of unbeatable street style. Or does it? It seems that Instagram accounts have been cropping up all over the globe to document the everyday looks of regular passersby and city goers. Much akin to the seemingly overnight success of Humans of New York, these account owners take submissions as well as their own photos showcasing some show-stopping outfits worn by unassuming citizens. As it turns out, you don’t need fashion month as an excuse to look your absolute best.
These accounts have amassed massive followings, likely due, in part, to the fact that the outfits are the perfect combination of aspirational and attainable. Scrolling through the feeds makes me want to retire my black leggings and hoodie for my next grocery run and bust out that pair of leopard pants that’s been gathering dust in my closet, waiting to see the light of day (or night). Below, see a list of the best street style accounts by city. Forget about your next airport sweatsuit—after following these accounts, you’ll be reaching for your Levi’s 501s in no time.
This was the gateway account that ignited my obsession with following real-life street style accounts. The grid seems to have somehow captured French girl magic and bottled it into an endless array of tiny squares, each one emitting more coolness than the next. This account is the very best of stereotypical French style: oversized trenches, Converse and stripes, the perfect leopard coat. You name it; this account has captured it. There’s no wonder the account has amassed more than 700k followers.
Watching New York, an account run by photographer Johnny Cirillo, is a highly stylized version of Parisiens in Paris. He combs the streets for New York’s best dressed, which is no easy feat given the competition. He even includes video clips of some of the more iconic individuals, such as these cowboy boot roller skates. His page is one of the more fun follows, and even if some of the outfits can be over the top, they’ll put a smile on your face at the very least
This account is the Italian equivalent of Parisiens in Paris, but not for lack of their own sense of style. The streets of Milan are clearly jam-packed with chic Italians, who seem to be quirkier versions of their Parisian counterparts with a bit more individuality. From hand-painted trench coats to mix-matched patterns, the account seems to have a bit of everything. To cap it off, you’ll also find a healthy dose of dresses on mopeds—the ultimate Italian accessory.
While most would say the British aren’t necessarily known for their sense of style, this account challenges that notion to the fullest. My favorite posts are from the Tube, which appears to double as London’s most-accessible runway.
The locals in Amsterdam love their layers, making for excellent people-watching via their local street style account. The outerwear wish list is endless, from leather coats to plaid puffers. Better yet, 90 percent of photos are taken of cyclists—a city stereotype we can definitely get behind.
Last on the list is the Spanish, but not for their lack of style. This account is a pared down version of other street style accounts, with more wearable looks that you might find in your own closet (making for excellent outfit inspiration). I’d recommend following if you often find yourself in a rut and can’t figure out what to wear but still want to work with what you’ve got. The Spanish seem to have mastered it.