Well here we are at the beginning of another summer style season. What this means for most us is figuring out how to look good while staying comfortable as the temperatures rise. Some of the best examples of strong fashion opinions come from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. Of course, that’s where designers have models strut their latest looks for the public to weigh in on. But, for me the real show is the people out on the street, or attending the runway presentations. Herewith, I present photographs that I took of the fascinating fashions worn by real people, NOT models, which impressed me on the streets of Manhattan.

Retro red was the theme for this gal who posed for me on the plaza at Lincoln Center. The wrap-style bodice and full skirt of this dress give her a nice waistline accentuated, of course, with the animal print belt! You just can’t beat black and red as a color combination, and her accessories bring out the vintage vibe even more. She looks confident, happy, and fun!

The black-and-white print of this high-necked dress is subtle, but the style is undeniable. The cap sleeves and side ruching on the skirt give it some pizzazz, but her choice of white lace-up booties, simple dangle earrings, and crimson lipstick take it into the realm of high fashion. I personally love that she stays covered and classy, but still has some sass with the footwear!

At the Trina Turk presentation inside the tents, I spied this fashion devotee! Her unusual combination of long knife-pleat skirt with a leg revealing slit, and leather tank top was just brilliant! When I say you don’t have to match your clothing and accessories, this would be a prime example. It shouldn’t work together but it does! Try lots of combinations and you’ll know when it looks right, just like she did!

Taylor Swift has popularized the romper look on the red carpet, but this young lady rocked one out on the street! The oversized blue-and-white toile print really works for her petite figure, but what’s really brilliant is the pop of yellow on her pointy-toed stiletto shoes! The oversized white satchel is also a great summer find. I bet she can carry an entire change of clothes in there! Note the bright lip again, as this is a hot trend that’ll be here to stay all summer long.

I know this is an extreme look, but I like her confidence in wearing it! She  has taken her vintage theme to new heights in this fitted dress with flouncy peplum! She shows a little skin, but pretty much sticks with the old Hollywood glamour look. Notice the gloves, handbag, hat, earrings, and peep toe pumps! On a different day this dress would work with simple white or black sandals and minimal metallic accessories, too. This look is not for everyone, but it seems to suit her just fine. I could do without the black gothic lipstick though. Red would have been my choice!

In this photo we see a bevy of beauty in style and fashion! Each lady has her own stylish combination of pieces, and I couldn’t think of better examples of pulling it all together! From their choices of tops, bottoms and accessories to their perfectly polished hairstyles, I have a hard time finding any fault with what they have on. However, I must say that socks worn with high-heeled shoes is a tough thing to pull off, but our friend with the pearls does a good job with it!  Statement necklaces, as well as those cool oversized cat-eye sunglasses on the gal on the end, are a terrific way to add style to any outfit, and should be a mainstay in the serious fashionista’s accessory arsenal.