From uptown to downtown and everywhere in between, no matter the neighborhood or borough, an NYC look is unmistakable. The city’s style is iconic as a whole, but for those on the inside, it’s much more nuanced than blanket descriptions and macro aesthetics. New York City style, just like New Yorkers themselves, is dynamic, aspirational, and distinctly its own.
Whether you’re south of Houston or west of 5th Ave., each neighborhood retains a distinctive vibe. Oftentimes, footwear is their tell: Leather loafers for the Upper West Side dame, bright sneakers for the Lower East Side brat, and black heeled boots for the Tribeca “It” girl. If you know, you know, and one brand unequivocally in the know is Steve Madden. When it comes to footwear, the brand has been thriving in quintessential New York settings since 1990, laying the groundwork for notable fashion moments across Manhattan and beyond.
Lower East Side Brat
Being a brat is simply the Lower East Side way of life. Even before it was cool, you could find a mini skirt and baby tee loitering outside The Bowery Ballroom on a Tuesday night, Scarr’s Pizza slice in hand. Considering the neighborhood’s perpetually young demographic, electric nightlife, and unpolished, narrow streets, the LES is a brat’s playground. Defined by an unapologetically confident and brazen attitude, brats are easy to spot by their bold fashion choices and messy-yet-decidedly-put-together style.
This season, NYC brats are standing out in vibrant sneakers such as red Steve Madden Dodges. Regardless of your look, these shoes garner attention and evoke a playful energy that’s refreshing. Available in pink, green, and blue, as well as neutrals — if that’s more your thing — there are plenty of color options for matching your sneakers with your track pants of choice. Try styling them with unexpected pieces such as a tailored tuxedo vest and sculptural statement earrings. Very laid-back, very fun, very brat.
1) Steve Madden Dodge Sneakers, $70; 2) Ralph Lauren Team USA Track Pants, $168; 3) LESET Slim Fit Tee, $78; 4) Max Mara Linen Waistcoat, $395; 5) Miu Miu Regard Sunglasses, $505; 6) AGMES Nelle Hoops, $365
Tribeca “It” Girl
The Upper East Side may be synonymous with affluence and elegance, but New Yorkers know Tribeca as its trendier, hotter cousin that’s just as elite. Flooded with effortlessly polished members of the fashion set, Tribeca is a paradise of upscale shops, fine restaurants, and historic charm. Whether dining at Locanda Verde with their agent or scoping for hot singles on the West Side Highway, NYC’s “It” girl feels right at home amongst the cobblestone streets and 19th-century brick buildings. You can find her wearing coordinating separates by day and a silk column dress by night. Her footwear of choice? Understated black boots to satisfy both vibes.
A cool girl like this has occasion dressing down to a science, and her carefully curated wardrobe can never have too many pairs of black boots — especially when they’re as versatile as the Steve Madden Jones boots. After all, when jaunting from spin class to brunch to Tribeca Greenmarket, taking comfort for granted is not an option. Sometimes, there’s not even time for an outfit change. A simple yet impactful all-black look, complete with stylish, no-fail shoes, will leave a mark no matter what is — or isn’t — on your agenda. Light femme touches such as ruffles, bows, and statement gold earrings soften the look. Swipe on a red lip and you’ve never been more ready for happy hour at Saint Tuesday.
1) Steve Madden Jones Boot, $130; 2) The Row Verlain Coat, $4,900; 3) House of Dagmar Sculpted Tube Top, $300; 4) Nili Lotan Megan Pant, $395; 5) Jennifer Behr Bow Barrette, $168; 6) Jennifer Zeuner Donni Earrings, $154
Greenwich Village Muse
Known as a cultural haven for artists and intellectuals, no one does bohemia like a Greenwich-Village trendsetter. Find your muse perusing vintage shops and indie boutiques before grabbing a protein-ccino at Fellini Coffee.. Thanks to a delicate balance of urbanite and cottagecore, there’s no denying her elevated status from girl-on-the-street to bonafide muse. She’s creative, she’s thoughtful, and her neighborhood of choice illustrates as much.
Boots with a mildly Western twist, such as the Steve Madden Dollies, are a go-to for this aesthetic. Regardless of how these boots are styled, they hold a certain charm. Floral prints, suede textures, and fluid silhouettes only heighten this carefree attitude — especially when surrounded by brownstone-lined streets. With a fresh bodega bouquet in hand, this is the outfit of someone who’s not afraid to cry on the subway and laugh about it hours later during open mic night at The Grisly Pear.
1) Steve Madden Dollie Boot, $180; 2) Agua Eslabón Sueño Cropped Top, $420; 3) Agua Bergamota Sueño Maxi Skirt, $980; 4) SSENSE Gold Tropicana Necklace, $295; 5) Lili Claspe Cuff Bracelet, $350; 6) DeMellier The Midi New York, $595
Upper West Side Dame
Refined, although not as prim as its counterpart to the east, the Upper West Side offers an impressive array of restaurants, shops, cultural experiences, and even green space. Sandwiched between Riverside Park and Central Park, the Upper West Sider is ready for anything: Picnicking in Sheep’s Meadow, biking along the Hudson, spectating at Lincoln Center, or picking up a stack of novels at Shakespeare & Co. — sometimes all in one day. To truly encapsulate Upper-West-Side-Dame energy, opt for tailored pieces with a classic sensibility that are just as stylish as they are functional.
The Steve Madden Madison loafers are a perfect pick for the lady who appreciates comfort and beauty. Choose a burgundy pair rather than basic black. Still versatile yet decidedly more fun, burgundy is a powerful way to add dimension to your fall wardrobe. Styled with coordinating pops of burgundy, cool-weather layers, and ankle socks, you’ll fit right in with the mid-century high-rises and luxury condominiums. How very demure of you.
1) Steve Madden Madison Loafer, $100; 2) Veronica Beard Plaid Skirt, $348; 3) Gobi Relaxed-Fit Cashmere Sweater, $289; 4) Brochu Walker Everyday Shirt, $188; 5) Steve Madden Lettuce Edge Ankle Socks, $12; 6) Mackage Leather Trench, $2,590
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