When it was published at the beginning of May, New York’s “It Must Be Nice To Be A West Village Girl” cover story went instantly viral in a certain corner of the internet.
Was it your corner? Maybe not. But it was definitely mine.
As a longtime resident of Manhattan, I couldn’t help but cover my face in embarrassment at being oh-so-seen. The writer described 20-something girlies who spend all of their time in the exclusive downtown neighborhood, sipping Aperol Spritzes, filming TikToks and generally having the time of their lives.
These women are easily spotted in the wild, thanks to their distinct uniform:
“[…] A white tank, light-wash jeans, and Sambas, an iced matcha latte in hand, and hair slicked back into a tight ponytail.”
Would I have been a West Village Girl a decade ago? Absolutely.
But here’s the thing. I love when getting dressed is easy. Almost as much as I love an Aperol Spritz. And this outfit? It’s cute!
Which got me thinking. I’ve seen quite a few guys loitering around Finelli Cafe and Via Carota in a uniform of their own.
And guess what? I love it.
Sporting a performance tee, athleisure shorts, tall socks, and sneakers, the West Village Boy™ could be going to the gym, to brunch with his fellow boys, or out running errands.
There’s no way to know, and that’s a really good thing!
The looks you see these dudes rocking are similar, but not identical. However, the vibes are always the same: cool, comfortable, confident. The communal energy might not be as obvious, but it’s there.
The gag? This “basic” look is actually not basic at all, and acts as an easy, slightly elevated foundational ‘fit that can take you almost anywhere during daylight hours.
Just like the West Village Girl look, the West Village Boy (WVB?!) aesthetic actually extends far beyond the borders of one enclave of New York City.
And I would argue, it’s an easy-to-wear, sporty and stylish look that you should copy and paste into your life this summer.
So, in partnership with our pals at Lululemon, I’m going to help you build a West Village Boy starter pack, so to speak, for men in every area code.
Below, shop the elements to this men’s sporty style summer uniform:
The Functional, Flattering Tee
Zeroed-In Short Sleeve Shirt, $58
When a simple item like a crewneck t-shirt is the foundation of your outfit for the day, it’s gotta look good.
These sweat-wicking, quick-drying t-shirts are made from a blend of Lycra and cotton. Meaning? You get a nice bit of stretch, while the shirt retains its shape wash after wash.
Go for a universally flattering color like ocean blue or charcoal grey for your sporty summer uniform.
The Shorts You’ll Practically Live In
Pace Breaker Lined Short (5″), $78
The way you lived in basketball shorts as a teenager is the way you will feel about these performance fabric shorts. Yes, they are technically made for training — running, lifting, sports, yoga — but in classic black, khaki or grey, they’re ready to go so much further than the gym.
Plenty of pockets and a lined design are just icing on the cake.
The Cool Guy Crew Socks
Unisex Daily Essential Crew Socks 3-pack, $38
While the combination of a higher crew sock and shorts originated with the surfer boys of California and Australia, the look eventually got usurped by the masses.
Perhaps those beachy roots are why so many women (myself included) find this pairing so attractive? The sun, the sand, the surfboard-paddling muscles…
Anyway, ditch your no-shows and ankle socks, it’s time to call attention to those calves!
The Go-All-Day Trainer
CrossCity Sneaker, $158
And finally, no West Village Boy is seen without his trusty, looking-like-new kicks.
The CrossCity Sneaker is a perfect blend of athletic and urban. You can do serious miles in these — even if it’s just from your apartment to the dry cleaner, your favorite lunch spot and the dog park.
Bonus bits for a leveled-up look:
- It’s actually a scientific fact that all guys look cute in a baseball hat, so if you’re in need of a new one, why not stock up?
- Feeling a little chill in the air? A cozy hoodie (especially in a soft summery shade of pink) goes perfectly with an al fresco afternoon Guinness.
- Taking your city ‘fit on an adventure? Throw on this stylish, water-resistant jacket. Voila! Nature boy, activated.
Bottom line? Whether you reside in Indiana or the Upper East Side, the West Village Boy outfit formula will have you dressed in seconds.
Feeling comfy as hell, you’ll quietly signal to the world, I’m part of a community that, yeah, kind of dresses all the same.
And it’s awesome.
And if you show up at the bar to watch a game with your boys, I hope you’re all kitted out nearly the same way and absolutely delighted by it. Send me a pic!
All products featured were selected independently by the editorial team. Thanks for supporting the brands, like lululemon, that support Style Girlfriend!
