Especially in New York, “street style photography” has become synonymous with photos of extravagant, eccentric, and sometimes unwearable outfits. Which is understandable, considering the bulk of street style coverage happens during Fashion Week, where everyone is eager to get photographed. The New Yorker Festival, in comparison, may seem like it would be more of a “business casual” vibe. But the literary crowd doesn’t get enough credit for their style. When it comes to picturing writers and readers, people think of “librarian chic”—ill-fitting cardigans and glasses that don’t stay on your nose. But where there were office-friendly slacks, there were quirky glasses and funky jackets. Outside of Demi Moore and Jia Tolentino’s discussion at Webster Hall, we spoke to attendees, who very quickly proved that dressing smart doesn’t mean the death of personality.
Isabella Coelho
Who: Patrick, 59.
Halfway through his interview, his wife comes to fix his jacket and chastises him to take his hands out of his pockets. He lovingly calls her his publicist and fashion advisor.
Occupation: Law Consultant.
Outfit inspiration: "The John Varvatos outlet moved me."
Festival number: "First of what I suspect many to come. I’ve threatened to come for years."
Looking forward to: "Salman Rushdie—we came from Canada to see him."
Who: Anna, 37
Occupation: Events Director for The New Yorker
Outfit inspiration: “The New Yorker brand colors.”
Festival number: “Seventh.”
Looking forward to: “St. Vincent, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Lucy Dacus.”
Isabella CoelhoWho: Avery, 24
Occupation: Student
Outfit inspiration: “I wanted to do something elevated casual, that gave a certain writerly vibe.”
Festival number: “First."
Looking forward to: “Demi Moore—we got tickets maybe 20 years ago.”
Who: Julie, 25
Occupation: Costume Designer
Outfit inspiration: “In St. Vincent’s newest album she references marigolds and I found this 1940s bed jacket at Goodwill.”
Festival number: “First.”
Looking forward to: “I love St. Vincent’s use of imagery in her songs.”
Isabella CoelhoWho: Jennifer, 32
Occupation: Fashion Buyer
Outfit inspiration: “Comfy.”
Festival number: “First.”
Looking forward to: “Demi Moore.”
Isabella CoelhoWho: Cindy, 32
Occupation: Data Director
Outfit inspiration: “I love fall because summer is way too hot. This dress is thick and I’ve been waiting months to wear it.”
Festival number: “First.”
Looking forward to: “Demi Moore, duh.”
Isabella Coelho
Who: Abby, 26.
She jokes about being hungover and needing her sunglasses.
Occupation: Marketing
Outfit inspiration: “I literally rolled out of bed and this was the fastest thing I could get on.”
Festival number: “First.”
Looking forward to: “I just read Trick Mirror—I’m excited to hear Jia talk.”
Isabella Coelho
Who: Hunter, 31
Occupation: Writer
Outfit inspiration: “I’m not usually a cargo pant person but my most stylish friend really likes these. I’m in my masc era.” [laughs]
Festival number: “Second.”
Looking forward to: “Demi and Jia—I loved Trick Mirror.”
Isabella Coelho
Who: Vanessa, 32 & Olivia, 30
Occupation: Screenwriter & Documentary Producer
Outfit inspiration: “Good jackets.”
Festival number: “First.”
Looking forward to: “Demi.”
Isabella Coelho
Who: Alex, 64
Occupation: Retired
Outfit inspiration: “I saw The Who here 3–4 weeks ago and wanted to wear the shirt. We’re about to leave New York after a three-year residency and wanted to blow it out. This is my blowout outfit.”
Festival number: “Third.”
Looking forward to: “Demi Moore is high on my list. She’s a hero from my era.”
Isabella Coelho
Who: Sarah, 32
Occupation: Nutritionist
Outfit inspiration: “Warmth, layers, and texture.”
Festival number: “At least third.”
Looking forward to: “All of tonight.”
Isabella Coelho
Who: Michelle, 62.
She’s excited to be asked her age and poses like she’s done this before. Her friends say this happens all the time. We have matching leather jackets and spiked cuffs. I see my future and it’s bright.
Occupation: Retired
Outfit inspiration: “I’m from California, so this is my opportunity to wear all black.”
Festival number: “First.”
Looking forward to: “Demi Moore—check out her fashion.”
