Winter Fashion in NYC: Cheerful Clothes for Dreary Weather

Snow hasn’t been the only noticeable element filling New York City streets this winter. Cheerful colors — the kinds often associated with spring or summer palettes — have been a component of many outfits that caught my eye over the past few weeks, a refreshing surprise in a season known for blacks and grays.

Other ensembles stood out for their symmetry: People wearing complementary diamond-quilt jackets, for example, or twin earmuffs. The most notable outfits looked nearly identical and reminded me of the various matching ensembles I encountered on the streets of Japan not long ago. While friends or family members’ buying similar things may not be a new concept, dressing in sync — particularly now, when so much focus is paid to personal style — seems more novel.