My friend Jess moved downtown last month and suddenly her Instagram looks like she’s some kind of street style influencer. Meanwhile I go visit her wearing my usual suburban mom uniform and feel completely out of place next to all these effortlessly cool city people. Like how do they all just know how to look that put-together while walking to get coffee?
I spent way too much time people-watching during our brunch trying to figure out what makes downtown style different. Everyone’s got this casual but intentional thing going on that I can’t quite crack.
When I try to do edgy I just look like I’m having a midlife crisis, but these girls are out here making leather jackets look normal for a Tuesday afternoon.
Honestly I’ve been copying downtown outfits from every downtown trip because I’m determined to not look like a tourist in my own city anymore. These looks are what actually works when you want that cool urban vibe without trying too hard or spending your entire paycheck at trendy boutiques.
50 Downtown Outfits You’ll Love
Button-Down Shirt with Jeans Jacket
This is a super simple outfit that is still super eye-catching.
Leather Jacket with Black Mini Dress
A perfect outfit for going out that is the perfect mix of casual and cool as well as elegant and timeless. I love wearing this on weekends when I go out with friends.
Jeans Skirt with Oversized Black Sweater
Casual and perfect for a stroll through the city or running errands.
Jeans Skirt with Cowboy Boots and Oversized Brown Leather Jacket
Jeans Skirt with Oversized T-Shirt
Chic White Vest with Grey Mini Skirt
This is a slightly more chic outfit that is worth seeing. Nevertheless, cowboy boots add a casual, cool touch to any outfit.
Jeans Shorts, Cowboy Boots and a Button-Down Shirt
White Dress, Cowboy Hat and Cowboy Boots
I love this outfit when strolling through the city or meeting up with friends for a coffee.
Grey Knit Sweater, White Mini Skirt and Cowboy Boots
I love this minimalist outfit, which is still chic enough to attract everyone’s attention.
Beige Lace-up Outfit
Uhlala, this outfit is a real eye-catcher that radiates “that girl” vibes.
Beige Aesthetic Skirt with White Top Outfit
Monochrome Beige Skirt and Top Outfit
Red Leather Jacket with Low Rise Jeans Outfit
It’s a cool outfit with some color. Reminds me a lot of the hyped rockstar girlfriend aesthetic.
White Monochrome Y2k
Black Vest, Jeans Shorts, Cowboy Boots
Low Waist Jeans, Black Vest
Low Waist Jeans, Crop Top, Cardigan
Casual, comfy outfit that adds something super cool with the cardigan with the one button.
White Dress, Cowboy Hat and Cowboy Boots
Cute and cool in one. I love this cowgirl outfit.
White Shorts, White Jeans Top Outfit
Black Cowboy Boots, Black Blazer, Jeans Shorts Outfit
Beige Pleated Skirt, Cowboy Boots and Leather Jacket
Brown Fur Leather Jacket, Jeans & Cowboy Hat Outfit
A very casual look for colder days.
Oversized Jeans Jacket and White High-Leg Boots Outfit
Jeans Dress Outfit
This look has something and attracts a lot of attention.
Brown Button-Down Shirt and White Skirt
Jeans Mini Skirt and Black Top Outfit
FAQ:
What is the Downtown Girl style?
it’s that moody, slightly vintage vibe – think oversized sweaters, plaid skirts, messy hair, headphones on. a lot of downtown girl outfits look like you just left a bookstore or coffee shop in New York.
What is the difference between Uptown Girl and Downtown Girl?
uptown is polished, preppy, very put-together. downtown is layered, casual, thrifted – more “I found this cool jacket at a flea market.” You’ll see it in most downtown girl aesthetic outfits.
Is Downtown Girl an alternative?
kind of – it leans into artsy, indie, second-hand looks. downtown aesthetic outfit choices often mix grunge, preppy, and cozy all at once.
Why is it called Downtown Girl?
it’s inspired by that lower Manhattan vibe – bookstores, record shops, cafes. basically the “downtown” mood turned into fashion.
What is a Downtown Outfit?
anything layered, thrift-inspired, and a little messy but cute. from plaid skirts and boots to cozy knits, even edgy downtown outfits night when you swap the sweater for leather. if you’re stuck, pinterest is full of downtown outfit ideas to copy.